Topical Bible: Hypocrisy: Spies Sent to Entrap Jesus

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In the New Testament, the theme of hypocrisy is vividly illustrated in the account of the spies sent to entrap Jesus. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Luke 20:20-26, Mark 12:13-17, and Matthew 22:15-22. The narrative highlights the duplicity of the religious leaders of the time, who, under the guise of righteousness, sought to undermine Jesus' authority and teachings.

Context and Background

During Jesus' ministry, His growing influence and the profound impact of His teachings posed a significant threat to the established religious order. The Pharisees and the Herodians, despite their differing ideologies, found common cause in their opposition to Jesus. The Pharisees were strict adherents to Jewish law and tradition, while the Herodians were more politically aligned with the Roman authorities. Their collaboration in this instance underscores the depth of their animosity towards Jesus.

The Plot to Entrap Jesus

The religious leaders devised a plan to ensnare Jesus by sending spies who pretended to be righteous. Luke 20:20 states, "So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Him in something He might say, so that they could hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor." Their objective was to force Jesus into making a statement that could be construed as either seditious against Roman rule or blasphemous against Jewish law.

The Question of Tribute

The spies approached Jesus with a question designed to trap Him: "Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (Luke 20:21-22). This question was a cunning attempt to place Jesus in a dilemma. A "yes" could alienate Him from the Jewish populace who resented Roman taxation, while a "no" could be reported to the Roman authorities as rebellion.

Jesus' Response

Jesus, perceiving their duplicity, responded with divine wisdom. He asked them to show Him a denarius and inquired, "Whose image and inscription are on it?" When they answered, "Caesar's," Jesus replied, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Luke 20:24-25). This response not only thwarted their trap but also conveyed a profound truth about the relationship between earthly authorities and divine sovereignty.

The Reaction of the Spies

The spies were unable to ensnare Jesus with His words. Luke 20:26 records, "And they were unable to trap Him in His words before the people; and astonished at His answer, they fell silent." Their failure to entrap Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and further solidified His reputation as a teacher of unparalleled wisdom and integrity.

Theological Implications

This encounter underscores the theme of hypocrisy as a grave spiritual failing. The religious leaders' outward show of piety was a facade for their true intentions, which were rooted in malice and self-interest. Jesus' ability to see through their deceit serves as a reminder of His divine insight and the futility of attempting to manipulate or deceive God.

The incident also highlights the importance of sincerity in one's relationship with God. True righteousness is not merely about outward appearances or adherence to ritual, but about a genuine commitment to God's truth and justice. Jesus' teaching in this passage calls believers to examine their own hearts and motives, ensuring that their actions align with the principles of God's kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 20:21
And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that you say and teach rightly, neither accept you the person of any, but teach the way of God truly:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... c 20 And they watched him, and sent forth { ^b ... none as his adherents who opposed
it.] ^c spies, who feigned ... c craftiness, ^b knowing their hypocrisy, said unto ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to.htm

Controversy
... to entrap Him, and with this object they sent to Him ... hearts as an open book, and
sounded their hypocrisy. ... The spies had expected Jesus to answer their question ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 66 controversy.htm