Matthew 22:15-17 English Standard Version
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
As a disciple of Jesus Christ what does He have to teach us now?
In searching out an answer it is amazing how His critics address Jesus during His earthly ministry. In verse 16 they say “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” If they know He is true and teaches the way of God truthfully and is not influenced by the opinion of others, why ask anything of Him? Why not just believe Him?
Considering that Jesus Christ has ascended to the throne and is the Lord of all, what does he have to teach us from that position? In all honesty He has delegated that role to the Holy Spirit whom He left with us to fulfill all things, including instruction.
Here we can discover one aspect of relational development. When we are known to the world for being disciples of Jesus Christ, we will be treated as He was treated.
Romans 16:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Smooth talkers walk among us and we must listen carefully to discover if they are in fact disciples of Christ or serving their own agendas. Not everyone who opposes us as followers of Christ will confront us by challenging our understanding.
It is permissible to question ourselves about our understanding as long as we are willing to allow His Word to explain the truth. We can believe Him without having every question answered.
John 6:35 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
Believe and be satisfied.