Matthew 22:15 Then the P’rushim went away and put together a plan to trap Yeshua with his own words. 16 They sent him some of their talmidim and some members of Herod’s party. They said, “Rabbi, we know that you tell the truth and really teach what God’s way is. You aren’t concerned with what other people think about you, since you pay no attention to a person’s status. 17 So tell us your opinion: does Torah permit paying taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?” 18 Yeshua, however, knowing their malicious intent, said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax!” They brought him a denarius; 20 and he asked them, “Whose name and picture are these?” 21 “The Emperor’s,” they replied. Yeshua said to them, “Nu, give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give to God what belongs to God!” 22 On hearing this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.(Complete Jewish Bible)
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The principal characters in our gospel reading are the Pharisees and Jesus. We read that Jesus is aware of the malice of the Pharisees. When another person is filled with malice towards us how do we find ourselves reacting? We are offered a clue to one possibility in the manner employed by Jesus. We observe how Jesus manages the "art of the deal." Jesus addresses the Pharisees directly, even being willing to confront motives and challenge with name-calling.
This approach is quite different from the passive/aggressive approach reflective of so many interactions these days. While Jesus left space for continued conversation, his explanation of the seemingly inexplicable left the Pharisees with nothing more to say. The result: honest encounter. Jesus saves himself worry and energy. Such a deal--one worth imitating in our next encounter.
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing us the path as we wind our way through a world awaiting us with similar encounters. We pray that you continue to guide us in these encounters and aid our efforts at resolution. Amen.
Chris Quello, '66
Retired Pastor, Appleton, Wis.
Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.
16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.
17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?"
18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?
19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius.
20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?"
21 They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's."
22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.(New Revised Standard Version)
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