Matthew 22: 15-33
Jesus had become a problem to the various religious groups who debated with each other for the minds of Judah. They believed that they knew the correct way to Yahweh however, and the differences among them paled in the light of the rabbi from Galilee. He, Jesus, was creating too much distraction; Rome might notice and remove their right to worship; besides he seemed to be saying that he was God’s chosen, blasphemy. Their big problem was the ignorant masses; they liked him. So they plotted to entrap him by asking questions.
First up, the Herodians. After several syrupy deferential comments they asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” Designed to get Jesus in trouble with either the crowds or the government, this either-or question seemed to leave no way out. Later the Sadducees came asking the impossible if you believe in the resurrection which they did not. A woman according to the law was married to seven brothers. (Each brother died childless so the woman became wife of next brother in line.) After describing this ‘what if’ situation they asked, “In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.”
Jesus had become a problem to the various religious groups who debated with each other for the minds of Judah. They believed that they knew the correct way to Yahweh however, and the differences among them paled in the light of the rabbi from Galilee. He, Jesus, was creating too much distraction; Rome might notice and remove their right to worship; besides he seemed to be saying that he was God’s chosen, blasphemy. Their big problem was the ignorant masses; they liked him. So they plotted to entrap him by asking questions.
First up, the Herodians. After several syrupy deferential comments they asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” Designed to get Jesus in trouble with either the crowds or the government, this either-or question seemed to leave no way out. Later the Sadducees came asking the impossible if you believe in the resurrection which they did not. A woman according to the law was married to seven brothers. (Each brother died childless so the woman became wife of next brother in line.) After describing this ‘what if’ situation they asked, “In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.”
Using carefully crafted questions to win an argument is a common debating technique. When and where have you seen or used this method? What do you think of it? How does it make you feel? What do learn about the one who questions this way?
The writer of Matthew makes it clear that Jesus is not fooled. He knows the motives of his antagonists and he is clever enough to avoid their traps. Looking at a coin Jesus comments in phrase often quoted, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” To the Sadducees he replies that they are wrong for they know neither power of God nor the scriptures. The resurrection will be a new age, an age without dying and marrying. In addition the God Moses heard in the burning bush is the God of the living. So God is alive and so are we.
Are you pleased Jesus escaped the traps? Do you admire his mental acumen? How do feel about asking him questions?
Jesus you sidestepped those who opposed you, yet I too wonder about paradoxical questions. Are there questions you will not answer? Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
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