Encounter #45:

“Pitfalls”

Read: Mark 12:13-17

Again the religious leaders (Pharisees) and the Government (Herodians) were trying to trap Jesus. They wanted to catch Him. They were “hunting” Him down to entangle Him, so they could destroy Him. People will try to set up “pitfalls” against you. They want to hunt you down and destroy your testimony. Remain faithfull. Stay true to the Lord and His Word.

Jesus was asked that if it was “lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?” Should they “give, or not give?” Jesus knew their hypocrisy. They were testing Him. They showed Him a penny. Whose image and name was on it? Tiberius Caesar was on it. Jesus said to give to Caesar what was due him, and give to God what He deserved. Jesus showed a distinction between Caesar and God. Caesar was considered a god. But Jesus set that straight. There is only one God. Also, government is ordained by God. The government order comes from God, but the types of governement are man-made. We are still to be subject to legal matters (see Romans 13:1-14). If laws are contrary to God's Word, then we are not to obey them.

Due to Jesus' response, the people marvelled. They wondered beyond measure. Don't fall into the enemies pitfalls. Be on the alert. Read Psalm 9:15; Proverbs 26:27 and 28:10. If someone is digging a pit for you, they will fall in it themselves.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for watching over me and protecting day and night. Expose any traps prepared for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Application: Find ways you can serve others who are laboring for the Lord. Pray for the government and your spiritual leaders.

Encounter Jesus: Realize Jesus is all knowing and all powerful. Invite Him to guide you and keep you from all pitfalls. He is for you, not against you.