We can’t always spot temptation or trouble coming. I recall the elders saying, ‘troubles never set like rain’, reminding us to be on guard at all times. Again, we look to the life of Y’shua Jesus, continuing from our reflections in Matthew 22. We consider Today’s Holy Nougat, remembering that trouble may be disguised as good.
Matthew 22:16 CEB
[16] They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions because you don’t show favouritism.
The Set-Up
This time, the Pharisees didn’t go directly to Y’shua. Rather, they sent their disciples, accompanied by Herod’s lackeys. Whether or not Herod’s supporters and the Pharisees’ disciples had a ‘look’, their arrival meant trouble. Even if their words were pure honey.
Self-Check
Were there instances when we decided to use light deception against adversaries? Why?
Application
I recall a song from yesteryear that I believe captures the essence of what was unfolding in the Nougat. The protagonist lamented the elaborate deception of her fake lover who offered the most beautiful words, void of real sentiment. She spoke of flattering flowery words and fancy roses that misled her, then asked her lover to send roses that expressed their real feelings – paper or imitation roses – for the fake love.
On listening to Y’shua’s detractors, we hear similar sentiments: ‘you are genuine, and … you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions because you don’t show favouritism. Those words are pure flattery, paper roses. We deduce that this is s setup, even without hearing all the details of the final speech, because the Pharisees were antagonistic towards Y’shua. We might even assume that it was a political setup, given the young Herodians presence there.
Siblings
Do you see the depths to which the Pharisees had plummeted? They were willing to partner with political lackeys to discredit Jesus. Flattery, they thought, could only help further their cause.
It may be that we’ve faced similar situations, wherein others coerce us into committing ourselves, into saying something we ought not, or we get drawn into deals that we should have left alone. Often, it begins with sweet words intended to deceive. That’s why we question the motives of others. That’s why we prayerfully ponder invitations and deals shared with us.
We must be on the alert, for our enemy, the devil, is posing like a roaring lion, or an angel of light, seeking to deceive, delude, and devour. We don’t lose hope however, for there is One Who seeks to protect us from the plans of the devil. Jesus is ready to rescue when we call.
Points to Ponder
1. We should ask for the gift of discernment, so that we can tell when we’re being set up.
2. Sometimes, it simply requires asking ourselves questions about the ‘obvious’. Why would … (young Herodians and Pharisee acolytes suddenly start loving on me)? We can’t take everything at face value
3. Remember that phrase in the Lord’s Prayer … ‘deliver us from evil’? It may be that that’s exactly what Y’shua is sparing us from.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
