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? Amen.
The story tells about how the Pharisees identified the power of the use of flattery and decided to use it to their selfish advantage. Sadly, not too many people in today’s world have been able to read between genuine and fake flattery.
A young man has lost his place in a job because he was flattered falsely he could do better than his boss. A lady has lost a pride because she was flattered the most beautiful creature the eyes can behold.
Jesus was able to read inbetween the lines and today he teaches us to do same. Next time you hear an exagerated flattery remember Prov. 27:21 … a man is tested by the praises he recieves.
Pray to God for a discerning spirit to be able to read inbetween flattery lines. Have a fruitful week. Amen.
(Y – Outreach Network, yonghana.org or YON Here on facebook)
