“They sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth…’” — Matthew 22:16a, NASB
Tuesday of Holy Week was filled with intensity and confrontation.
Jesus had cleansed the temple the day before, and now He returned, facing a series of challenges from the religious leaders. The Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and Herodians tried to trap Him with questions about politics, theology, and the Law. But with every answer, Jesus silenced their schemes and exposed their hearts.
He taught with authority. He pointed to the kingdom of God. He warned against hypocrisy.
And He invited all to love the Lord their God with heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37).
Testing the Teacher
This was no friendly dialogue. It was a coordinated effort to discredit Jesus—to get Him to say something that would justify arrest, ridicule, or rejection.
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“Should we pay taxes to Caesar?” (Matthew 22:17)
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“In the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” (Matthew 22:28)
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“What is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matthew 22:36)
Each question was designed to trap Him. But instead of falling into their snares, Jesus turned their schemes into opportunities for truth.
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt. 22:21)
“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matt. 22:32)
“On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 22:40)
When Truth Confronts Us
Jesus didn’t avoid confrontation, but His confrontations were always purposeful.
He exposed the pride of the Pharisees.
He corrected false beliefs of the Sadducees.
He warned of judgment for hypocrisy (see Matthew 23).
But He also called His listeners to true obedience, sincere love, and humble faith.
Today, we’re not likely to test Jesus with riddles or trick questions—but we often test Him in another way: by resisting His authority over our lives.
Will we listen when His Word challenges our desires?
Will we repent when truth exposes our sin?
Will we follow Him when it’s inconvenient or costly?
What Tuesday Teaches Us
This day reminds us that Jesus is not just a gentle teacher—He embodies truth (John 14:6). Truth is often uncomfortable before it becomes life-giving.
If you’re feeling convicted today, don’t run from it. Let it draw you nearer to Christ. He exposes sin not to shame us, but to save us. He speaks the truth not to crush us, but to lead us to life.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32
Reflection Questions:
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Do I ever treat Jesus like someone to debate instead of someone to obey?
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What truth is Jesus confronting in me today?
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Am I willing to let the Word of God correct, shape, and guide every part of my life?
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