© 2014 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Jesus is God who knows all things (John 21:17). Why, then, did He ask so many questions? Even a casual study of Scripture reveals that He asked them to instruct our hearts!

The wicked have a different motive. Matthew’s gospel records a wicked question presented to Jesus. “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:15-17).

Notice the motive of these wicked men. The religious Pharisees hated Jesus. They feared that if people listened to Him, their own political influence would diminish. Therefore they sought an alliance with Herodians who were normally their enemies. Why? They wanted to “entangle Him in his talk.” They decided to ask Him a clever question regarding controversial taxes which would discredit Him regardless of how He answered. Jews hated the Roman system which imposed heavy taxes. The Roman system had stiff penalties for those who opposed taxes. The wicked Pharisees sought to alienate at least one of these groups from Jesus in order to safeguard their own political influence. What a clever question they had asked!

Jesus’ response was very emphatic. Scripture records, “But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?” (Matthew 22:18). Those that ask questions designed to rebel or incite rebellion against God are wicked. They are following the acts of their father, the Devil, who asked one of the first such questions when he asked Eve, “Hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1). The sin that resulted is still with us today as every man and woman born enters life as an enemy of God. Only Jesus Christ who is God the Son can deliver you from such wickedness based on the sacrificial redemption price He paid with His own blood on the cross of Calvary.

When you ask questions, do you ask them from an honest and repentant heart as you seek His forgiveness? Or are you like the Pharisees who used wicked and deceitful questions to reject and oppose Him?

 

You may leave comments for Tom & Kathy (website administrators) below.