SMOOTH WORDS FROM WICKED HEARTS

In Matthew 22, we can see how the Pharisees stayed
behind the scenes forming the conspiracy to trap Jesus
in the matter of giving tribute money.

They sent their disciples and Herodians to flatter Jesus with
smooth words that flowed from wicked  hearts.  From this, let us
learn to be wary of insincere compliments; for those lies are
spoken to create mischief ...

    "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they  
      might entangle him [Jesus] in his talk.  And they sent  
      out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying,

      Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the  
      way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man:  
      for thou regardest not the person of men."

"A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet."
                                             Prov 19:5

(If Jesus would speak against paying tribute to Caesar, then
they could accuse Him of being factious and inciting
rebellion against the Romans.)

The Pharisees and Heriodians continue ...

    "Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to  
            give tribute unto Caesar, or not?"

    But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said,
             Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

    Shew me the tribute money.
           And they brought unto him  a penny.

    And he saith unto them, Whose is this image
            and superscription?

    They say unto him, Caesar's.
              Then saith he unto them,

     Render therefore unto Caesar
        the things which are Caesar's;
     and unto God the things that are God's.

    When they had heard these words, they marvelled,
             and left him, and went their way."
                         Matt  22:15-22

Jesus took a simple coin  --and taught the people a
profound lesson:

Caesar's image was on the coin
       so, render unto Caesar the tribute money.

The Creator's image is on you
       so, render your life unto God. *

Donna Kupp

*  "The image of God stamped on the soul denotes that all
its faculties and powers belong to the Most High, and
should be employed in his service."  Adam Clarke