Today’s verse: Matthew 22:32
‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Scripture: Matthew 22:15-33
(Make sure to read the Scripture passage mentioned above before reading the blog)
The Pharisees plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. In today’s scripture, we see the government discuss questions on religion.
About paying tax (verse 15-22):
The Herodians are a small group that supported Herod the king. They gave importance to paying taxes to the Roman government. They had differences of opinion with the Pharisees in many places but when it came to tax they joined together (Luke 23:11,12). Their intentions were
- Wicked (verse 18) 2. Deceitful praise (verse 15) 3. To test Jesus (verse 18)
Every Christian is a citizen of His/Her country. Hence we are liable to pay the taxes to the government (Matthew 17:24-27). Those who evade it cannot be truly Christian.
About resurrection (verse 23-33):
The Sadducees who try to prove that there is no resurrection, angels, and spirits come to Jesus to question the religious code and conduct. We can understand this as they question what Moses mentioned (verse 24). Reading Bible with an intention to argue or to see through the human mindset (Jude 3,4) will lead us in the wrong direction. Since the Sadducees gave importance to their policies they were ignorant about the word of God (verse 29). They did not have the right understanding of faith-based experiences. We should try to understand our Christian experiences based on Bible.
Remember,
God’s word is not for argument. It is for life and living!
Dear God,
Help me to understand Your powerful word with the right understanding. Amen!