I too have a question...

MATTHEW 22:15-22

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?“

Lord Jesus,
I don't know if they were trying to butter you up
or flatter you with their comments...
No matter what their motive was,
they spoke the truth:

You are "teacher" --
a master teacher who pushes
to think larger, to ask bigger questions,
to engage in critical thinking about issues,
seeking not simply to confirm what we already believe
but to push through to new discoveries,
which may challenge us at our core or
deepen our already deeply held beliefs.

You are "sincere".
You never tried to trick or corner us,
but rather you point us
to consider a bigger world view
to consider God's perspective on life and love.

You "teach the way of God in accordance with truth".
In John's gospel you state that you ARE the way and the truth.
To follow you is to walk in God's true way.
However, as the advent hymn writer says,
"the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight".
Your way is hard.  Your truth convicts me to the core.

"You show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality"
or as another translation puts it,
"You are not afraid of what others think about you. 

All people are the same to you."

You are CONFIDENT of who you are -- a child of God.

The Holy Spirit confirmed it at your baptism -- 

"This is my son, my beloved, in whom I am well pleased."

And you treat ALL people the same; you treat us as your siblings.

We - ALL of us - are the beloved children of God! 

and that is how you treat us.

Lord Jesus, like them, I too have a question,
but mine is not to trick you...
Search my heart and see that there is no malice there.
My question:
In what ways can I be faithful to you today?

For the rest of my days,
I will keep alert to your answer --
opportunities to be faithful,
chances to be like you:
a sincere one
who walks in the way of God's truth
treating all people
with the dignity and respect due the children of God.

So may it be today.
Amen.