The Law vs. The Law

Scripture: Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” Matthew 22:15-17

Observation: Later in this chapter, the Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Jesus with interpretations of scripture. However, this exchange begins with a legal ploy ... is it "right" to give money to Rome?

This isn't really a ploy to trap Jesus in a misunderstanding of scripture or in a "sin" of some kind. Instead, it is an attempt to set Jesus in a conflict with human authority and public opinion. In this scenario, one answer will declare him an opponent to Rome, and the other will set him against the opinion of the people around him.

Application: This section is all about how Christians today can function in a secular society where both laws and "political correctness" run in conflict to God's laws and teachings.

Jesus gives an answer that "amazes" the Pharisees - his response effectively creates a scenario where one can comply with human law without violating ones faith and trust and belief in God. It is a lesson of complying with civil authority, without allowing that compliance to in any way become support or facilitation of the underlying civil law.

This is the challenge for us today. There are many components of current society we must now comply with, but must not create scenarios where that compliance indicates approval. At the same time, we must not approve while at the same time avoiding the trap of illegal opposition. That opposition comes across by society as "bad" - one of the ways the Pharisees set the trap against Jesus was to talk about his goodness and integrity, and breaking the law damages that reputation regardless of the nature of the law.

This is a difficult concept ... to accept without accepting ... to love without condoning ... to acknowledge without complying ... to teach without judging ... to resist without opposing ...

Prayer: Lord, I do pray on this idea today. I am unsure of this teaching, and unsure how one would respond to it either way. In all things, may I hear your guidance and follow your will in all interactions and actions. Amen.