Read the Word:
Matthew 22:34-40
Meditate on the Word:
When two or more gospel writers cover the same event, we often gain more insight into the event than with just one perspective. In the instance of a scribe (or lawyer, as Matthew notes) asking Jesus the question of which command of the law is the greatest, Mark may have been more charitable with the scribe’s motive. Matthew presents him as having been sent by the Pharisees to “test” Jesus. His motive was apparently a continuation of the attempt to trap Jesus in His words. Matthew goes on to note, as Mark does, that “from that day, no one dared to question him anymore.” (v. 45)
Whatever the scribe’s motive was in approaching Jesus with the question, it is clear from Mark’s gospel that he recognized the truth in Jesus’ words and was complimentary toward the Lord’s response. This means that this scribe recognized the truth when he heard it. Based on Jesus’ response to him in Mark, it is entirely possible that this scribe came to believe, as did a large number of priests (Acts 6:7).
Pray the Word:
Pray for someone you know who is antagonistic to Jesus or the gospel. Pray that God will draw this person to Him and that they will recognize the truth when they hear it.
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