This chapter has the wedding feast parable, and several encounters between Jesus and Israel’s (religious) leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, and even Herodians). They are all plotting against Him, trying to trap Him in His words, yet the repeatedly fail.
“Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away… ‘…have you not read what was said to you by God: “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.’ And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching… And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.” (v21-22,31b-33,46)
Have you ever listened to a debate where two ‘experts’ are asked questions on a topic, and given opportunities to reply from their own knowledge, perspective and world view? Have you ever seen a debate that was completely one-sided, where one expert trumps the other on every question? I wish I could have been a member of the crowd who overheard Jesus speak to these leaders, because I’m sure it was a one-sided ‘debate’ (really, it was completely one-sided, so it probably wasn’t a ‘debate’).
I very recently acquired a Bible trivia game. I thought to myself “I read my Bible, I stand a chance at this”. I then proceeded to skim some of the questions, and was instantly disappointed in my level of Bible knowledge – I could only correctly answer roughly one out of every six questions. Apparently I was overconfident in what I ‘knew’.
Jesus showed these leaders, and us, just how important it is to truly know God and His word. It’s easy to become mistaken when we make assumptions about our level and application of knowledge (like I did regarding the trivia game). Israel’s leaders were constantly rebuked by Jesus for their ‘expertise’ and ‘religiosity’, despite their apparent devotion to God. They were misled due to hard hearts and misapplied knowledge.
As important as it is to know God and His word, it’s also crucial to approach them with humility and curiosity. We need to cultivate these attitudes in order to benefit from righteousness, so it does not become self-righteousness (like Israel’s leaders had). I suggest we humbly seek God and His word daily, submitting our hearts to His teaching and guidance. God wants us to be in relationship with Him as we learn, not just accumulate large amounts of ‘trivia’, which can be easily misapplied without a foundational spiritual relationship.
Father God, our Sovereign, Wise King, we praise Your mighty and magnificent name. You have created us with understanding and the ability to learn. May we use those attributes humbly, to know You and Your word, and allow Your Spirit to grow righteous fruit in our hearts. May we submit to You with a correct attitude and heart, from this day forward, in the name of Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training