Matthew 22:15-17..Working

Matthew 22:15-17..Working

22:15 Then (Following Jesus’ judgment parables against the religious leaders-Chps.21-22) the Pharisees (Religious Separatists) went out (took council) and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples (students, pupils) to him (Suggests to look less like tempters and more like sincere learners.) along with the Herodians.–.(Having the Herodians there would do their dirty work in having Jesus killed-(New) “Teacher,” (Rabbi) 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. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right (lawful based on O.T. law) to pay taxes to Caesar or not? (For Compete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Warns of those who will use excessive praise and flattery to trap us in our words. (Don’t fall prey to false praise!) . ⇒ Don’t go around thinking just because someone is nice to you or flatters you on how religious and godly you are. Or who complement’s you on how smart you are and how much they really like you and interested in what you have to say. When in truth their really trying to get us to drop our guard down. To flatter someone is perfectly appropriate, but to flatter someone with things you don’t really mean or in order to win something for yourself is wicked.

Additional Notes & Applications

Demonstrates how when how when hate the truth it forms strange friendships.

Teaches how men are willing to be deceptive to accomplish their goal.

Warns those who are jealous of our success will try to turn the tides against us.

Teaches how the image we present to the world is a key indicator of where our allegiance really lies.

Teaches how we have a greater purpose in life, that its not all about material things, but about bearing the image of God through a life of service, worship, love, devotion, obedience, and compassion.

Teaches how there’s nothing more likely to ensnare the followers of Christ then getting them to meddle in disputes about worldly politics.

This is not saying you can’t say something flattering to someone that you mean, which is perfectly appropriate. But to say something nice to someone that you don’t fully mean, or to win something for yourself then it is wicked.

The same type of false flattery & manipulation that’s being used here is similar to when people say such things like: “Hey boss you’re looking good today, I like that tie you bought, good choice! now about that raise you promised me”. Or “Teacher that was a brilliant point you made, if you don’t mind I would like to add it to my term paper, provided you allow me to turn it in a little past the deadline”. Or “Mother your such a good cook, can I have another cookie”. Or “Your looking slim & fit today, __?____.

It’s unusual that two groups of people who were completely different as night & day on almost every issue would come together in their hatred and dislike of Jesus. It would be like the Republicans & Democrats coming together and cooperating in Congress. Or liberals & conservatives cooperating on an abortion bill. Or the KKK. and the NAACP going out on a picnic together. The Pharisees feared Jesus as a threat to their religious power and authority. The Herodians feared Jesus was a threat to their political power in ushering in the Kingdom of God and over throw Rome. With Herodians, the Pharisees could blend in without having to go all out in a full frontal assault. As well as getting them to carry out their dirty work in putting Jesus to death for political reasons. An idea that was not lost on them later, when they came to Pilate with the same trumped up charges.

In order to understand their question about paying taxes to Caesar. You have to understand part of the political picture that was taking place in Israel at that time. Judea became a Roman province in 6 AD. However, the Romans had been in control of the area since 63 BC, when Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. The Romans deposed the Hasmonean dynasty, who had ruled Judaea since around 140 BC, and made Herod the Great “King of the Jews” in about 40 BC. From 6 to 39 AD, Judea was directly ruled by the Romans, while Galilee was ruled by Herod’s son Herod Antipas. During this time, Jews in Judaea maintained some independence, including their religious freedoms and the ability to judge offenders by their own laws. The Romans also instituted the Jewish Poll-Tax in the form of a Roman Denarius for every male Jew between 14 and 65 years old.  Which amounted to days wage. The Jews resented having to pay money to finance a Roman imperial cult and idolatries government. Why should they pay taxes to Pagan invaders, when God owns the land, when God owns the Temple, when God owes everything else. As believers we know exactly how they felt when we reluctantly send our tax dollars to governments, whether state or federal, that is hostile to God, that finance programs and education systems that attack our faith and assault our Christian values. Not only that, but what really enraged the Jews is that they had to use a coin that had an inscription that claimed Caesar as the Son of God and High Priest. To them that was a slap in the face.