Seeing through the mask!

  "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

                     (Matt 22:15-21)

                    Here in this passage of scripture, We see how the Pharisees and the Herodians tried to entangle Jesus in his words. How many of you have heard the phrase-"Flattery will get you nowhere?" We need to be careful who we surround ourselves with. (Prov 20:19) There are people at work who use flattery to get favor, maybe a promotion, but can't stand their boss. 

                     It is interesting when you do a study in the Greek concerning the word Hypocrite, it means an actor/actress. In that time, the actors wore masks when doing a play onstage. Politicians are actors. It is so sad to see how money can control a politician to where they can play the actor. They pretend to be for a cause because it benefits them politically and socially! 

                   It is, also, sad to see people surround and flatter you for a wicked motive. Be it at work, church or some other activity, people will flatter you to then stick a knife to your back. The married man who says to his mistress, you mean more to me than my wife and then when he gets what he wants, says-"Who are you?" 

                 There may be people working with you who try to get close. Their motive is to to sink you. They are jealous and want to see you fall out of favor with the boss and get you fired. Learn to be discerning and keep your mouth shut. Learn to have a wise answer when you need to speak out. It can save you a world of agony and grief in the long run! (Prov29:11)

Bible verses provided by-www.biblegateway.com