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Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in
his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you
are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s
opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of
God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census
tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Mark
12:13–14
Just prior to today’s Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and
elders confronted Jesus in the Temple area while He taught,
challenging His authority to drive out the moneychangers and
merchants. Though they withdrew out of fear of opposition from the
crowds, they sent the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Him (cf. Mark
11:27–33). The alliance of these five groups, who were often
opposed to one another—especially the Pharisees and the
Herodians—well illustrates the old adage: “The enemy of my enemy is
my friend.”
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to oral
traditions derived from the Mosaic Law. They frequently clashed
with the chief priests and elders, who focused on Temple worship
and ceremonial rites.
The Herodians were despised by both the Pharisees and the other
leaders for their support of Herod and Roman occupation. Their
allegiance to Rome enabled them to maintain political influence
under Herod’s rule. Despite their usual animosity, these groups
united in their shared opposition to Jesus. His ongoing influence
among the people, His teachings that exposed their hypocrisy, and
His actions in the Temple all threatened their authority and
control.
Though all five of these groups are less than inspirational, we can
learn from them. They depict fallen human tendencies—such as pride,
fear, and self-interest—that we all struggle with. First, true
unity only comes from aligning ourselves with God and His Truth,
which fosters humility, charity, and a desire to seek God’s will
above our own interests. By contrast, the “unity” shared by this
coalition of factions was grounded in malice. Hatred can so blind
us that we turn from our core values and seek ways to fuel our
resentment. This is precisely what these normally divided groups
did: Their mutual hatred for Jesus and fear of losing influence
over the community drove them to unite in a shared mission of
opposition—something we, too, can fall into if we let malice guide
us.
In today’s Gospel, we can also learn from the questioning of the
Pharisees and Herodians. They begin with flattery, which is always
deceptive and manipulative. Their insincere praise was not meant to
honor Jesus but to disarm Him and lure Him into their trap. Perhaps
they failed to recall the wisdom found in Proverbs: “Those who
speak flattery to their neighbor cast a net at their feet” (29:5)
or “Charm is deceptive…” (31:30). Flattery not only deceives others
but often ensnares those who use it, leading them into sin, as seen
in today’s Gospel.
Second, the question they ask is a carefully constructed trap. If
Jesus said, “Yes, it is lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar,”
the Pharisees could accuse Him of disregarding Jewish law and
collaborating with Roman oppressors. If He said, “No,” the
Herodians could report Him to Herod as a revolutionary opposing
Roman authority. Their malice was cunning, but Jesus’ wisdom
transcends theirs, and He escapes their trap. His response not only
avoids their deceit but also exposes their hypocrisy, turning their
malicious scheme into an opportunity to teach eternal truths.
Reflect today on these fallen human tendencies vividly illustrated
by these five groups who were aligned in their opposition to our
Lord. When you look at your own “alliances,” what is it that unites
you? Shared hate and resentment? A common fear or opposition to
something? Bonds formed over shared negativity or resentment are
fleeting and destructive. True and lasting unity is found only in
aligning ourselves with the Truth of the Word of God, striving
together for holiness, and building relationships grounded in
Christ. Reflect on whether your relationships draw you closer to
Christ or distract you from Him, and seek to realign them with His
Truth.
Lord of all Wisdom, at times I form bonds, like the Pharisees
and Herodians, that are grounded in sin and negative emotions
rather than in Your charity and truth. Free me, I pray, from these
oppressive sins, and make me honest, pure of heart, and a seeker of
the unity found only in You. Jesus, I trust in You.
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