Scripture Daily

Context No. 1208 of 4322 · Matthew

Context · Reflection

Matthew 22:15-19: in context

15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. 16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach; for you aren’t partial to anyone. 17Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.

The Pharisees plot to trap Jesus in his words and send their disciples along with the Herodians, an odd alliance, with a question about taxes. But first comes the flattery: Teacher, we know you are truthful and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Then the trap: is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Jesus, seeing straight through it, calls it what it is: why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.

The opening flattery is the part worth noticing. Everything they say about Jesus is actually true: he is truthful, he teaches God's way honestly, he does not court anyone's favor. But they say it not because they mean it, they are his enemies plotting his ruin, but because they hope the praise will lower his guard and flush him into a careless answer. It is flattery weaponized, sincere-sounding words used to set a trap. And Jesus is not fooled for a moment; he perceives their malice under the compliments and names them hypocrites. There is a lesson in that discernment. Flattery is one of the oldest tools for manipulation, praise offered not to honor but to disarm, to get something, to soften you for a request or a trap. The truest words can be spoken with the falsest motive. Jesus shows the wisdom of not being swayed by praise, of looking past what people say about us to why they are saying it. He could not be handled with a compliment, because his security did not depend on human approval; he saw the hook inside the flattery and did not bite.

Am I easily disarmed by flattery, softened by praise into lowering my guard, or can I look, as Jesus did, past what people say about me to why they are saying it?

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