Topical Bible: Craftiness: Jews, in Seeking to Entangle the Master

◄ Craftiness: Jews, in Seeking to Entangle the Master ►

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In the New Testament, the term "craftiness" often refers to the cunning and deceitful tactics employed by certain Jewish leaders in their interactions with Jesus Christ. These leaders, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, frequently sought to entrap Jesus in His words and actions, aiming to discredit Him and undermine His growing influence among the people.

One notable instance of such craftiness is found in the Gospel of Matthew. The Pharisees, along with the Herodians, approached Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, hoping to trap Him in a political dilemma. They asked, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You do not show partiality. So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Matthew 22:16-17). Jesus, perceiving their malice, responded with wisdom, saying, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Matthew 22:21). His answer left them amazed and unable to ensnare Him.

Another example is found in the Gospel of John, where the Jewish leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, seeking to test Him. They said, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?" (John 8:4-5). Their intention was to trap Jesus between upholding the Mosaic Law and demonstrating His message of grace and forgiveness. Jesus, however, responded with profound insight, saying, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). This response not only diffused the situation but also highlighted the hypocrisy of the accusers.

The craftiness of the Jewish leaders is further illustrated in their questioning of Jesus' authority. In the Gospel of Mark, they asked Him, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You the authority to do them?" (Mark 11:28). Jesus, aware of their intentions, countered with a question about the baptism of John, which they could not answer without incriminating themselves. This exchange demonstrated Jesus' superior wisdom and the futility of their attempts to entrap Him.

These instances of craftiness reveal the persistent efforts of certain Jewish leaders to challenge Jesus and protect their own positions of power and influence. Their tactics, however, consistently failed to undermine His divine authority and mission. Jesus' responses not only thwarted their schemes but also revealed deeper truths about the Kingdom of God, leaving His adversaries confounded and His followers inspired.

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Matthew 22:15-17,24-28
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
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Mark 12:13
And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
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Mark 14:18-23
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Truly I say to you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me.
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Luke 20:19-26
And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
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