Deal in Facts, Avoid the Hypocrisy of Statements

It is right for me to follow the law of the land, as long as it is not in violation of the law of God.

“¹⁷Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.” – Mark 12:17 (ESV)

Jesus was being tested by the Pharisees and Herodians in an act of trying to catch Him either fully following the Roman way or in full rebellion of the Roman way. They were working to discredit Jesus by flattering Him with words they did not believe themselves.

“¹⁴And they cam and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’” – Mark 12:14 (ESV)

I can see as this unfolds, the Pharisees and Herodians winking at each other as they speak and ask the questions. They were using backhanded compliments to work at manipulating the possible answers that Jesus could give. But, Jesus was clearly up to their game.

“¹⁵But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’” – Mark 12:15 (ESV)

Jesus called them on it. He was not rude or overbearing in being right or wrong, He simply asked them to clarify their question by showing them proof of what should be done and not just speaking.

“¹⁶And they brought one. And he said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscriptions is this?’ They said to him, ‘Caesar’s.’” – Mark 12:16 (ESV)

At this point, I can see them looking at each other realizing they had been exposed to which Jesus finishes by giving verse 17 from above.

I am put to the test by those around me as they bring their words and work to “catch” me. My duty is to bring the facts to them as I know they are doing it to mask their own deficiency in something as they deflect away from themselves. I am to show them the proof of what I believe to be correct based on the facts of the situation and the case at hand and not the concept of where they seem to be taking things to turn the tables on me to deflect from themselves.

I am to know where I stand and for who I stand. And when I do, following Christ, I am in the right.

Have you been tested by the words of others? What have you done to show your understanding in the facts? What if you simply dealt in the facts and avoided the hypocrisy of statements from others?