What Jesus Did! 'Speaking the Truth with Courage' — Matthew 22:15-16

The Pharisees and supporters of Herod were bitter enemies. Hatred can make for some strange partnerships! But the purpose of this partnership was not truth. It was to try to set a trap for Jesus. The very best minds who knew the ins and outs of argument, and who had power to coerce the Roman rulers, had joined forces to try to bring down Jesus. They wanted to do it by embarrassing him in front of the crowds. But guess what? It didn't work. It backfired, as we will see in the next verses.

Unlike the leaders of the Jewish people, Jesus was not afraid of the crowds or the truth. While the leaders' motive was treachery, they spoke the truth about Jesus even though it was through the clenched teeth of envy and hatred. They basically told Jesus, "You are honest. You teach the truth about God's way. You are not afraid about what other people say about you. You pay no attention to the social rank of a person."

Wow! With complements like that from his enemies, what could he expect from his friends and followers! I someday hope that what was said of him can be said of me and my allegiance to him.