Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 20:20-26.
TEXT: The scribes and the chief priests ... sent
spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they
might catch Him in something He said, so as to
deliver Him up to the authority and jurisdiction of
the governor (see Luke 20:19-20).

The leaders of the Jewish high court are furious
at Jesus, especially for the parable He just spoke
against them. But since the crowds are hanging
on Jesus' every word, the leaders cannot directly
attack Him. They know they will only be able to
destroy Him if they can turn the people against
Him.

They decide to attack Him indirectly. So they
send spies posing as genuine believers to trick
Jesus into saying something that will get Him
into trouble with the Roman governor. First, they
flatter Jesus to try to throw Him off; then they
slyly ask, "Is it lawful for us to give tribute to
Caesar or not?"

It's a devilishly brilliant trap. If Jesus answers,
"Yes, you should pay taxes," He'll risk losing
His popularity with the pilgrim crowds. But if He
says, "No," Pilate will be forced to move in and
quickly silence this troublemaker, especially
with the dangerous crowds gathered for the
Passover Feast.

But Jesus perceives their craftiness and
recognizes their trap. So He asks them to show
Him the coin used to pay the tax. When they
produce the denarius He asks whose image
and inscription it bears. They answer, "Caesar's.
" Jesus then answers, "Then render to Caesar
the things that are Caesar's and to God the
things that are God's."

Unable to catch Jesus in His words before the
multitudes, they marvel and grow silent.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Satan sent so many enemies to
lay traps for You, yet none were able to trip
You up. Forgive my pride and failings and guide
my steps that I may honor You in my words
and actions. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)