But when the Pharisees heard that [Jesus] had silenced the Sadducees with his reply [about the resurrection], they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ...
—Matthew 22:34-35 NLT
We have a real sense of rivalry and pride playing into this situation. The Pharisees could gloat a moment at the Sadducees' inability to trip up Jesus. The Pharisees probably told themselves, "But we're better than they are. We study harder and follow God's law more closely than the Sadducees. We'll trip him up for sure!"
But when truth is not the goal, when pride, comfort, and recognition become paramount objectives, then motives get jumbled and truth ends up being forgotten. For those whose goal is simply defeating someone else rather than searching for the truth, the truth is seldom found.
To know the truth, we must seek after Jesus and learn about him and his will for us (John 14:6, 17:17).
Holy God, help me not become so blinded by someone I view as an opponent or antagonist that I forget my search for your truth. Please help me grow more determined to find and celebrate your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 22:34-35 NLT
Key Thought
We have a real sense of rivalry and pride playing into this situation. The Pharisees could gloat a moment at the Sadducees' inability to trip up Jesus. The Pharisees probably told themselves, "But we're better than they are. We study harder and follow God's law more closely than the Sadducees. We'll trip him up for sure!"
But when truth is not the goal, when pride, comfort, and recognition become paramount objectives, then motives get jumbled and truth ends up being forgotten. For those whose goal is simply defeating someone else rather than searching for the truth, the truth is seldom found.
To know the truth, we must seek after Jesus and learn about him and his will for us (John 14:6, 17:17).
Today's Prayer
Holy God, help me not become so blinded by someone I view as an opponent or antagonist that I forget my search for your truth. Please help me grow more determined to find and celebrate your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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