Questioning Christ

 

    Heaven is a gloriously special thing that makes every person that enters a VIP.  It can be compared to a wedding, but that there are no plus ones, negotiations, or sneaking in.  God had invited his chosen people, but they rejected him, so he opened the doors to the Gentiles.  However, they still can only enter if they have their invitation and filled out the RSVP card before the day.

    Heaven is the home of God who knows all.  It is infallible and holy, so there is no room for sin.  That means that corruption will not find it's way in.  It will stay pure and full of worship.  No more distractions in our lives.  That is why many are invited, but only a few are chosen.

    It is hear and now that we need to prepare.  Only a few out of billions will be  allowed in all because people do not take this serious now.  They do not believe and they reject God foolishly.  The Pharisees wasted so much time and energy trying to trip Jesus up and find a reason to kill him.  They went with a loaded political question where there should be no right answer.

    Jesus sees the evil in hearts, yet he still loves each person.  That is astonishing.  When people questioned who he was, he always replied in love.  In this instance the question for him was about taxes.  Jesus knew he was being tested, but it was a good teaching moment too.  Pay what the government demands and pay to your tithe.  It is not a either or situation.  Give to God and the government what is theirs.

    The Sadducees were like the Pharisees, but they do not believe that Jesus ever resurrected.  They believe that we cease to exist at death.  They too gave Jesus a no win question about their sacred laws: widow marrying the brother.  They made it a bit dramatic where this so called widow married several brothers.  

    Jesus didn't skipping a beat he addressed their question and their unbelief in the eternal life.  He pointed out that they did not understand the scripture (laws) or God's power.  When we enter Heaven, we are not tied to marriage or any of the Earthly conventions.  It is a place of pure love, no favoritism or entitlement.  We will live our purest self.  

    This is when the Pharisees and Sadducees, natural religious enemies, came together.  They asked Jesus which is the greatest command.  As religious people, they had their opinion and if Jesus did not line up with their opinion, then they would have him.  However, Jesus pointed out loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind is the greatest and most important commandment.  Next, you should love your neighbor (everyone) as yourself.  He gave every person value in that comment.  All of God's commands depend on the value of love.

    This is when Jesus turned the table.  He questioned the Pharisees and Sadducees about what they thought of the Messiah.  This did trip them up.  The point weas not to make them look stupid.  It was for them to take a step back and look at the scripture in a different perspective.  .

    Jesus will test your heart, so that you can face yourself now instead of later when it could be late.  It is a good thing.  It is a gift, even if it is not a pleasant gift at the time.  It is done in love, so that we can learn how to love.  It is not ritual, it is a loving relationship that has to be understood.  God has to be viewed in the proper perspective and so does all people.  

Matthew 22