Matthew 22 - 11.28.25

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-45

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”

“The son of David,” they replied.

43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,

44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.”’

45 If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions

Observation:

The Pharisees and the Sadducees had questioned Jesus trying to trick Him.  They were amazed and astonished at His wise answers.  The next question came from someone who was an expert in the law.  He asked Him what is the greatest commandment.  Jesus didn’t have to think about it.  He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind.”  He then gave them a bonus, the second greatest commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  All the law and teaching of the prophets hang on these two.

Loving God and others are the key to walking with God.  If we do this following the rest will fall into place.

Jesus then turned the tables, He asked them a question and when they answered He proved their answer wrong, it stopped them from asking any more questions.

Application:

It is ok to ask God questions.  He says to seek Him.  However, the questions in this passage were not coming from open hearts seeking knowledge.  Jesus answered their questions anyway, teaching them incredible truths.  I want to make sure God is first in my life and I love Him with all my heart, soul and mind.  I want to be open, like He was to answer questions and share God’s truth even if the questions are asked with trickery in mind.  Loving Him and my neighbor as He described will grow me in relationship with Him.  Then, I can answer in ways that amaze people because I am not relying on my insight, but allowing God to flow through me.

Prayer:

Lord, 

Thank you for your love and compassion.  May I strive to love you with all I am.  Please give me patience when a question being asked is to get things off track, complain, or trick.  May your strength fill me to answer as you would with a heart to teach and share truth.  You are so good.  May your goodness flow through me to others.

Amen

- Cindy Howard