But Jesus knew that these men were really trying to trick him.
Jesus said, "Why are you trying to catch me saying something wrong?
Bring me a silver coin. Let me see it."
They gave Jesus a coin and Jesus asked,
"Whose picture is on the coin?
And whose name is written on it?"
They answered, "It is Caesar's picture and Caesar's name."
~Mark 12:15-16 (ERV)~
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus' opponents could not play games or trick him.
He knew their hearts.
He knew what was inside people.
He still does!
Rather than trying to play games with Jesus or pretend we are something we are not,why not be honest.
He came so we could be honest with him and with God.
When we are weak, let's be honest about our weakness and vulnerability.
When we are weary, let's go to him for rest.
When we are grief-stricken and sad, let's go to him for comfort.
When we are confused, let's be honest about our confusion and ask for his wisdom and discernment.
When we are angry, let's confess our anger and its source to him.
Jesus knows us.
Let's be honest and come to him for grace and not try to pretend we are something we are not.
Our games may not be based upon the same kind of deceit that his opponents used to try to trick him,
but deceit, dishonesty, and pretension are still tools Satan uses to keep our hearts away from the Savior.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O LORD God, please forgive me.
I confess to you that I have sometimes tried to be something in your presence that I am not.
Even though I believe you know me through and through, I still sometimes fear bringing you
the darker sides of my personality and the most deeply wounded parts of my heart.
Please cure me of my pretension and deliver me from deception.
I want to be honest as well as reverent in your presence, dear God, my Abba Father.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
