Jesus Christ: Faithful to the Truth
Today’s reading: Mark 10:17-12:17
My selection: Mark 12:13-14
13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”
My reflections: The Pharisees and Herodians were not natural allies, but here they had a common cause: to defeat and destroy Jesus. All the normal means of controlling upstart rabbis had failed. The subtle pressure had not affected Jesus at all. Now they try flattery. They tell Him they know He is not concerned about what anyone thinks. He gives the truth straight. They tell Him they realize that appearances don’t sway Him. He sticks to the “way of God.”
So they try to sway Him, while telling Him that nothing sways Him. He will not change His message to gain acceptance from people. Of course, they turn right around and ask Him a knotty question about taxation that would potentially get him in trouble with one faction or the other.
My challenge: Are you struck by the firmness of Christ’s character? Because He was true and told the truth, He perfectly glorified God the Father and kept the law without compromise. He did what we do not do. His perfection meant He was sinless and free from any condemnation and free to take upon Himself the sins of His people. Praise God that Jesus’ perfection was evident even to those who tried to destroy Him.
Tomorrow’s reading: Mark 12:18-14:26