Luke Chapter 20 verses 20- 25 (NIV)
Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
He saw through their duplicity and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Luke Christmas challenge day 20. Once again we read of an instance where people pretending to be sincere, try to catch Jesus out. They tried to sweeten things by using flattery, but Jesus knew their hearts and the reason for such words. We need to be careful not to be swayed by kind words or flattery, even if they are sincere. They can cause us to take our eyes off Jesus. That’s the time when we are at risk of going on the wrong road. So let’s not get big headed when we are the recipients of praise – even if it’s justified.
Dear Lord,
It’s true You know the hearts of men and You also know the things that can take our eyes off the right road. Help me to not allow myself to get tripped up and lose my focus. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.