Accidental Truth – Part 1

“And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.” Matthew 22:16

It is no secret that Jesus had His share of enemies. Two of the most prominent were the Pharisees and the Herodians. The Pharisees were a strict religious group whereas the Herodians held significant political power. Interestingly, they were both enemies of one another. However, due to their animosity towards Jesus, these enemies join together. In an effort to try trap Him, they approach Jesus with a question meant to trick Him. In doing so, their hearts are not only revealed, but so too did their words reveal four accidental truths about Jesus.   

Matthew 22:16 finds Jesus in the final week leading to His crucifixion. Most likely it occurred on Tuesday as Jesus was teaching in the temple. Jesus is approached with a touch of false flattery before his enemies launch into a question to trick Him. The first thing we learn from their statement is that Jesus was truthful. He did not shade the truth but rather spoke with reliability. Some translate this to mean honesty and integrity. How often would others say the same of you?  

“For my mouth will utter truth;

And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.”[1] 

Second, we learn that Jesus taught the way of God as well. When his enemies say He “teaches the way of God truthfully,” they are acknowledging that Jesus doesn’t speculate, give opinion, or alter His message. Instead, Jesus declares God’s way as it truly is. This is one of the reasons Jesus was said to teach with such authority. The authority came from teaching God’s truth which perfectly aligned with God’s will, plans, and purposes. How often do we include our opinions when speaking to others at the expense of God’s truth from His Word?

“How firm a foundation,

ye saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!”[2]

In part 1, Jesus provides us with two key lessons. First, Christians should be known as those whose words are reliable, trustworthy, and filled with integrity. Often, we bring reproach the Jesus’ name when we do otherwise. Second, we need to grow in speaking the truth without compromise. Instead of telling the ways of the Lord accurately, sometimes we compromise in order to not offend others. Jesus teaches us that our speech should be lovely, but also not glazed with compromise. There are two more things we learn. What are they? Let us see in part 2.

Lord, Jesus provides me with two clear exhortations in this verse. Help my words not only be filled with integrity, but also without compromise. May the words of my mouth always please You. Forgive me when they have not. Amen.

[1] Proverbs 8:7 NASB 95.

[2] Keen, George. “How Firm a Foundation.”