What Jesus Did! 'This Is Why You're Wrong' — Matthew 22:23-29

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

That same day Jesus was approached by some Sadducees — religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother's name.' Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children, so his brother married the widow. But the second brother also died, and the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them. Last of all, the woman also died. So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her."

Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God."

— Matthew 22:23-29 NLT

Key Thought

Don't you just love the way Jesus brushes away this obtuse, convoluted argument with one sentence! "Nope, you're just wrong because you don't know God!"

Wow! Such authoritative force and such clear truth. In a world that doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, it's refreshing to hear someone say, "The emperor isn't wearing any clothes!" The Sadducees' learning, tradition, and political power are all swept away by the straightforward truth!

Just as Jesus always spoke the truth, so must we as his disciples, especially when others twist the Scriptures for evil purposes.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, give me the courage to simply and straightforwardly tell the truth and not look for political angles to soften the truth, even when it is being mocked. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 23:6-10
  • John 8:31-32
  • Matthew 5:33-37

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 22:23-29 NLT — This continued with all seven of them.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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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