September 29, 2010

WHAT WAS THE QUESTION?

Luke 20:19-40

Paula Veal
Wednesday's Devo

September 29, 2010

Wednesday's Devo

September 29, 2010

Central Truth

When you question God, He will answer . . . just maybe not in the way you expect.

Key Verse | Luke 20:26

And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent. (Luke 20:26)

Luke 20:19-40

Paying Taxes to Caesar

19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, 1 20:21 Greek and do not receive a face but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. 2 20:24 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” 25 He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection

27 There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, 28 and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man 3 20:28 Greek his brother must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”

34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons 4 20:36 Greek huioi; see Preface of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” 39 Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” 40 For they no longer dared to ask him any question.

Footnotes

[1] 20:21 Greek and do not receive a face
[2] 20:24 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer
[3] 20:28 Greek his brother
[4] 20:36 Greek huioi; see Preface

Dive Deeper | Luke 20:19-40

We all have questions for God. Whether you’ve been a believer for decades or a few weeks, or if you’re still trying to figure out if this “God thing” is worth your time, you’ve probably asked questions that seem to go unanswered. Questions are good. They are proof we want to know God more deeply. The danger comes when we use our questions to try to manipulate God into a box we can control and understand.

In this passage the leading religious leaders of the time thought they could trap Jesus by asking Him what they believed to be unanswerable questions. They didn’t actually want or even expect any answers. They simply wanted to prove themselves correct and further their own agenda. How did Jesus respond? He exposed their hearts and spoke with the wisdom and authority only God could have. He revealed that there was a deeper question at work in their souls—whether they truly believed that the God of the universe is who He says He is. They were expecting to silence Him, but instead, He left them speechless.

Sadly, I too often identify with these religious leaders in my dealings with God. I think I know what's right and that my plans are infallible. I come to God in a roundabout way, hoping I can "trick" Him into agreeing with me and proving my point. Has this ever worked for me? No. My "foolproof" plans have one major flaw . . . they were created by a fool. Whenever I question God, He always answers, but not necessarily in the ways I expect. He peels back layers of my unbelief and exposes the deeper issues so my heart can become more aligned with His.

God is not scared of our questions. Scripture is littered with people asking honest questions of God—from Job and David to Peter and the disciples. God is the ultimate authority and source of Truth. He can see into the deepest parts of your heart and longs to be The Answer. Will you let Him?

Discussion Questions

1. When have you tried to box God in with your questions?

2. Has God's response ever left you speechless?

3. What are the deep questions in your soul that you need to let the Truth of God answer?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In verse 20, who was with Jesus and what were they trying to do? What was Jesus able to do in verse 23?

2. Have you ever tried to trick others into doing what you wanted them to do? Have you ever tried to lie to God?

3. This week, no matter how hard it is, when you are praying to God, be honest with Him about what you are thinking and feeling.