Matthew·Chapter 22

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on your own questions—what's been weighing on your mind? Maybe it’s something about your life, your beliefs, or your relationships. Write it down and then seek out answers. This could mean having a conversation with someone you trust, reading a book, or even spending some quiet time in reflection. Just like the lawyer, don’t shy away from tough questions; lean into them. You might be surprised by the wisdom you uncover when you actively seek it out.

Chapter Context

This moment is a pivotal point in a larger narrative. Leading up to this, Jesus had been teaching and challenging the religious leaders with profound insights that rattled their established beliefs. They were frustrated and threatened by his growing influence. This lawyer's question is part of their collective effort to undermine Jesus and regain control. It’s like a chess match, and with this question, they’re trying to checkmate him. What happens next? Jesus responds with wisdom that not only answers the question but also flips the script, leaving the lawyer—and others—astonished. It sets the stage for deeper revelations about love and the essence of the law.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• and - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• one - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• of - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• them - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lawyer - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• question - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• test - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• him - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What question are you currently wrestling with that feels challenging, and how can you approach it with curiosity instead of frustration?

Related Verses

• Mark 12:28 - Another instance where a religious leader asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, showing the ongoing debate about the law.
• Luke 10:25 - A similar situation where a lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, highlighting the recurring theme of testing Jesus.
• Matthew 5:17 - Here, Jesus clarifies that he didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, connecting to the deeper meaning behind the lawyer’s question.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Matthew 22:35. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Divine Invitation, Rejecting God, Inclusivity of Grace, Righteousness Required, Civic Responsibility, Spiritual Blindness, Kingdom of Heaven

Key Verses

Matthew 22:2, Matthew 22:14, Matthew 22:21, Matthew 22:37-40, Matthew 22:29

Historical Context

Matthew 22 is set within the context of Jesus' final days in Jerusalem leading to His crucifixion. The chapter reflects the growing hostility from the religious leaders who feel threatened by Jesus’ authority and teaching. This section highlights the tension between Jesus’ message and the established religious norms of the day. The parables serve a dual purpose, both teaching the crowds about the nature of the Kingdom while also confronting the leaders with their failures. Understanding these dynamics helps to interpret the urgency and depth of Jesus' messages in this chapter.