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

Friday, October 17, 2025

[After Jesus' parables against the Pharisees, they] met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. "Teacher," they said, "we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites."
— Matthew 22:15-16 NLT

Key Thought

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 ends 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.

Today's Prayer

Holy and true God, the Almighty Rock of Salvation, please give me the courage to speak your truth in every situation. Please help me to be less influenced by the importance and rank of a person and more concerned with communicating to that person your truth that needs to be proclaimed. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 4:18-20
  • Galatians 1:9-10
  • James 2:1-7

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 22:15-16 NLT — "Teacher," —— "we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites."

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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 and is available in book form.

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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