The Coolest Answers

I like to observe the way seasoned speakers talk and answer questions – their choice of words, techniques used and the way they deliver the message never fails to impress me. I can go on and on just savouring the honey that spills out of their mouth. For me, very few things are more attractive than skills with words.

One of the many reasons I admire Jesus, is his style of speaking. He was the most controversial figure of his times (as he still is today).

He was a revolutionist, a charismatic leader & a persuasive speaker.

He made very audacious claims about himself, which made opposers continually look for ways to bring him down before his chosen time. Yet, he skillfully answered questions with questions, and completely silenced and amazed them!

Let’s look at his answers when Jesus was confronted about paying taxes - Matthew 22:15-22. This is a situation where the Pharisees were trying trap and jail him.

There are a few things we can learn from the question and answers:

1) How people can try to trap us with words – “attack strategies”?
2) What to beware of – “defense strategies” ?
3) How to give the coolest answers and silence people – “counter-attack strategies”?

The Pharisees’ Question: “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Ceaser or not?”

How do people set the trap? It’s like an interesting game of chess.

Recognize the “attack” & “defense” strategies.

1) “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity…”
They knew who he was. They acknowledged his authority as “Teacher”, as well as his character.
Attack: Know the ‘enemy.’ Begin with sweet words of praise.
Defense: Do not feel proud of yourself when people acknowledge or praise you. Don’t get carried away and start talking. Think first: why are they esteeming you in the first place?

2) “…and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.”
They knew what he taught. They set the standard and the rule there.
Attack: Know what the ‘enemy’ knows. It’s like saying, “We know what you know. We know what your answer is supposed to be. If your answer is wrong, we know it too.”

Defense: Realize that your ‘enemy’ is equipped with the necessary points to ‘fight’ you.

3) “You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.”
They affirmed his firm character and fearlessness, which was true. Final seal before the question!
Attack: Lead a person to give a straightforward and honest opinion by making him believe that’s what he should answer – the answer that you want! Give him his own good name to live up to!
Defense: Recognize the words your ‘enemy’ can play with, to ‘lead’ you unwittingly into giving answers you didn’t plan to.

4) “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Ceaser or not?
Attack: After an ‘excellent’ introduction, finally pose the question! Corner the person into a “Yes” or “No” answer, just as lawyers do - like the final move to “checkmate.”
Defense: Think before you answer. Your choice of words and the way you phrase your answer determines whether you win or lose the game. If you’re smart, you can outwit them.

Point to note:
The Pharisees knew Jesus’ idea of the truth was pointing to himself as King. They were trying to grab the words out of his own mouth, and label him as a rebel. If he directly said, “It’s right to pay taxes to Ceaser,” they might have replied, “Then, you are NOT King and God as you claim to be!’’ But obviously, they didn’t expect Jesus to give such a simple answer.

They were waiting for him to say, “It’s wrong to pay taxes to Caeser!” If Jesus had said that, then these smart alecks would have been overjoyed to reply: “You are speaking against the Law of God which teaches us to submit to authority. You are anti-government - a rebel!”
They would have grabbed the chance to jail him!

But how did Jesus answer and silence them?

Jesus’ Answer: You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax. Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?

Jesus knew their intention. He exposed it.

“Counter-attack” strategies:

Technique 1: Know your ‘enemy’. Know his intention and expose it.

Technique 2: Be on the offense instead of defense. Command the ‘enemy’ instead of submitting to the question. In this case, Jesus asked for a coin, and the ‘enemy’ brought it (Notice: The enemy began the attack by asking a question, but then submitted to Jesus’ instruction to bring a coin. This puts Jesus on the lead.)

Technique 3: Answer by asking back questions. This puts you on the offense. Make the ‘enemy’ answer his own question. Jesus asked whose portrait & inscription was on the coin. They themselves answered “Caeser.”

Technique 4: Conclude based on the “enemy’s” own answer.

Jesus’ final answer: “Give to Caeser what is Caeser’s, and to God what is God’s.” (This is one of my favorite quotes in the whole Bible!)

What could they have possibly answered to that? Jesus didn’t say anything about himself. Neither did he say anything about Caeser. Instead, he acknowledged Caesar’s authority on earth without denying His own – totally in line with God’s law.

He SAID who he is WITHOUT saying it!

Verse 22 tells us that the Pharisees were amazed; they left him and went away!

Now, how cool is that?

Practical tips: Apply these strategies during interview or investigation sessions. Amazing results!

-JJ-