Read Matthew 22.
The questions kept coming. Each major group took their turn in attempts
to entrap Jesus. If they could catch Him in some inflammatory statement,
then they could justify getting rid of Jesus. However, every such attempt
not only failed but frustrated their rejections even more. Notice the hot
topics with which they confronted Him.
1. Politics. (vv.15-22)
Here is a strange alignment of Pharisees, who were the ruling group of the
Temple, with the Herodians, who held strict allegiance to Rome. They were
at tense odds with each other over the governing of Israel. Yet, they
came together on this occasion. The question seems to reveal that the
Pharisees wanted to use the Herodians and the power of Rome to deal with Jesus.
The answer concerning taxes was direct and clear. It should have pleased
both parties. Jesus' not so subtle statement reminded them that God owns
it all.
2. Theology. (vv.23-33)
If they could not start an argument over politics, perhaps they would be
successful debating religion. The Sadducees were the liberals, who did
not believe all that the Scriptures taught. Ezekiel 1 and Isaiah 6 gave
glimpses of what heaven will be like. But these liberals had their own
views of eternity that did not include the teaching of resurrection of the
dead. The silly question was intended to make sport of God's word.
Jesus' response was terse. If they had known and believed the Scriptures,
they would have never tried to insult God or embarrass themselves.
"You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the
power of God."
3. The Law. (vv.34-40)
Finally, upon seeing their rivals put down, the Pharisees put forth an expert
in the Old Testament to quiz Jesus. "Which is the greatest commandment?"
That question was meant to explode a debate because the Pharisees had
added hundreds of their own rules to the Law of God.
Jesus answered by summarizing the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) in two
statements. Love God. Love your neighbor. Then, He said the
entire Old Testament "depend" upon those two commandments. It
was such a powerful response that in Mark's account the lawyer appeared ready
to place his faith in Jesus (Mark 12:32-34).
The example of Jesus is good one for every one of His followers. We need
not succumb to the trap of the legalists who have added to the word of God.
We need not give in to the liberals who ignore the Scriptures to pursue
their own views and to be culturally acceptable. We need to know,
believe, and put into practice the whole counsel of the Scriptures.
''But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to
make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
yet do it with gentleness and respect."
(1 Peter 3:15)
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