The Pharisees and Herodians were bitter enemies. Hatred can make for some strange partnerships! But the purpose of this partnership was not truth. They were trying to set a trap for Jesus. The very best minds who knew the ends and outs of argument, and who had power to coerce the Roman rulers, had joined forces to bring down Jesus. But they wanted to do it by embarrassing him in front of the crowds. But guess what? It didn't work. It backfired. Unlike the leaders of the Jewish people, Jesus was not afraid of the crowds or the truth. While their motive is treachery, they speak the truth about Jesus even though it is through the clenched teeth of envy and hatred. They tell 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 could be said of me and my allegiance to him.