Matthew 22:15-33
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
23 The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother. 26 So too the second and third, down to the seventh. 27 After them all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”
29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘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.” 33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.
Reflection
The Jewish leaders attempt to trap Jesus in his words (Matt. 22:15), asking him to comment on two controversial issues. The first is a political issue that they hope will force him to publically choose between Rome and Israel (vv. 16–17). Both options will produce deadly enemies. The second question attempts to prove that Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection will result in some women being married to multiple men when they rise from the dead (vv. 23–28), a situation that would be ethically unacceptable in Jewish culture.
Jesus is masterful in his responses, providing insights on both the present nonpolitical nature of his kingdom (vv. 18–21) and the nature of resurrection and marriage in the afterlife (vv. 29–32). In both instances, Jesus leaves his hearers amazed (vv. 22, 33). What else would we expect from the One “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3)?
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
4: This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Reflection
Paul continues to demonstrate an alternative to the Corinthian attitude, which is focused on human strength and wisdom. Paul’s own ministry has modeled a Christ-centered perspective that seeks God’s evaluation rather than the evaluation of other people (1 Cor. 4:3–5). We should be less concerned about human praise or criticism than about faithfulness to the Lord who has bought us and made us his servants (vv. 1–5).
Psalm 147:5
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
The one we serve is wise beyond all the wicked schemes and plots of those who attempt to defy him. Place your confidence in his ability to navigate you through what seems impossible from a limited human perspective.