The Holy Spirit, through the writings of the Apostle Luke, narrates an event that I find quite enlightening in so many ways. The Lord Jesus had just told the parable of the householder who planted a vineyard and how his servants and beloved son were killed by the husbandmen to whom he had leased his vineyard. At such spiteful acts and utter rejection, the householder came and destroyed the husbandmen. He concluded the parable by telling his listeners, who were visibly jolted by the despicable behaviour of the husbandmen, that the stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner and whosoever falls on the stone will be broken, and upon whomsoever the stone falls, it shall grind him to powder.
Among his listeners were the chief priests and scribes, men of law and books, who could understand parables, especially one that glaringly illustrated their rejection and attempt to kill the beloved Son of God. For the people that stood there, those chief priests would have arrested him instantly. What sharp-pointed truths do to guilty hearts is the opposite of what they do to a sincere one.
Persuaded to accomplish their evil heart desire, and unable to do the dirty job themselves, the chief priests and scribes sent spies to the teaching gatherings of Jesus. These spies pretended to be just men, and while listening to Jesus, sought for anything amiss in his teachings so they could accuse him and deliver him to the authorities of the land for prosecution. If they could find something that contradicted the Roman rule, their next port of call would be the courts of Pontius Pilate; hence their questions, like the one on paying taxes to Caesar, were to have Jesus misspeak. Of course, their devices were disappointed as Jesus perceived their craftiness and gave an unassailable response.
The behaviour of these spies is in contrast with that of the people in Luke 19:48, for these last came and listened very attentively, attempting, if possible, to capture every syllable that dropped from the lips of the Lord Jesus.
As a teacher and leader, please know that there are people who will listen attentively to you and ask genuine questions because they want to learn more, grow and even expand your vision. However, also know that there will be spies disguised as just men who will frame questions to expose your flaws in knowledge, sow division in your group and seek to end your vision. Ultimately, they intend to destroy whatever idea you are selling.
Not everyone is a suspect, for suspicion stunts growth in any group. Leaders diffuse their traits to the group, not just in words, but in attitude. So, a suspicious leader would instil suspicion in the followers and eventually disband the group.
When a leader dabbles in every question and matter arising, without proper understanding of motives and the wisdom to refrain, he exposes himself to ridicule and loses his cutting edge. He becomes blunt, ineffective and loses the trust of his followers.
Jesus diagnosed the motives of these men, uncovered that they were spies disguised as just men, and gave an impeccable answer. A leader needs knowledge, but he also needs understanding and wisdom.
And finally, as a person, note that not everyone who comes around you is genuine. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing, spies disguised as just men and women.
