Four Questions–One Lord

Matthew 22:15-46

A Political Question (vv. 15–22)

Jesus’ Caesar God formula means that we are to give to Caesar a great deal, but not an allegiance that knows no bounds. God is the boundary of the state. --Dale Bruner

A Theological Question (vv. 23–33)

I think our present outlook might be like that of a small boy who, on being told that the sexual act was the highest bodily pleasure should immediately ask whether you ate chocolates at the same time. On receiving the answer “No,” he might regard the absence of chocolates as the chief characteristic of sexuality. In vain would you tell him that the reason why lovers in their carnal raptures don’t bother about chocolates is that they have something better to think of. The boy knows chocolate: he does not know the positive thing that excludes it. We are in the same position. We know the sexual life; we do not know, except in glimpses, the other thing which in Heaven, will leave no room for it. --C.S. Lewis

An Ethical Question (vv. 34–40)

When Jesus makes the command that is supreme the love command—both first (v. 37) and second (v. 39)— he opens the hearts of believers like flowers to the sun, into an affectional life. We were made to love. This may be one meaning of creation in the image of God (Gen 1). As in the Beatitudes, Jesus’ religion goes deep. His Double-Love Command gives humans a direction to face and a way to be. --Dale Bruner

A Question They Can’t Answer (vv. 41–46)

Outwardly, this seems the least interesting of the Four Questions. But it is the most important one of all because only if it is answered correctly will Jesus’ answers to the other three be taken as authority. For if it was the very “Son of David” who just now gave us commands about state, resurrection, and law, then we were listening to nothing less than messianic truth. And if our teacher has also been the Lord of David, then in all Three Questions we have been listening to God’s word. The least colorful question is the most penetrating because its answer gives us orientation for understanding all other questions. --Dale Bruner

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.