What Is Your Opinion?

The Holy Spirit has an interesting way of presenting the stories in the bible, the people's reaction, the lesson to learn and the attitude of Jesus towards them that I can't sometimes stop myself from laughing at what I am reading. For example, let's read together Matthew 22:15-22. The story goes, “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarious, and he asked them “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar's,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

As you were reading this story what was going on in your mind? As I was reading I was seeing different things. First, I was thinking how can Matthew know that they were trying to trap Jesus in his words and write these words down as facts for all, especially me, to read thousand of years later? Second, what a proper and thorough definition of a teacher presented by religious people who were crooked in their ways? Third, how did Jesus know about their motives and that their intent was evil? And fourth, do the religious people really wanted Jesus' truthful opinion?

Isn't it funny to see that the Pharisees and Herodians knew who Jesus was? They call him a teacher--which in my opinion shows that he was respected by them. He wasn't probably well-liked, understood and accepted, but he was respected for who he stands for. You can also see that they could also spell out the attributes of an excellent teacher? They understood that 1) he was a man of integrity, 2) he taught the way of God in the truth, and 3) he wasn't swayed by man because he paid no attention to who they are. Here I think that they meant that Jesus wasn't swayed by people social status, position and their manipulating schemes. Jesus could tell of people's motives because he knew people's heart.

Now how did Jesus know about their motives? And how was he sure that their intent was evil? I guess this is when we need to acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in giving people a word of truth and a word of knowledge. We read in the Word of God that Jesus was fully dwelt and led by the Holy Spirit Father. Jesus even stated that he couldn't do anything of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing (John 5:19, 30). How did he really know what the Father was doing? We know that as the pure Son of God and sinless Son of man he was in total surrender to the Holy spirit Father and in complete communion with the Father.

This was the only way to allow the Holy Spirit Father who knows all things to teach him all things. The Holy Spirit brings scriptures to life and gives insight into all things. He enlightens the mind to understand the Word of God. This flow of exchange without hindrance between Jesus and Father was only possible because of his righteousness. Isn't it what we would want also to be manifested in our lives as children of God--the knowing that our thoughts, actions, and words are always according to the will of Father? Wouldn't it be great to have that awareness?

Now do the religious people really wanted Jesus' truthful opinion? The funny thing is that the Word of God states that despite their acknowledging Jesus as being a great teacher, they were still trying to trap him. I guess that they really didn't get it. Don't you think so? The bible stories were written down for our warnings. They are God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

By the way who could have given another person the authorization to write down people's motives and attitudes for all to see if not the Holy Spirit Father? Again beware of your motives in how you act and in all you do and say. It is also written down that we will have to give an account for everything we say whether good or bad (Matthew 12:36). We will also reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Let us all be honest with ourselves, each other and remember that blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 7 Aug '09