Baiting is not only a step in fishing, but is also trickery, normally with the intent of prejudice and conviction, legal or illegal.  The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were no exception, baiting.

“When Jesus left the field, He entered their meeting place.  There was a man there with a crippled hand.  They said to Jesus, “Is it legal to heal on the Sabbath?” They were baiting Him.”  This was not His first encounter with them, replying, “Is there a person here who, finding one of your lambs fallen into a ravine, wouldn’t, even though it was a Sabbath, pull it out?  Surely kindness to people is as legal as kindness to animals!”  Then He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.”  He held it out and it was healed.  The Pharisees walked out furious, sputtering about how they were going to ruin Jesus;” more precisely, kill Him. 

Father, thank You for the purity of Your love, with no pretenses, no shadows, no untruths, but eternal, engaging purposefully unto reconciliation and good.  Forgive our trespasses against Your very love and Son, even us baiting you.  Grant us Your very strength and courage to commit our all to You, through Him.

“Jesus, knowing they were out to get Him, moved on.  A lot of people followed Him, and He healed them — all.” No baiting. 

Matthew 12:9-15, Jeremiah 29:11, James 1:17, Matthew 6:12, Psalm 37:5 MSG/CSB