Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
The Pharisees and Sadducees have no interest in listening to Jesus, in learning more about Jesus. They want to trick Him, trap Him, expose Him as a fraud. Clearly, that isn’t going to work, but in this chapter, we see a really focused effort on the part of both groups.
Matthew 22:23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
Commentary says that verse 46 shows the shift in tactics on the part of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Trying to trick Him failed repeatedly. “Now His enemies would use treachery and violence instead.” We know how this will end.
Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.
Lord, My heart hurts as I read these words because I know what’s coming. I also know that this spirit of distrust and trickery, this spirit of using violence to claim victory, is still employed today. Help us to love You first and foremost and to love each other as ourselves. Help us to listen to each other. Draw us closer. Amen.
Matthew 22:46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Have a blessed day.