Daily Devotions
Mark
But We See Jesus Bible Devotional - Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore.Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs which God did through Him in your midstâ?¦ "Acts 2:22"
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
The Herodians knew well the rules of engagement in politics. There would always be the thrust and parry in debates. The Pharisees fought battles of a different kind, but they too knew that they were not engaging a Person who feared them. But how prepared were they to have their hypocrisy exposed, once again, in public?
HYPOCRISY CANNOT BE HIDDEN
Jesus saw through their hypocrisy immediately. Had not His opponents described Him correctly- that He had no regard for the person of men? Jesus answered forthrightly!
“But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them,
‘Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.'”
MARK 12:15B
1. Hypocrisy of the Herodians and Pharisees
Did the Herodians and Pharisees imagine that if they spoke “nicely” to Jesus, they could pool a fast one on Him?
a) This was first recognized.
b) It was then revealed publicly.
c) It was rebuked publicly too.
2. The test
a) The poor regard for Jesus was displayed.
b) The Herodians and Pharisees must have disdained Jesus when they raised this question.
c) What did they hope to achieve?
i) If Jesus decried the necessity to pay taxes He would run afoul of Roman law.
ii) If Jesus supported the paying of taxes, He would be unpopular with the masses.
c) It was an unworthy test, to say the least.
THE WISDOM OF JESUS
Jesus was totally unfazed. He had the greatest Teacher. His Father would give Him the necessary words of wisdom to reply His enemies.
“The LORD God has given Me the tongue of the learned.
That I should know how to speakâ?¦”
ISAIAH 50:4