Jesus treated their question as harmless and sincere

Jesus asked why they were trying to trap him

Answer with honesty, even if it costs you face

Hide your real aim behind religious words

Use the conversation to trap the other person first

Stay vague so no one can notice your real motive

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, you see through every mask and every hidden motive in me. I admit that I have sinned and cannot save myself. I turn from my sin and from pretending to be right. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I ask you to make me new and lead me in truth. Amen.

See Me as I Am

Lord, revive your Church where we have learned the language of faith but kept mixed motives. Make us clean, honest, and fearless in truth. Give us wisdom to recognize deception, and humility to refuse it ourselves, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your Church in Sincerity

Pray by naming one place where you may be performing, defending yourself, or trying to control the outcome. Ask God to reveal what is hidden, to free you from mixed motives, and to give you a simple truthful response.

Search My Motives

Father, I confess that I have sometimes hidden behind good words while wanting my own way. Forgive me for every mixed motive, every act of performance, and every attempt to control others. Purify my heart and teach me to speak truthfully, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Cleanse What Is Hidden

Pray for people who are being manipulated, flattered, or set up with deceptive words; ask God to protect them, expose the trap, and give them clear sight and courage to respond wisely.

For Those Caught in Manipulation

Thank God that Jesus sees through hidden evil intentions and does not mistake appearances for truth. Thank him for his direct words, his discernment, and his mercy that calls pretenders back to sincerity.

Thank You for Jesus' Clear Sight

γνοὺς{GNOOS###GNOOS###having known} δὲ{DE###DEH###But} ὁ{ho###hoh###(the)} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus} τὴν{TEEN###TEEN###the} πονηρίαν{po-nee-RI-an###poh-nee-RI-ahn###malice of} αὐτῶν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###them} εἶπεν·{EE-pen###EE-pehn###(He) said} Τί{TEE###TEE###Why} με{me###meh###me} πειράζετε,{pee-RA-ze-te###pee-RAH-zeh-teh###do you test} ὑποκριταί;{hee-po-kree-TE###hee-poh-kree-TEH###hypocrites}

Matthew 22 : 18 - Discernment, Judgment, Hypocrisy

But Jesus , having known their wickedness , said, “Why do you test Me, hypocrites?”

ὁ

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In context — Matthew 22:18

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