“Wisdom asks the Holy Spirit to purify intent and give keen discernment.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 4, 2024
Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Matthew 22:15-18
I have told a well-meaning young learner, “There are no bad questions.” But this needs qualification. If the person asking the question has good intentions, with no hidden agenda to hurt another, then there are no bad questions. They may sound ignorant or silly, but not malicious. However, if a person tries to embarrass, trap, or discredit by asking leading questions, there is bad indent…a bad question. So, how do you avoid asking bad questions, and how do you respond to bad questions? Let’s watch our Master with a front-row seat to Jesus’ encounter with the religious leaders of His day. They seek to entrap him with their cleverly disguised question.
Notice how the Pharisees sent their hirelings to do the dirty work—their disciples and the Herodians. Why? Perhaps the Pharisees sent their disciples to shield their status and image from the chance of Jesus calling out their hypocrisy. The Herodians represented the political elite of the day, and probably, the Pharisees were hoping Jesus would offend them with his answer to their politically charged question. A question of choosing loyalty to God over loyalty to Caesar.
We pick up the story with the disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians, in a sense, buttering up Jesus to their trap. They lead with compliments… A teacher, a man of integrity, who teaches the way of God. Maybe they hoped the Lord would let down His guard with the patronizing of their sweet, alluring appeal to His ego. Yet, Jesus saw right through their evil intent and brilliantly responded with a both/and answer…loyalty is to Caesar and God…government and God. Once Jesus’s wisdom blew up their question, He called out their hypocritical entrapment.
So, how does this story apply to our world? Certainly, we should be good citizens in our free country and faithful citizens in the kingdom of God. Voting, paying taxes, and loving our neighbors are good first steps as earthly citizens. As heavenly citizens, spiritual growth, church engagement, and service in the community and beyond are foundational to a life of faith.
A more nuanced application of Jesus’ encounter is how we can seek to lovingly ask good questions and, when faced with bad actors directing questions toward entrapment, how to respond wisely and boldly. Good questions come from a good heart and an informed mind. So, we ask the Holy Spirit to purify our intent and give us keen discernment. The less we know, the more patient probing is required. When responding to questions of ill intent, a response with a question can be helpful, such as “Why do you ask?” And before we answer, weigh a both/and response. Either/or scenarios assume a winner and a loser, so why not seek a win/win? And, prayerfully, all will be amazed by giving God the glory and all growing more like Jesus Christ!
Prayer
Lord, guide my heart and mind as I ask questions. Help me seek truth with humility and love, aiming to understand and grow, bringing light and kindness to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Draft a list of questions that can be helpful in decision-making. For example, If I say yes to this opportunity, what must I say no to?
Related Reading
1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:23-24; Proverbs 16:2; James 4:3
Worship Resource
Elevation Worship feat. Tiffany Hudson: Praise
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