Matthew 22

Reading for February 5

Jesus teaches several lessons in the chapter. It seems like the Pharisees are trying very hard to trip Him up, but each time Jesus has the perfect response. I think there is a lot we can learn from Jesus in how to combat antagonist who want to challenge our beliefs or disprove the gospel.

 

First and most importantly we need to know our scriptures. If you don’t know what the bible says it’s very hard to convince someone of what it says or you might actually be mistaken yourself. “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (22:29).

 

Another tactic Jesus uses when someone asks him a question is to respond with his own question. This puts you in better control of the conversation. The Pharisees ask, “Tell us then… is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” – Jesus asks for a coin then poses this question.  “Whose portrait is this?” (22:17 & 20).  He gets the response he wants and so they walk away amazed. We have to remember to speak all of this in love and with compassion, especially to those who are earnestly seeking the truth.

Jesus responds to the Sadducees about marriage, and to the Pharisees about the Greatest Commandment. Here Jesus is quoting Deut. 6:5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” If you look at the Ten Commandments you will see that they are divided into these two categories. The first four are about loving God and the next 6 are how to treat your neighbor (and parents). We see that relationships are important to God, first with Him and then with others. You can’t love God and fail to love your neighbor. You can’t love your neighbor and fail to love God. The two go hand in hand.

I invite you to add your comments.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy