Book of Matthew - Lesson 30
(Read Matthew 22:1-46)
Introduction: In Matthew chapter 22 we find Jesus teaching by parable - the kingdom of
heaven being like a king inviting people to a "wedding" for his son and they all
"would not come." some made light of it. This would seem to be pointed at the
Jewish nation, who had received God's blessing, and repeatedly they rejected God's call to
mend their ways. As
He sent prophets to them, and finally had sent His Son. They were determined to do what
they wanted to do, rejecting His gestures to bring them back. So, finally they are
rejected and the invitation is extended to other people, the Gentiles, while their nation
was to be and was in fact destroyed in AD 70 (Vs. 1-10). Then he deals with one being at
the wedding dinner, but has no "wedding garment." He was cast out into outer
darkness. This indicates that even some that have accepted the invitation, but do not make
adequate preparation will ultimately be cast out, being unable to eat at the final supper
with the Lord (Cf. Rev. 19:6-9). Whether Jew or Gentiles, when one refuses the invitation
to come and receive salvation, he/she is lost; but
if one responds to the invitation, yet fails to cloth self in righteousness, they shall
ultimately be cast out into eternal punishment!
(Vs. 11-14). Many are called but few chosen, because they fail to respect the Lord's word
and apply the gospel in their lives (Gal. 1:6-9; 5:7). In verse 15 we are told that the
Pharisees took "counsel how they might entangle him" in what he said. However,
when anyone embarks on such a route, they are digging their own pit of destruction. They
inquire about
paying tribute to Caesar (Vs. 16-22). He teaches a valuable principle: "render"
unto "Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are
God's." There is the governmental realm and the spiritual realm. They were not really
interested in that principle: They wanted to trap Jesus! They failed! Vs. 23-33 The
Sadducees try their hand at stumping Him relative to seven bothers having the same wife,
as one died the other would marry her, whose would she be in the resurrection? Neither -
in heaven marriage is not practiced! Vs 34-39 the subject of "which is the greatest
commandment? "was asked.
Answer: Love of God is first and love of neighbor is the second, on these all the law and
commandments hang! Vs. 40-46 Jesus turns the tables on the Pharisees, challenging them
about their view of the Christ: Whose son is he? Their answer: David's! If that is true,
and it is, then "How" does "David in spirit call him Lord?" as is
recorded in (Psalms 110:1)? No one was able, with their misconception of Him ruling in a
material kingdom, to "answer him a word, " so that ended their inquiry!
Questions:
1. What subjects are dealt with in this 22nd chapter of Matthew?
2. Did any of the people who "made light of" the invitation to attend the
marriage, fair well?
3. Why was the person "cast out" in "vs 11-14)?
4. How did the Pharisees try to trap or entangle Jesus in (vs. 15-22)?
5. What's the Sadducees' belief and what question did they ask (Vs. 23-30)?
6. How did Jesus show there is life after death (Vs. 31-33)?
7. Who asked about the "great commandment," with what motive (Vs. 34-40)?
8. What question did Jesus ask "the Pharisees" that they could not answer (Vs.
41-46)?
9. What was the basic fault in the Pharisees' concept of the Christ?
10. Do a lot of people have a misconception today concerning the reign/mission of Christ?