ACC ~ Matthew 22 v16

THEY SENT THEIR DISCIPLES

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: These same Pharisees, hoping to eliminate Christ, accordingly brought him not before the servants of God or truly religious men but before the secularized Herodians, the Gentiles. [1] Such was their plan, and such were the planners. But who had the power to take counsel against Christ, except the devil, the adversary of Christ?

The priests viewed themselves as patterns of the messianic hope. Yet if they went out alone, questioning Christ, no one would believe them. Everyone would know that the Pharisees were Christ’s enemy. He had already spoken to the question of whether it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar.

So they joined to their party the Herodians. The witness of enemies is always judged carefully, especially if it is true, since what is suspicious is judged doubly. The Pharisees did not wish to question Christ through the Herodians. But they had a common enemy, Christ. Both parties held Christ in great suspicion. Yet each, being suspect themselves, were afraid that they might not be able to indict Christ. An enemy in the open is far better than one hidden from view. For while the first may be feared, he is easily dealt with. The second, since he is unknown, may prevail. Therefore they sent him disciples, as if still less known and less suspect, so that they might deceive him easily and stealthily, or, if caught, they would at least embarrass themselves less. HOMILY 42. [2]

[1] In reality the partisans of King Herod were also Jews, but since the race of Herod is from Idumaea, the author thinks of his supporters as pagans as well.

[2] PG 56:866-67.

TEACHER, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE TRUE

INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW: They called him teacher, and truly he was. Yet they were only pretending that he was a teacher, one honored and praised. They pretended that he would simply open to them the ministry of his heart, as if they wanted to be his disciples. This is the first power of hypocrites, to simulate praise. They praise those whom they want to destroy. Their art is to incline human hearts toward simplicity of a kind confession through the delight of praise. They take small steps, a little at a time. HOMILY 42. [1]

[1] PG 56:867.

YOU TEACH THE WAY OF GOD TRUTHFULLY

SEVERUS: Jesus’ opponents expect that one of two outcomes must result for them from Jesus’ response. They think they can show clearly that Jesus was acting wrongly against the law of Moses or against the power of the Romans. “Indeed, if he responds that it is necessary for us to pay the tribute,” the Pharisees will necessarily slander him alongside those who obey the Romans, saying, “He is guiding us outside the law of Moses away from the service of God. He is leading us to a foreign power and a foreign race.” That is indeed why Luke says, “They could not catch him at fault in his teaching before the people.” [1] For it is publicly, that is to say, in the midst of the people, that they are questioning him, in order to set the people against him. And if he does not permit the tax to be paid, the Herodians will immediately lay their hands on him as on one who does not submit to the Roman authorities.

Observe what is the passion of hypocrisy, how it has hidden all the hostility and the homicidal thought of the Jews beneath flattery’s vile veil, and how those who hate involuntarily honor as they attempt to cause a death. Indeed, those who were saying, “We are the disciples of Moses, but we don’t know where that one is from” [2] call him “Master.” Those who were calling him a “deceiver” and “seducer” say, “We know that you are truthful.” Those who were doing their best to resist with jealousy and with ignorance, saying, “This man does not come from God, because he does not observe the Sabbath” and “he has a demon” [3] witness that he teaches the way of God in all truth. CATHEDRAL SERMONS, HOMILY 104. [4]

[1] Cf. Lk 20:26.

[2] Jn 9:28-29.

[3] Mt 12.

[4] PO 25:634-35.