Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 12:1-27
Key Verse: Mark 12:14

Not everyone liked Jesus. Some were very open in their opposition. They schemed for opportunities to turn people away from Him. One tactic was to use His own teaching against Him. To accomplish that, they would at times ask trick questions.

In today's reading, a representative group from the Pharisees and Herodians tried to catch Jesus in His words. Part of their strategy was to compliment Jesus first and then hit Him with the question. The compliment speaks volumes. Delivered perhaps with tongue in cheek, these men gave a picture of the One whom the believer is to emulate. We are to be like Jesus, who was a man of integrity and not swayed by men, particularly those of "position." He was a true teacher of the way of God.

Even tongue in cheek, these men spoke the truth. To have said anything else would have precluded the possibility of asking their question. If they had made a misstatement about Jesus, it would have been challenged. They did not want to get sidetracked from their purpose.

Take this description of Jesus. Acknowledge that it is true. Then remember that you are to be like Him. How do you measure up in your integrity, respect of persons and teaching? Are you like Jesus?

Do an integrity check, not of others, but of yourself. Would others say of you what these people said of Jesus?