Read Luke 20:20-26
Flattering Words are Deceptive and Hypocritical.
The chief priests and the teachers of the law kept a close eye on Jesus. They even sent spies who pretended to be sincere in hopes of getting Jesus to say something wrong so they could turn him over to the Roman governor. They wanted to get rid of Jesus.
So the spies questioned Jesus using flattering words, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. So is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” The spies hoped Jesus would say something about not paying taxes in order to get him arrested, but Jesus saw their deceitfulness and asked to see a coin, then asked, “Whose inscription is on it?” “Caesar’s” they replied. Then Jesus said, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.” Jesus’s answer showed respect for Roman rules and respect for God. The spies were astonished by his answer, and became silent and refused to ask Jesus anymore questions.
The plan of the chief priests and the teachers of the law did not work, despite the fact that they used flattery to make Jesus think that they just loved him and his teachings. Their scheme did not work.
Two things:
1. God will take care of the righteous. No matter how deceptive someone tries to be to make you look bad, God will bring down our accusers and people will be astonished by our lives in Christ. So stay faithful.
2. God is not impressed with our words of flattery. He sees through our deception and hypocrisy. He knows our deep and inner heart and thoughts. He knows what is real and what is fake. He’s not fooled like people are. He sees through us. So be careful, or your hypocrisy and deceptive ways will be exposed. God will not be mocked!
