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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Trick Question, Taxed Patience
Matthew 22:15-22
Tricks can be funny, silly, sometimes even dangerous. They're often fun to watch or listen in on. From the old "Candid Camera" television show to the latest "Jackass" movie, something in us enjoys stunts, sleight of hand, harmless deception. And, of course, we're relieved to be assured that no one was hurt physically or psychically in the performing of these tricks.
One way I really enjoy my grandchildren is when we trade jokes together. Yes, they do tend to roll their eyes a lot, but I think they like my sense of humor. What kid doesn't enjoy the word play tricks of "Knock, knock" jokes? And Grampajack's repertoire includes this little tricky variation: "Say 'Knock, knock.'" Kid says, "Knock, knock." I say, "Who's there?" Kid's eyes get big, face freezes, end of joke.
A more or less harmless trick question.
But the question Jesus has to answer in today's Gospel story is anything but harmless. In fact, the wrong answer could be the beginning of the end to all he's been trying to accomplish.
It's put to him by a representative of two, not one, but two groups of religious leaders -- the Pharisees and the Herodians -- both of which have no love for Jesus, but neither of which has much more affection for the other.
The Pharisees were religious purists, committed to protecting the heart and soul of Judaism against Rome's spiritual and social corruption. The Herodians were practical politicians, accommodating to the ways of Rome whenever necessary in order to get by peaceably and enjoy some degree of social freedom.
So their partnership in trying to embarrass Jesus in public is a classic case of politics' "strange bedfellows." God willing, they could always change the sheets in the morning, pack their bags, and be on their respective ways.
They set up the trick question with wordy flattery, commending Jesus for his integrity, clarity, total lack of concern about impressing people, yadda yadda yadda.
He, in turn, prefaced his answer with just one word: Hypocrites!
"You're just playing around here, aren't you?" That's the gist of the Greek word, which pictures an actor performing on a stage.
And then he deftly turns the trick around on them, silencing them not just for the time being, but making them wary of pulling such a stunt ever again if they can help it.
So, you ask, what was the question? And how was it tricky? Well...
Listen to the GODcast!
posted by Jack Buckley at
11:56 AM
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