MATTHEW 22

JESUS TEACHES IN PARABLES + SHARES THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMAND 

While attending a wedding feast, Jesus shares a parable, explaining reasons someone might turn down an invitation to a great banquet, including caring for land, animals, and family. All of these things, although blessings from God, can be distractions. When the poor and needy are invited to the great banquet, they gladly accept. Jesus uses this parable to express that those who are in the greatest need rely on God with the greatest faith. Those who are affluent have financial and emotional support that can distract from their dependance on God. Jesus explains that many are called, but few accept the invitation.

Jesus is approached by a group of religious leaders who want to trap Him with a difficult question. They ask Jesus if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, the leader of the Roman empire that was oppressing the Jewish people. Jesus asks to see a coin and asks them whose name was inscribed on the coin. They responded that Caesar is the one who is named on the coin. Jesus teaches them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God the things that are God’s. Jesus teaches that submission to laws does not endorse the morality of the nation’s leadership.

Jesus shares the most important commandment: loving the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Jesus explains that the second most important command is loving your neighbor as yourself. Referencing Psalm 110:1, Jesus clears up the confusion regarding his relation to David. Jesus is a direct descendant of David, who David himself called Lord.