I’ve been camped out in Luke 20:19-26 for the past few days, enjoying the portion of verse 25 – “Render, therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s.” He deserves our praise, worship, and very lives. But tonight, my attention is drawn to the attempt to deceive Jesus.
In the previous verses, Luke 20:9-18, Jesus shared a story about a vineyard owner, his vineyard, the ill treatment his servants received, and the death of his beloved son. The religious leaders took offense as they perceived Jesus was talking about them. So, they decided they’d had enough and hatched a plan to get Jesus in handcuffs. They commandeered spies who were alleged to be righteous. They would entrap Him via a question.
The spies opened the conversation with a seemingly innocent statement calling Jesus, “Master.” They quickly doled out the compliments of “we know that you speak and teach right things, and we know you aren’t influenced by anyone.” I suspect they were quite pleased and continued with the undetected, evil-laced question. “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Surely, as “righteous” servants, it was easy to embrace their “we just really want to know what is the right thing to do,” phrase.
The spies anxiously awaited Jesus to choke on the question. The words “arrest this man” were but a breath away.
But Jesus wasn’t fooled one bit by the scam! He knew the true purpose of the question. He said, “Why tempt me?” He then asked them a question. He said, “Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They said, “Caesar’s.” He said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things which are God’s.” His answer drew wonder and silence- so much for being undetected.
19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace. Luke 20:19-26 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)