So Y’shua Jesus faced the torment, dealing with each separately, while maintaining His stance. The devil didn’t stand a chance. Y’shua’s response tells us that we, too, can withstand testing. The human Jesus was tempted, and the spiritual Jesus enabled the human Jesus to overcome. That’s a lesson for us right there: allow Jesus to enable us to overcome the plans of the enemy. What happened after the three temptations is interesting and also worth reflection. Y’shua used the moment to teach those detractors. Can we do likewise? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat and let’s discuss it.
Matthew 22:41-42 CEB
[41] Now as the Pharisees were gathering, Jesus asked them,
[42] “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” “David’s son,” they replied.
The True Issue
In looking back at the conversation, rather, the debate the Pharisees, the Herodians, and the Sadducees had with Y’shua, we might say they wanted Y’shua to prove Himself. At the end of each round, Y’shua proved His superiority and His divinity. Yet, their attitudes (like bringing others to intensify the questioning) said that they weren’t wholly convinced about Y’shua’s divinity. Rather than allow the issue to continue simmering, Y’shua brought it to the fore.
Self-Check
How do we treat conflicts when we aren’t in the wrong, yet are constantly being attacked?
Application
Imagine trying to beat around the bush with someone. After a few rounds, you find that the person is not only unflappable, but they also ask the very direct question. That person was Jesus. I believe that Y’shua’s question wasn’t random – He brought the real argument out in the open.
It’s as though He said, ‘The real issue is not about taxes, resurrection or even how to worship YHWH – you have all recorded your views on those topics. Rather, the issue at hand is your need for tangible proof that I AM Jesus.’
Although He knew their hearts and already knew what they would say, Jesus asked the question. But, instead of posing the question as though it was about His identity and character, Jesus asked a general question. He asked about their belief in Christ.
His question invited them to a deeper conversation rather than posing an immediate challenge. I suspect that if those Pharisees were open, there was scope for them to learn from Y’shua. But that remains to be seen in the rest of the conversation. What I also note for us is that we can opt for a conversational approach with our detractors. (Ouch, that stings)
When we find ourselves in untenable situations, we can try soft answers. It is said that soft answers diffuse wrath, unlike hateful rebukes (see Proverbs 15). For many of us, a soft answer is only possible with Christ’s help. That’s fine too. Because we know that Christ’s strength is perfect in our weakness. Let’s yield to Him as we navigate life’s curveball in this season.
Point to Ponder
How might we be the ones to diffuse tense moments in our lives?
—
May all we seek be found in Christ
