Handling Tough Questions: How Jesus’ Wisdom Guides Us Today

 “Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Him in His words. . .  But Jesus knowing their evil intent, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?’”

Matthew 22:15, 18

Dear Friends,

Wouldn’t it be great if you always had a well-developed answer to every question? Some people think skillfully under pressure, but others, like me, fumble around trying to find the right words. Yet, even the most skilled speakers can be caught off guard, especially if the questioner is trying to trap them. Jesus encountered these situations regularly, but His responses consistently amazed those who listened.

The Religious Leaders Plan to Stump Jesus

Each of the four Gospels records Jesus’ life and ministry, highlighting the opposition He faced from religious leaders. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we find a specific moment when Jesus was confronted with a difficult, politically charged question—one that seemed impossible to answer without serious consequences.

The Pharisees, jealous over Jesus’ rising popularity, put their heads together to develop a plan to trap Him. I can imagine them huddled up, strategizing the best way to get Him to say something that would either alienate Him from the people or inflame the authorities leading to His arrest. 

Finally they agreed on a plan and sent their best interrogators to challenge Him. Rather than immediately attack, the wily men approached Jesus with false reverence.  

“Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are.”

Having gotten the false niceties out of the way, the men launched into their crafty and well-thought out question. 

A Politically Charged Question

“What is your opinion? “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

This question was a political landmine.

If Jesus opposed paying taxes, He could be accused of treason against Rome. But if He endorsed the tax, He risked alienating many Jews who saw it as an act of betrayal to God. It seemed like a lose-lose scenario.

Jesus’ Wisdom in Outsmarting His Critics

But Jesus never skipped a beat. He knew the intent behind the query and refused to fall prey to their schemes. Turning the tables on the hypocrites, He unveiled their intent and posed His own question. Jesus’ wisdom outsmarted His critics.

Asking them to produce a coin used to pay the tax, Jesus asked, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” When they replied with the obvious answer of Caesar, He then replied, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

With this one statement, Jesus not only silenced His adversaries but also conveyed a profound truth: While earthly governments deserve their due respect, ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

The religious leaders, slack-jawed at the turn of events, slunk away to lick their wounds and develop another plan for Jesus’ demise

A Lesson in Wisdom, Discernment, and Grace

Jesus’ response was more than just a clever escape—it was a lesson in wisdom, discernment, and grace under pressure.

In today’s world, believers face countless tough questions—some asked in genuine curiosity, others meant to provoke or entrap. Topics like faith, morality, and cultural issues can be landmines in conversations.

So how can we be prepared to answer wisely?

1. Seek Jesus’ Wisdom – James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. When faced with difficult conversations, we can rely on Him.
2. Know Scripture – Jesus knew God’s Word intimately. We should immerse ourselves in Scripture so we can respond with truth and grace.
3. Remain Kind and Respectful – Even when confronted with hostility, our words should reflect Christ’s love. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to “always be prepared to give an answer… but do so with gentleness and respect.”
4. Remember Our Ultimate Allegiance – While we are called to respect earthly authorities, our highest devotion belongs to God.

One day, we may find ourselves facing a difficult or even entrapping question. When that moment comes, we can trust that God’s Spirit Who lives in us will empower us and give us the wisdom we need. With God’s guidance, we, too, can answer with both truth and grace.

Love,

Mama

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