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Mark 12:13-14a  Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.  They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity.  You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.”

Matthew records an event when the leaders of the Jews tried to deny Jesus’ true identity as the Promised ‘Son of David’ for whom everyone was waiting, by accusing him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul!  “But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.’”  Jesus pointed out how illogical such a suggestion was, and added, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken.” (see Matthew 12:24-36)

The same warning would apply equally to their efforts to trick him into breaking the Roman Tax Laws.  To set the scene for their ‘trap’ they addressed him as ‘a man of integrity’ and firm principle, and who ‘taught the way of God in accordance with the truth’.  On the Day of Judgement, Jesus might well remind them of this statement and ask why they therefore did not respond positively to ‘the true way of God he taught’ instead of nailing him to a cross because of it!

As an erstwhile preacher of God’s Word for over half a century, I for one must accept the seriousness of Jesus’ charge in Matthew 12.  Every time I find myself trying to justify my sinful thoughts or actions I am reminder of things I have proclaimed in sermons that completely nullify my attempts at self-justification!  It is not surprising that the Apostle James felt constrained to write: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  We all stumble in many ways.  Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” (James 3:1-2)

I am so grateful that Jesus was willing to die in my place because I am so far from perfect!  I can truly identify with Charitie Lees de Chenez and John Newton when they wrote, respectively: “When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look, and see him there who put an end to all my sin.  Because the sinless Saviour died, my sinful soul is counted free, for God, the Just, is satisfied to look on him, and pardon me.” and “Bowed down beneath a load of sin, by Satan sorely pressed, by wars without and fears within, I come to thee for rest.  Be thou my shield and hiding place, that, sheltered near thy side, I may my fierce accuser face, and tell him thou hast died!”

Hypocrisy is such a subtle sin that creeps up on us and catches us unawares, and it is so damaging to the work of the Gospel, which is probably why Satan finds it such an effective tool in his hands.  Let us heed the Apostle Peter’s warning: “Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, …” (1 Peter 5:8-9a)!

– Bruce Christian