The Thirst

Matthew 26:3-4

 

3Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him.

 

If the only way a person can defeat  or win over another is by trickery, then is it really a win? What is trickery? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines trickery as deception by tricks and stratagems. The NKJ Study Bible states that Jesus had met their challenges and repeatedly defeated and unmasked them. Many times Jesus exposed the hearts of the chief priests for they really were more concerned with having seats of honor rather than tending to the needs of others. How could they be considered great if the love of God did not emanate from them?  For the very laws and ways of life they were to uphold, they themselves did. One of the Ten Commandments they were to uphold was, "Thou shalt not kill."  In their secret meeting they revealed they had no reverence and love for God, His Word or His people which was exactly Jesus' point when He did speak about them.  They were also not to covet. No they didn't covet a wife but they coveted the growing popularity of Jesus that they were losing. The motivation of the high priests, scribes and elders was not the love of God and His people. It was love of themselves and the benefits of being recognized. So much so they used trickery in order to stay on top. But who conquered in the end? JESUS!

 

What does any of this mean to you? There is nothing wrong with recognition but when the thirst for recognition supersedes the needs of the people and doing that which God commands, then it is hollow just as the deeds themselves. Acts done without love mean nothing as stated in 1Corinthians 13. The motivation for doing anything ought to be love.

 

P.S. Wishing every mother and mother figure a Happy Mother's Day!