I read just now the verses 15-22 in the 22nd chapter of  Matthew. In the NIV (New International Version) Bible the verses have the caption “Paying Taxes to Caesar.”  Matthew 22:15-22

I was struck by the four things the Pharisees and the Herodians said about the Lord Jesus Christ. They called him Teacher of course. They called the Lord first of all “a man of integrity.” In fact they knew that he was a man of integrity. Secondly they said  “you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” The Lord was not only teaching the way of God, but he was teaching the way of God according to the truth. Thirdly the Lord Jesus Christ was not  swayed by men. And lastly they said about the Lord you pay no attention to who the people are.

There are three chief Jewish parties: Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes. The Pharisees sent their disciples to the Lord.

We really want to learn from these verses, all of us. But these verses are especially for men who are occupying the pulpits in our churches.

1. Are they men of integrity?

The dictionary defines integrity like this: “adherence to moral principles; honesty. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness.”

2. Are they teaching the way of God?  And are they teaching the way of God according with the truth?

Acts 17:11

“Now the Bereans were of more noble character………..they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Sriptures every day to see  if what Paul said was true.”

3. Are they swayed by men?

The dictionary again: “to be influenced or swerve or influence or cause to swerve to or from a purpose or opinion.”

4. Are they paying attention to who the people are?

James 2:1-4

Favoritism is forbidden!