What Jesus Did! 'Seeking Truth' — Matthew 22:34-35

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

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

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Most Important!
Devo: Together in Christ
"But when the Pharisees heard that [Jesus] had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. One of them, an expert....."
The Center of God's Will
Article by Tom Norvell
Is this really a safe place? Tom Norvell reminds us that the safest place is in the center of God's will and that means loving God and loving people.
The Jesus Vibe: The Shear
Article by Phil Ware
Why would anyone want to live in a place with such strong currents? We are called to live in the strong currents where Jesus' Kingdom meets the world and those trapped by darkness, but we need to know there is both danger and richness.
A Tradition Like No Other
Article by Tom Norvell
Do we have a Master's tradition? Tom compares the Masters, a golf tournament that is a tradition like no other and suggests that we can follow Jesus as our Master, and use the love commands to be our tradition like no other and this will revolutionize our lives.
See All 14 Related Resources about Matthew 22:34-35

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 22:34-35 NLT — One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ...

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Job 8:11
"The rush is spongy and hollow, and even so is a hypocrite; there is no substance or stability in him. It is shaken to and fro in every wind just as..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Big Gifts in Small Beginnings'
"Dear Child of God, In the aftermath of your big Christmas celebrations, don't forget the words of My servant Zechariah, "Do not despise these small....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Simeon's Praise' (Lk. 2:28-32)
"Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: "God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

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.

More What Jesus Did!