We are called to be street-smart Christians. As Jesus wisely advised, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This isn’t a suggestion, but a directive. Jesus intends for us to be the most perceptive, astute, and street-smart individuals in the world. If we fall short, it’s often because we haven’t been properly taught or haven’t fully grasped the lessons available to us.
Let’s delve into a crucial lesson in becoming Street Smart, directly from Jesus’ teachings. This lesson emerges from a calculated attempt to trap Jesus, orchestrated by the religious establishment (the Pharisees) and the political leaders (the Herodians). Their loaded question was, “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17). This was no mere inquiry; it was a trap designed to corner him. A ‘yes’ answer would alienate the Pharisees, guardians of Israel’s interests, who would accuse him of betraying their nation. A ‘no’ answer would incite the Herodians, supporters of Roman rule, to denounce him as a traitor to Rome, potentially leading to his execution. They believed they had placed him in an inescapable dilemma, a Catch-22. But did they? This pivotal event offers profound insights into the nature of evil, the tactics of Satan, the realities of our fallen world, and crucially, how we, as Christians, can navigate it all with the street smarts exemplified by Jesus. Pay close attention to these enduring lessons.
Evil Thrives in Discomfort
Evil cannot endure the presence of good, and it certainly cannot withstand the persistence of goodness. Its instinct is to dismantle and destroy any goodness it encounters. Why? Because goodness serves as a constant indictment of evil. It exposes evil for its true, ugly nature, and in doing so, it threatens evil’s very existence. The holiness of God inherently rejects anything unholy, which includes evil. Holiness and evil are fundamentally incompatible, and even if they could coexist, evil could not withstand the illuminating power of holiness. This is precisely why Jesus was so unsettling to the Pharisees and the Herodians. And this same truth might be why Jesus is unsettling to some today.
As Christians, we are essentially delivering a vital, if often unwelcome, message to the world: “You are on a path leading to death and destruction. Jesus is the singular way, the ultimate truth, and the source of true life. There is no other path to God the Father except through Him. Evil will relentlessly attempt to deceive you, but you must resist its allure. Succumbing to its lies will only lead to your ruin.”
Alt Text: In a scene depicting Jesus teaching, surrounded by Pharisees and Herodians, illustrating the biblical narrative where they question him about paying taxes to Caesar, highlighting the core theme of street-smart wisdom in challenging situations.
Evil’s Hatred Unites the Unlikely
Consider Matthew 22:15-16. This passage highlights the astonishing alliance between the Pharisees and the Herodians, united solely in their objective to ensnare Jesus. These two groups were ideologically and allegiancely poles apart. The Pharisees represented the religious orthodoxy of their time, advocating for strict separation from Roman influence. The Herodians, conversely, were a political faction deeply invested in maintaining Roman rule. Normally, these groups would have no interaction; they didn’t socialize, cooperate, or even communicate. They held each other in contempt. Yet, they found common ground, a singular point of unity – their opposition to Jesus.
The world is rarely unified, fragmented by countless divisions and conflicts. However, a startling point of consensus often emerges: a shared animosity towards those who follow Christ. Have you ever observed this phenomenon? It’s a crucial insight for street-smart Christians. Do not be surprised when you become a target simply because of your faith. A street-smart Christian understands that while the forces of evil may be internally fractured and hostile to each other, their collective hatred for us and everything we represent is a powerful, unifying force.
Evil Operates with Calculated Deception
While excessive conspiracy theorizing can be unproductive, a street-smart Christian recognizes that evil is not random or chaotic; it is meticulously planned. Satan, along with his legions, is a master strategist. Evil doesn’t just happen; it is orchestrated.
A street-smart Christian understands the deliberate nature of evil. Consider societal issues: drug abuse isn’t merely recreational experimentation at a party. Prostitution is not simply about consensual adults making personal choices. These are often symptoms of deeper, organized evil at work. Recognizing this pre-meditated aspect of evil is crucial for Christians striving to live wisely and protect themselves and others from its snares.
Alt Text: A visual representation of individuals offering flattering words and money, symbolizing the deceptive tactic of flattery used as a tool of manipulation and temptation, as discussed in the context of street-smart Christian living.
Evil’s Motives Are Always Self-Serving
Examine Matthew 22:16 and the deceptive approach the leaders used when confronting Jesus. They initiated their interrogation with insincere flattery, attempting to disarm him and lower his defenses. Flattery is one of the most potent and insidious weapons in the enemy’s arsenal.
There’s a valuable lesson here for every street-smart Christian. Be wary when you are showered with excessive praise or compliments, especially when it’s sudden or feels undeserved. When people begin to excessively praise your talents, appearance, or intellect, be alert for the hidden agenda. Often, flattery is a precursor to manipulation. There’s usually a “kicker” – an ulterior motive lurking beneath the surface. This is a common tactic of evil, to inflate your ego and make you vulnerable to their true intentions.
Evil’s Persistence is Relentless
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and Herodians’ question was not just insightful; it was utterly brilliant. The scripture records that “when they heard [it], they were amazed. So they left him and went away” (verse 22). Superficially, it seemed like Jesus had delivered a decisive blow, silencing his opposition and winning the day. However, this was far from a permanent victory. Later in Matthew, we see the grim continuation of the narrative: Judas, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, tragically betrayed him, setting in motion the events leading to his crucifixion.
This illustrates a critical point about evil’s nature: it is relentlessly persistent. Think of horror movie tropes where a seemingly defeated monster suddenly revives to unleash more terror. This mirrors evil’s modus operandi. Evil, both in the world and within our own hearts, often appears to retreat or play dead, only to resurface when we least expect it, launching a renewed attack from a blind spot. A street-smart Christian remains vigilant, remembering that evil’s defeat is rarely final in this earthly realm and requires constant vigilance.
Evil’s Ultimate Defeat is Assured
Despite its cunning, deceitfulness, and remarkable resilience, evil is not invincible. It will ultimately face absolute and irreversible defeat. Evil will be vanquished, never to rise again. God has unequivocally declared this truth: “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41).
God’s victory is certain. Evil possesses no inherent power; it is parasitic, surviving only by attempting to drain life and goodness from light and love. Evil’s very existence is contingent upon the existence of good, ultimately, the ultimate Good. However, this parasitic existence is finite. There will come a day when God will eradicate evil forever. As street-smart Christians, our most critical decision is to ensure we are not aligned with the losing side. A street-smart Christian discerns the critical difference between good and evil and makes the unequivocal choice for good.
Time to Reflect
Reflect on Proverbs 2 and 2 Peter 2.
Are you conscious of the influences of evil in your life? Can you specifically identify anything or anyone attempting to lead you away from truth and righteousness? Conduct an honest self-assessment of your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. Then, surrender everything to God, who is sovereign, loves you unconditionally, and has enveloped you in His grace.
