Traps for the Troublemakers
In this morning’s text (Mark 12:13-34), Mark the gospel writer tells us about three questions Jesus was asked during a time of intense scrutiny and malicious maneuvering on the part of the Temple authorities. Since the text doesn’t tell us, we can’t know for sure how Jesus felt when the religious leaders of his day continued to try and trap him again and again with his own words, but it surely wasn’t a pleasant experience even for him.
We, however, are blessed to have a front-row seat as Jesus engages their questions but does so on his own terms. He knows the time of his self-sacrifice is drawing near, and he is in full control as he displays his wisdom and knowledge of God’s truth.
It reminds me of a time much earlier in Jesus’ life, when he was just 12 years old, and he was in Jerusalem for the Passover. The story is told in Luke 2:41-52 if you want all the details. But on that ocassion, we also find Jesus in the Temple listening to the teachers of the Law and discussing the things of God, and everyone was amazed at his insight and answers. Here, some twenty or more years later, the reaction is quite different. What a shame.
The boy was no threat to the religious power-brokers of Jesus’ day, but the man was. Or that’s how they saw it. In truth, Jesus was a threat but not to those who were humbly seeking life with God. And it’s the same today: for those whose hearts are sincerely seeking their place in the Father’s kingdom, Jesus is our hope, our salvation, and our righteousness. If we love him like he deserves and follow him like he teaches us to do, we will experience him as the greatest person we will ever know and come to love. May God give us all the grace we need to truly see Jesus for who he is.
Mark 12:13-34, Traps for the Troublemakers
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