Wisdom Worth Marking

Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Matthew 22: 16b – 17.

Our focus is still on the disciples of the Pharisees and the Herodians, and their utterly deceived, worldly wisdom.  Specific interest is being spotlighted on the tenor and tone of their words to Jesus. They have been schooled in the wisdom of their educators, teachers whose wisdom is mere evil and must be avoided at all cost. It is wisdom that is of no good report. It is wisdom which harms, for it is most deceiving. 

Their Tenor - Teacher, we know.

By tenor, I simply mean their very condescending, submissive and agreeable manner of speaking. What exactly are they professing to know about Jesus? Just listen to the tenor of their slick words, as they tell Jesus what they already know about Him. This is purposely presented in an itemized list, to bring deep impact, which can only come by faith and the Spirit-wielding sword, which is God’s powerful word. 

We know that You are true. Are they not saying that they know that Jesus is all true and that lies cannot be a part of Him? I ask you honestly. If they were genuine about this fact, would they come to trap Jesus in some lie or falsehood?  Think about it! Is that the way of wisdom from above?

We know that You teach the way of God in truth. Are they not confessing to Jesus, and before all the people present that they know what Jesus teaches? Are they not saying that they have listened to Him and know that He teaches the way of God, no other way and that He does so genuinely and in truth? Are they not confessing that they know and believe Jesus’ teachings to be in truth and not in any ways that are deceiving? I ask frankly. If they are genuine about what they are confessing, would they come to trap Jesus in some deceit?  Think about it! Is that the manner of wisdom that is of God?

We know that You do not care about anyone. What they are literally stating, is a fact of the nature of the wisdom of God, which Paul has most definitely and categorically stated, about God not caring for anyone. For there is no partiality with God. Romans 2: 11. The wisdom that comes from above, does not hold people’s positions and stations as criteria for working. I ask you candidly. If they really thought so about Rabbi Jesus, would they even be induced and persuaded to share in such flawlessly unspiritual wickedness, against Him? Think of it. Is this wisdom that is pure and holy?

We know that You do not regard the person of men. They are making a huge theological confession here, in the theology of oneness in God. If they honestly know that Jesus regards no person, they would live the fact that with Rabbi Jesus, there is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female. For in the wisdom of Jesus, all are one. I ask you most openly. If at all these disciples regarded truth, would they be trying to discredit Him and make Him appear to be a false Teacher? Think about that. Is that the wisdom that is Spirit-driven?

Their Tone – Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 

By tone, I mean the strategically well-planned manner of voice, in which these men approach Jesus. They have come as learners, people who really want to learn from Jesus’ wisdom, with the tone of humility, of seeking help on a spiritual issue. Tell us. They come as people who so respect and honour the wisdom of Jesus, they want to know His thoughts on a critical matter. They bring a topic that is not farfetched in the least. Their masters and teachers have carefully studied and come up with a topic, which they think will certainly floor Jesus. They have, in their wisdom, their belief and thinking, wisely formulated a question which they give to their disciples to put to Jesus. Even before we proceed further, the wisdom from above clearly makes us take note of this open deceit.

The Pharisees and others like themselves, the highly schooled, trained and degreed lawyers, know the answer to their question. The question is not one that people, mature in knowledge and wisdom will ask. It’s the sort of question a babe in the faith will ask. They think that they are being clever and wise by giving their disciples the question to pose to Jesus, as though it has come from them. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Albeit, the wisdom that is from above, sees through the façade of their tone.

The tone of the Pharisees’ disciples is a perfect imitation of the ways of their teachers, who have spent so much time in trying to trap Jesus. On most occasions, they have always come as sheep in wolves clothing, or as a devouring tiger, with a kitten’s purr. However, and thankfully so, the wisdom of the Lord Jesus is never defeated. He hears the tone of their misleading, innocent and nice talk. He hears their most disingenuous tone. I ask you frankly. If at all these disciples of the Pharisees were honest in tone, would they be using devious skills of darkness to try and get Jesus to make one error even? Think about it.  Is that the wisdom that is pure, peaceable, genuine and without hypocrisy?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9: 10