The Supreme Teacher

Read: Matthew 22

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: This chapter is clearly devoted to Jesus' teaching during His time in Jerusalem, but Matthew sets the teaching in the context of the ongoing tension between Jesus and the religious establishment of that day. After presenting the parable of the wedding banquet (in which Jesus again draws a picture of the conflict between the religious leaders and God's activity in/through Jesus), the Pharisees tried to trap Him with a "trick question" regarding the payment of taxes to Caesar. Jesus' answer left them amazed at Him. The Sadducees then attempt to trap Him with a question about the resurrection of the dead; Jesus' answer left the crowds astonished. An expert in the law tested Jesus with a question about the greatest commandment in the Law; Jesus' answer effectively summarized the Law and continues to guide His followers to this day. After this extensive questioning by His opponents, Jesus turns the tables on the Pharisees by asking them a question about the Messiah, but "no one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions" (Matthew 22.46). The conclusion to be drawn by the reader is clear: Jesus is the supreme interpreter of Scripture, and it is His interpretation that should be and must be followed.