The religious leaders ask Jesus three forceful questions, based on their own religious perspective. Jesus answers their questions and responds with another question. (Matthew 22:15-46)
Sermon Outline
“One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’” (Matthew 22:35-36)
Questions and Jesus
- The context of the questions: “the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words” (Matthew 22:15)
- Question 1: Pharisees – “should we pay the Roman poll tax?” (22:16-22)
- Question 2: Sadducees – “how does marriage work in the resurrection?” (22:23-33)
- Question 3: Pharisees – “which is the greatest commandment?” (22:34-40)
- Question 4: Jesus – “whose son is the Messiah?” (22:41-45)
- The end of the questions: “from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions” (22:46)
Which is the Greatest Commandment? (22:34-40)
- The nature of the question
- This was a common question
- Other answers given
- Jesus’ response
- The centrality of love (not just certain activities)
- Drawn from the Torah (not elsewhere)
- Summarizing two tables of the Decalogue (relationship to God and others)
- The uniqueness of Jesus’ answer (no clear parallels)
- Responding to Jesus’ teaching on the Greatest Commandment
Whose Son is the Messiah? (22:41-45)
- The question Jesus brings
- The context of Psalm 110 (echoes in the book of Hebrews)
- The typical answer that Jesus sets aside
- The redefining of the Messiah in Jesus
- Responding to the identity of Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is one of the most important events that has shaped who you are as a person? What happened and why is it so important?
- As we continue our series “Scandalous Jesus,” we will look at two exchanges Jesus has with religious leaders in Matthew 22:34-46. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read that passage aloud.
- This passage takes place in a broader context of Jesus begin questioned by others. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with that broader context and the 4 questions of Matthew 22:15-46. In each question, what is the topic and who is asking who about it?
- The first portion we are looking at today is a very memorable teaching by Jesus. What is Jesus being asked in verses 35-36. Why do you think this is important?
- Jesus’ response brings two portions of Scripture together: Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. Read those portions of Scripture, including some verses on either side of them.
- How would you summarize Jesus’ answer to this question if you could only use a few words?
- What do you think it looks like to live out Jesus’ response?
- The second portion of Scripture focuses on Jesus asking a question of the Pharisees. What is his question in 21:42?
- This dialogue is based out of Psalm 110, which is a royal psalm for the king. Read that psalm aloud. What stands out to you about it?
- What do you think Jesus is trying to do by raising this question? What is His point?
- What is one thing God is revealing to you about Jesus through this study on the three parables? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 22:37-40
- Dig deeper into this theme of love for God and love for others by reading 1 Corinthians 13 or 1 John (the entire book). What do these portions of Scripture tell you about God’s love and the calling to love others?
- Read Psalm 110 or the epistle of Hebrews to more deeply understand how Jesus comes as the answer to all Israel’s messianic longings.
- Consider reading Scot McKnight’s book The Jesus Creed for a deeper dive into Jesus’ distinctive teaching on the greatest commandment.