Don't Get Trapped

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Reading: Mark 12:13-17

Reflection: This passage makes it clear that those who come to question Jesus are coming to trap in his words. In other words, they want to catch Jesus saying something that will lead to His demise. They follow a set plan that many seem to follow when seeking to catch us off guard and trip us up. First, they use play acting to hide their real motives. Second, they use flattery to gain access to us in a way that open confrontation would never grant. Third, they ask a trick question that could easily cause Jesus to say something He might regret. Now, if you have ever had anyone seek to trip you up with your words, you know that this is the exact way many seek to reach their goal. Through group presence, flattery and hidden motives they seek to manipulate and trick us. For this reason, as believers we must always be in prayer for wisdom to see the motives of others, humility that removes the impact of flattery, and courage to not be intimidated by numbers or size. If we do these things, perhaps our actions and responses will be as wise as was the response of Jesus.