Primary Text: Matthew 22:15-46; Mark 12:38-40
Memory Verse: Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Introduction:
Can a man win an argument with God? Turning to Job in the Old Testament, we remember his assumed knowledge, but when God finally began to speak to Job, this sincere man of God found himself confronted with a plethora of questions unanswerable from any human perspective. From Job 38:1-41:34, God confronted Job’s pride and self-righteousness in two ways: (1) by asking questions about the ways of life for which Job had no knowledge; (2) by asking Job to perform those things that only God can by His infinite power. Job’s initial response to God is: “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40:4-5 NKJV)
Paraphrasing, Job essentially said, “It’s time for me to shut my mouth and listen.” When God confronts man, this is the only wisdom we can exercise! Job’s last response shows the new revelation and respect he has gained:
I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, “Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, “I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:2-6)
But the religious leaders thought they could trap Jesus?
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Discuss why the Pharisees and Herodians set aside their differences to band together that they might ensnare Jesus. Explain the wisdom of Jesus’ response to them. Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26
- What hypothetical situation did the Sadducees use to try to trap Jesus? Matthew 22:23-28; Mark 12:18-23; Luke 20:27-33
- How did Jesus unravel the Sadducees’ attempt? Matthew 22:29-33; Mark 12:24-27; Luke 20:24-40
- What leading question is posed to Jesus by a scribal lawyer, and why was it a dangerous question? Matthew 22:34-36; Mark 12:28
- Explain the profound wisdom of Jesus’ response to the lawyer. Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-30
- While Jesus partially commended the lawyer for his response to Jesus’ statement, (stating, “you are not far from the kingdom of God”), discuss why this lawyer wasn’t told he was “part” of God’s kingdom. Mark 12:31-34
- How did Jesus silence those who tried to ensnare Him with questions? Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44
- What condemning warning did Jesus give concerning the Jewish leadership? Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45- 47
Teacher’s Note: Jesus identified that David spoke by inspiration of the Holy Spirit when declaring Psalm 110:1, “The Lord said to my Lord…” The first word for Lord is Yahweh, God’s covenant name (I am that I am). The second word for Lord is a different word that the Jews used as a title for God. King David illustrated that Yahweh spoke to the Messiah, whom David calls his Lord. The point that Jesus was making is that David would never have called one of his descendants Lord, unless that descendent had transcendency (above mortal man). By this, Jesus identified His true Father as divine, and therefore, His own nature as possessing divine status. Jesus’ true identity is debated to this day.