Armodoxy for Today: Buttered hypocrisy

Rendering unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s and unto God what is God’s, is where we left off yesterday. With fervent zeal and a need to separate the sacred from the profane, many people are quick to blurt out these words in an attempt distance themselves from unholiness politician, be he Ceasar or a member of City Council. And then, they stumble (literally) upon the Parable of the Dishonest Steward and hear the words of Christ pointing to the need use the tools of the world to deal with people of this world. Make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. (Luke 16)

In the passage leading up to the separation of Ceaser’s belonging from God’s, we see that the religious elite of Jesus’ time were trying to trap him, and they were doing so by “buttering him up.” Listen to the words leading up to the questioning:

“Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” This was probably Jesus’ first tip-off that a stinger was to follow.  They asked, “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

Mark writes, “Jesus knew their hypocrisy. ‘Why are you trying to trap me?’  (Mark 12)

Spreading the butter – thick or thin – means giving a person excessive praise, flattery, or compliments in order to get something from them — a favor, approval, leniency, or a better outcome.

It’s not just being nice. It’s being strategically nice. This is where hypocrisy sprouts.

Yes, they used simple ego stroking to manipulate and trap Jesus. He didn’t fall into the trap. Think of the strokes, the accolades, the honors and the pedestals that are offered to us. What’s expected in return?

We leave you with this question and  this prayer, Teach me to walk humbly, to listen deeply, and to remember that all good in me comes from You. Amen.