What Jesus Did! 'Baiting Another Trap?' — Mark 12:13

Friday, August 28, 2020

Later, the Jewish leaders sent some Pharisees and some men from the group called Herodians to Jesus. They wanted to catch Jesus saying something wrong.
— Mark 12:13 NLT
Illustration of Mark 12:13 NLT — Later, the Jewish leaders sent some Pharisees and some men from the group called Herodians to Jesus. They wanted to catch Jesus saying something wrong.

Key Thought

Hatred makes allies of enemies. This is one of those occasions that this principle is true. The Pharisees didn't get along with supporters of Herod. In fact, they distrusted them and believed them to be traitors to God, the Jewish people, and the Law. Their hatred of Jesus was so great that they compromised their principles and partnered with people they couldn't stand. Let's pray that we never find ourselves doing such a thing and if we do, let's re-evaluate our position. When we start making allies out of those who compromise and trade away what we hold dear, the problem does not lie with someone else, but within us.

Today's Prayer

O God, please help me see my own moral failings, character defects, and compromises of principle more clearly. Give me courage to stand for holiness, especially in those situations when it seems to be the most difficult and painful choice. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 3:1-6
  • Proverbs 25:26
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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