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

Friday, October 22, 2021

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

  • Psalm 2:1-3
  • Matthew 4:7
  • Matthew 26:1-5

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Illustration

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

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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