For a minute I was confused - You see, when I first read the verse, “The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on Jesus" I initially thought they had his best interest at heart, and they desired to lay hands on and pray over him. But then I quickly remembered that was not what happened! That was not the kind of laying on of hands they meant. Instead, their desire was to hurt Jesus because He did not think or act like them. Apparently they wanted others to be just like them; to honor and obey them, instead of following the Word of God. Their position of power had gone to their heads, and they truly believed they were the best. Lord, help us with our haughtiness - it's the worst kind of log there is! Nonetheless, Jesus spoke the truth in love despite the pressure they put on him. “they perceived that he had told this parable against them,” - Well, you got to give them that, at least that perception was right! Jesus was definitely giving them an opportunity to look in the mirror and change their minds. But what the scribes and chief priests did not understand, is that the Parable contained an opportunity to humble themselves, and repent. If only they had taken a longer time to look, perhaps they could have seen the log in their eye - they may have gained a better understanding of who God is by the revelation of what He says. The Parables offer a great opportunity for Holy Spirit to reveal himself to thee - but it takes dedication and great humility for the unveiling of Christ to be seen. The more the Word of God is digested, the hungrier you get for his unfailing love and faithfulness. There is a never-ending supply of God’s amazing love, and it runs through the deep ocean of the Old and New Testament. But these Pharisees hardened their hearts, they thought they already knew everything about God. So much so that they lost respect for Him, and told themselves they didn't have to fear His wrath. Their pride and self-centered thoughts was all it took to harden their hearts. The sad part of all of this, is they had no idea Jesus would ever say, "Depart from me, because I never knew you at all." And since their hearts were hard, and pride filled their lofty heads, they took what Jesus said as an offense. It's amazing how quickly people get offended, when another person has a different opinion. Instead of showing love, they want to tear the person apart, thus the scripture says, “The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on Jesus." But “because they feared the people, they watched him and sent out spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.” Luke 20:20 It’s amazing how God is able to see the intent of the heart, even when a person’s actions show genuine kindness. These men and their servants had nothing but evil intent - they were definitely what scripture calls "wolves in sheep’s clothing!" On the outside they showed lots of charm, acting as if they were extending peace into the world. But on the inside, their scorn was being unfurled. They asked Jesus, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Luke 20:22 Now that the Lord has given me a spirit of discernment, I can clearly see the manipulation behind it. I also find it interesting that their attempt to catch him in a crime, is to try to pit his faith in a worldly authority against his faith in God. Isn't that how it is today? The ones who say they trust and believe, are the first to condemn and submit to the popular culture of the world. As always, you may be able to fool a man, but you certainly can not fool God! Jesus perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” “And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.” Luke 20:26 God is so good. His wisdom is abounding! Instead of answering the question the way they intended it for him, He turned it back around and showed them the mirror again! There are two types of Kingdoms - the World is where Satan resides and he tempts us into eternal death; and the Kingdom of God, is where Heaven exists and we find eternal life through Jesus Christ. Give unto Caesar that which is his, such is the value we put on our coins - which is a symbol for temporary value of our world. Give unto God that which is His, such is the value we put on our hearts - which is a symbol for the eternal life found within God's servants' hearts.
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