In this podcast, we continue our study of the book of Matthew, focusing on chapter 22. We delve into the parable of the wedding feast, where the guests he invited reject a man’s wedding feast for his son. This parable highlights two key themes: the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders who should have recognized him and the idea that some invited to the feast do not take it seriously, showing up without the proper attire. We are reminded that God extends his invitation to everyone, but not all who attend are truly there to honor and worship Him.
Next, we tackle the topic of taxes, which has been controversial for centuries. The Pharisees and Sadducees, leaders in Jerusalem, attempt to trap Jesus with a tax question. He responds wisely, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s,” effectively bypassing their trap. His response encourages us to differentiate between the business of government and the company of God, highlighting that we are citizens of both our earthly nations and the Kingdom of Heaven.
The conversation then shifts as the Sadducees, who only believe in the first five books of the Bible and reject the concept of an afterlife, question Jesus. They present a hypothetical situation about a woman marrying seven brothers in succession, asking whose wife she would be in the afterlife. Jesus responds by stating that in heaven, people will not be married or given in marriage. He uses this opportunity to affirm the existence of an afterlife and even points out that the Sadducees are not taking scripture seriously.
Finally, we discuss The Great Commandments. Jesus is asked to identify the greatest commandment, and he responds with two: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These commandments encapsulate all of the laws and teachings in the Bible. They remind us to prioritize our love for God and others and to treat each person as our neighbor.
