A Civics Trap and a Tragic Departure
Matthew 22:15-22
1. Setting
• after three parables; the last is the wedding feast (22:1-14)
• escalating tension and exchanges with religious leaders; this account is followed by the attempt of the Sadducees
• escalating tension and exchanges with religious leaders; this account is followed by the attempt of the Sadducees
2. Plotting of Religious Leaders 15-17
• their objective
• shared opposition as a binding force
• effusive flattery
• trick question
• shared opposition as a binding force
• effusive flattery
• trick question
3. Perception of Jesus 18-21
• malice of opponents
• excoriating rebuke
• an ancient NIL question
• timeless principle regarding what is “due” to God
• excoriating rebuke
• an ancient NIL question
• timeless principle regarding what is “due” to God
4. Exit of Religious Leaders 22
• amazed but unchanged
• absence of submission
• absence of submission
5. So What?
• Because Jesus is the Lord of all who owns all, surrender completely to Him now.
• Pray for a tender heart: “Lord, make my heart willing, responsive, and easily governed by Your Word.” (Isaac Watts, commenting on Psalm 119:33-40)
• Pray for a tender heart: “Lord, make my heart willing, responsive, and easily governed by Your Word.” (Isaac Watts, commenting on Psalm 119:33-40)