The Servant Messiah 23
Entrapment Fails - Luke 20: 9-26
The Temple leaders had already decided that a dangerous person was in their midst. He had some avid followers who might engage the Romans in violence. His outrageous act in the Temple square was deserving of sever punishment, but how were they to accomplish this. There were many of his friends nearby all the time. His healing hand had brought many devout belierers to follow him into Jerusalem. A representative group from the multitudes who were impressed by the unusual teachings were around to hear his voice again. A large number who had witnesses the public proclamation believed him to be the Promised One.
The large gatherings in the streets alarmed the Roman Governor. This was feast season. There may well be disorder and unpleasant street scenes. Soldiers were everywhere to put down any little fire that might becomes a full blaze. They were scattered throughout the Holy City performing their vigilant patrols.
Messiah drew a crowd wherever he went: soldiers, religious leaders, and many expectant people. In this arena of spectators Messiah was asked a loaded question: " Should we pay tribute to Caesar.?" Messiah was very pensive. He looked at the faces of the populace burdened with excessive taxation. They yearned for relief. He looked at the soldiers at the edge of the crowd, alert to any type of disorder. If he answered no, he would trigger a popular demonstration and subject himself to immediate arrest. If he answered yes, mob anger may well be upon him. Messiah would not fall into this planned trap; "Bring me a coin." He held it up "Whose image is upon it?" There was no doubt as to the image. "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s"
When this ploy failed, a master plan was set into motion to destroy this Galilean teacher who claimed to be the Messiah. He must be removed from the public eye. His radical teachings must be silenced. A long conversation with one of his followers determined his basic habit. He must be captured at night in order to avoid ugly scenes. He must be tried tried quickly before any reaction could develop. A monetary arrangement with Judas secured the plan.
The Temple leaders had already decided that a dangerous person was in their midst. He had some avid followers who might engage the Romans in violence. His outrageous act in the Temple square was deserving of sever punishment, but how were they to accomplish this. There were many of his friends nearby all the time. His healing hand had brought many devout belierers to follow him into Jerusalem. A representative group from the multitudes who were impressed by the unusual teachings were around to hear his voice again. A large number who had witnesses the public proclamation believed him to be the Promised One.
The large gatherings in the streets alarmed the Roman Governor. This was feast season. There may well be disorder and unpleasant street scenes. Soldiers were everywhere to put down any little fire that might becomes a full blaze. They were scattered throughout the Holy City performing their vigilant patrols.
Messiah drew a crowd wherever he went: soldiers, religious leaders, and many expectant people. In this arena of spectators Messiah was asked a loaded question: " Should we pay tribute to Caesar.?" Messiah was very pensive. He looked at the faces of the populace burdened with excessive taxation. They yearned for relief. He looked at the soldiers at the edge of the crowd, alert to any type of disorder. If he answered no, he would trigger a popular demonstration and subject himself to immediate arrest. If he answered yes, mob anger may well be upon him. Messiah would not fall into this planned trap; "Bring me a coin." He held it up "Whose image is upon it?" There was no doubt as to the image. "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s"
When this ploy failed, a master plan was set into motion to destroy this Galilean teacher who claimed to be the Messiah. He must be removed from the public eye. His radical teachings must be silenced. A long conversation with one of his followers determined his basic habit. He must be captured at night in order to avoid ugly scenes. He must be tried tried quickly before any reaction could develop. A monetary arrangement with Judas secured the plan.
posted by Dr. James F. Hubbard at 4:11 PM
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