Year 9, Day 196: Matthew 22

Theological Commentary: Click Here

The wedding feast is a haunting story if I’ve ever heard of one.  The king – the single greatest authority in the land -prepares a feast.  Yet, when the time comes, those under him can’t be bothered to attend because their lives are so busy or because they have a lack of interest.  I can’t imagine saying no to a king’s feast.  Jesus’ point, though, is that this happens all the time.  Every single person on the planet has been invited to a feast in the presence of God.  He wants to be in relationship with us.  Yet, how often do we all turn to God and indicate that we have better things to do, different plans than Him, or that we really can’t be bothered?  This is a haunting story because it exposes a characteristic in each of us – the faithful and the rebellious.  We are our own people and have our own ideals, dreams, and agenda.  Sometimes we clash with God when we should be focused on getting ready for the feast.

The next two stories – taxes and marriage – show the focus of the religious leaders.  They are trying to trap Jesus, and they go about it in a very worldly manner.  They ask Jesus about taxes.  Jesus responds by telling them that taxes are not something God is all that concerned about.  Let the world rule itself in worldly matters!  The Sadducees then come and want to talk about marriage, especially when it comes to producing heirs through remarriage.  Jesus brushes this question off as He did the one about taxes.  We are His bride, after all!  Which marriage is more important, one done in the world or one done in heaven?  Again, let the world rule over worldly matters and let the divine rule of the divine.

We then come to the greatest commandment.  Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  With whatever is left, love your neighbor.  Note that God doesn’t say anything great about pursuing our own dreams and looking out for number one.  Everyone can look out for themselves.  That’s just human nature.  It takes a divine perspective to be willing to put the other ahead of the self.

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