NOVEMBER 9 – Reading 313

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | November 9

“THREE LOADED QUESTIONS”
(Matthew 22:23 – 23:36; Mark 12:18-40; Luke 20:27-47)

“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, ‘What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?’ They said to Him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls Him Lord…?’” — Matthew 22:41–43 (ESV)

When unbelievers find out that I am a pastor, I am often asked questions that are intended to disprove Christianity.  The goal is seldom to acquire understanding, but rather to affirm their unbelief. In our reading today, we see that this is not a new pattern.  

In one remarkable day, Jesus faced three questions designed not to discover truth but to destroy His credibility. The religious elite — the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians — were not seeking understanding; they were seeking ammunition. Each question was crafted to trap Him: one political, one theological, one personal. Yet Jesus answered each with divine wisdom that revealed not only their hypocrisy but His identity as both Son of Man and Son of God.

When we are questioned in this manner, we too need divine wisdom not only to answer their questions but to challenge their own ideology that excludes Jesus.  As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, who will give us the words to speak. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and be ready to give an account for why we believe.

The World Still Questions Jesus

1. The Question of Allegiance – “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” (vv. 15–22)

The Herodians tried to force Jesus into a political corner. If He said “yes,” He’d alienate the Jews; if “no,” He’d be accused of rebellion. But Jesus, holding a Roman coin, replied, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

• • Insight: The world still tests our loyalty — will we live for earthly approval or eternal allegiance?

2. The Question of Afterlife – “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” (vv. 23–33)

The Sadducees, who didn’t even believe in resurrection, mocked the idea with an absurd scenario. Jesus exposed their ignorance, saying, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

• • Insight: Many modern skeptics still challenge Scripture, not to seek truth but to justify disbelief.

3. The Question of Authority – “Which is the greatest commandment?” (vv. 34–40)

The Pharisees thought they could test His theology. Jesus summarized all the Law and Prophets in one answer: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.

• • Insight: True religion isn’t ritual; it’s relational — grounded in love.

Climax – Jesus Turns the Question Around (vv. 41–46)

Finally, Jesus asked them a question: “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?”

They answered correctly, “The son of David.”

But Jesus pressed further: “Then how does David call Him ‘Lord’?” quoting Psalm 110:1 — “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand…”

Here lies the mystery of the Incarnation:

• As Son of David, Jesus is fully human — the rightful heir to the throne.
• As Son of God, He is eternal, exalted, and divine.

No one could answer Him, because the answer required revelation — that God Himself had come in human form.

New Testament Connection

Philippians 2:6–11 echoes this truth:

“Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped… but humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross.”

The Son of Man became the sacrifice only the Son of God could make.

Application – Three Questions for You

1. Are you living for God’s Kingdom or Caesar’s?
2. Do you believe in the resurrection and power of God?
3. Will you let Jesus be both Lord and Son — Savior and Sovereign — in your life?

The world still asks questions to disprove Him. But faith isn’t built on winning debates; it’s built on knowing the Truth — and the Truth has a name: Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. Which of the three questions do you struggle with most — allegiance, afterlife, or authority?
2. How does seeing Jesus as both human and divine strengthen your faith?
3. What question could you turn back to your unbelieving friends to lead them toward truth?

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when the world questions You, help me to stand firm in truth and love. Thank You for revealing Yourself as both the Son of Man who understands me and the Son of God who saves me. Give me wisdom to answer with grace and courage to live with conviction. Amen.