Avoid the traps of evil people

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | July 28, 2023 | Matthew 22:15-22

KEY VERSE:

But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?" Matthew 22:18 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Anytime the Pharisees came to Jesus with a question, there was always a hidden agenda. By now, they knew that Jesus had read into their evil plots and seen almost all their approach and tricks. So, this time, they sent their disciples with some allies, and hid behind them, to try another trick on Jesus.

One may wonder why they wanted to trap him and get rid of him by all means. In earlier readings where they openly confronted Jesus and He dribbled them, they had attempted to even arrest him, but he escaped. The people revered the Pharisees as the lawmakers and custodians of the law in the sect, and they were very powerful among the people. They were the final authority in things about religious law among the Jews. And here comes Jesus who is now demonstrating such authority in the open that, the Pharisees seem powerless in the eyes of the people. He was a serious threat to the governing of the Jews by the religious leaders and must be gotten rid of by all means necessary.

According to scripture, the Pharisees made numerous attempts to “corner” Jesus and arrest him for what he would say, but they failed each time. Jesus usually could discern what kind of plot they were bringing and cleverly escaped from them. Mostly by asking them questions they could not find answers to, and sometimes by referring them to the very scripture they claim to be championing as religious leaders. There was a way he beat them all the time to diffuse their arguments and tensions directed at Him. How does He do it? Jesus discerned their thoughts and plans but had to act to disentangle himself from their schemes and traps.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE

We must be able to discern the evil thoughts of men and apply Godly wisdom to escape their traps. Discerning and not acting wisely will result in us falling into the trap of the enemy. Jesus is the wisdom of God, and he is available to guide us. Ask for wisdom for Wisdom is the principal thing.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to navigate my path from falling into the traps of my enemies. Help me to discern their thoughts and actions, so I will know how to deal with their entrapments. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSING!!