Pharisees and Herodians on the same course – what a... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Some of the Pharisees and the Herodians said to him, Teacher, we know that you are true, and care about no-one; for you do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth.
Mark 12:13.14.

Pharisees and Herodians on the same course - what a remarkable coalition! The Pharisees were zealous about the law of Moses and the religious Jews' traditions that had been added over the centuries, whereas the Herodians were probably officials of the tetrarch Herod Antipas, who ruled over Galilee.

Now a legation of both groups was on a common mission. Before they came out with their question, intended to embarrass Jesus, they flattered Him with the words in today's verse. Let us consider what they said to the Lord Jesus, and how it concerns them:

They address Him as "Teacher", adding that He teaches "the way of God in truth". They thus admit that He interprets the Old Testament correctly. On the other hand, it was the Pharisees who watered down the good intentions of God's commandments, or even maintained the opposite of them (cf. Matthew 23:23).
They acknowledge that Jesus is "true", i.e. upright, sincere and concerned for the truth. We know that He is the truth in Person (cf. John 14:6). Yet His opponents are hypocritical in their estimation of Jesus. They were setting a trap for Him with a catch-question.
They ascertain that Jesus does not regard anyone's person. They therefore concede the neutrality with which He "teaches the way of God". Their own thinking and acting revolve around power, influence and recognition.
Jesus is indeed the truth; and He teaches the truth as none other can!

Today's reading: Obadiah vv. 12-21 · Proverbs 26:1-9