Matthew 22:15-22 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. This narrative — I. IN REFERENCE TO WHAT IS IN MAN. 1. Here was a profession of great piety and holiness, conjoined with very inexcusable hatred. The Pharisees were the most pretentious religionists of the day; this no proof of genuine piety. They could not refute Christ, but hated Him. 2. We observe here also a very base design. They " took counsel how they might entangle Him in His talk." 3. We observe here a very iniquitous co-partnership. The Pharisees and Herodians were radical enemies. 4. We observe here also a glib, obsequious, but treacherous and lying flattery: "Master, we know that Thou art true." Their design was to throw Him off His guard. 5. Observe the devilish cunning of the plot. "Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, etc." They professed honest doubt in order to fasten Him on the horns of a dilemma. II. WITH REFERENCE TO WHAT WAS IN CHRIST. 1. We are here shown that Christ was a very dignified man. He was poor; but imposing majesty went along with His humble simplicity. 2. We are here shown that our Saviour had the reputation of a truthful man. 3. He was also a man of acknowledged intelligence. 4. He was, moreover, a man of honest faithfulness. But the subsequent parts of the narrative attest still higher qualities in our blessed Lord. (1) With all the dissimulation of these men Jesus saw through the mask, and all their secret thoughts were open to Him. He "perceived their nakedness."(2) He found an easy way out of the net from which human trickery believed it impossible for Him to escape. (J. A. Seiss, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.WEB: Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. |
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