Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
As another tax deadline looms (which is better than dooms), Mark 12:13-17 provides Biblical instruction on this practical issue. Again, the religious leaders endeavor to trap Jesus with a cunning conundrum: “And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. And when they were come, they say unto Him, ‘Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest for no man: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?’ But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, ‘Why tempt ye Me? Bring Me a penny, that I may see it’” (verses 13-15). If Jesus answers in the affirmative, His religious opponents can brand Him as a Roman collaborator. If He responds in the negative, they can charge Him with sedition and insurrection. Beware of honey-tongued flatterers, for they are readying to pounce with vim and vinegar. Psalm 78:36-37 warns against such people: “Nevertheless they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with Him, neither were they stedfast in His covenant.” Flattery and “hypocrisy” are worldly attempts to manipulate and control. Let us not be easily duped, and let us refuse to adopt these ungodly behaviors: as Jesus said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).