Friday, October 6, 2023

They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

Mark 12:14

There are so many things to glean from this passage of scripture. First, it must be noted that the Pharisees and Herodians were sent to catch Jesus in His words, so they preface their question with flattery. JESUS DOES NOT FALL FOR IT. He calls them out and asks them in verse 15, why are they testing him.

Many times, we are moved by people who come into our inner circles with flattery, only to manipulate. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We must be discerning so that we understand what is truly happening in our exchanges.

The other truth that stands out is that Pharisees and Herodians knew the character of Jesus. They had followed Jesus. They had observed Jesus. They had studied him and could not find any fault with him. His integrity was above all else. They told him that they knew that he was honest and that he did not seek any man’s favor.

Now that is a mouth full. We must remember that God wants us to walk so single-mindedly that He is the only one we are trying to please. We should not be a man pleaser but a God pleaser.

PRAYER: Lord, I want the integrity of Jesus. I want my walk to align with God’s truth. Give me discernment so that I do not allow my tendency to please man make room for manipulation. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.