“Okay, Pastor, why do all of these churches construct such large, ornate buildings instead of using that money to feed the poor?” The question came from an angry atheist on a radio show. I was asked by the host to come on and “debate him.”
I get a lot of questions from people, which I love! People who genuinely ask questions are in learning and seeking mode. But some ask questions as a trap to make a point. And it’s important to note that those questions don’t just come from the unchurched or the unbelieving.
Many religious people do the same thing to prove their point, demonstrate their knowledge, or even to embarrass someone else, trying to prove their intellectual superiority.
That’s what happened to Jesus on Tuesday of that first Passion Week. Religious leaders came to Him asking four different questions, all of which Jesus answered in short order.
First, “who gives you the authority to do what you do?” This was a question of credibility. They didn’t ordain Jesus, thus recognizing him as an official teacher, so who did? Take a look at how Jesus answered it here.
Second, “should we pay taxes to the Romans?” This was a divide and conquer question. However, Jesus would answer it; he would have to take sides, which he didn’t. This is how he responded.
Third, “will people be married in heaven?” Sounds silly, right? Because the sect of the Sadducees didn’t believe in a bodily resurrection, they thought they had backed Jesus into a corner, of course, they didn’t. Interesting that they didn’t believe in bodily resurrection, considering what would happen in the next five days! Here’s what Jesus said in response.
Finally, “which is the most important commandment?” This would be the end of Jesus because now he would have to pick which of the 613 commandments was most important. This, of course, would put him in violation of mosaic law, or so they thought. One expert emerges to ask Jesus this question, but Jesus stumps him here.
What’s the lesson for us this Tuesday? Our faith is not a blind leap. Jesus can answer any question you have and stand up to your scrutiny. I’m a follower of Christ because it makes sense. After all, every other religion is about people getting better to get to God.
Jesus invites us to come as we are, and he promises to make us better.
Got questions? Keep asking. You might just find the answer you WEREN’T looking for!
