Daily Bible Reading – September 2023, God’s Saving Word: WisdomSample

September 16

Introduction

The religious leaders seek to trap Jesus by asking him questions about paying taxes and about rising from death. Today's reading mentions two groups of religious leaders—the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Unlike the Pharisees and Jesus, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 22:15-33

Today's Key Verse: Matthew 22:31b-32

[Jesus said:] “Haven't you ever read what God has told you? He said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is the God of the living, not of the dead.”

Reflect

When Jesus challenges the Pharisees who seek to trap him, he tells them, “pay to God what belongs to God”(verses 15-22). What do you think he means by this? How does this statement imply loyalty and honor to God? In seeking to trap Jesus with a question about rising from death, the Sadducees employ the example of levirate marriage, a practice that ensures continuation of a man's line by maintaining the woman's childbearing role in her husband's family (see Deuteronomy 25:5, 6). What are your thoughts about Jesus's response to the Sadducees (verses 23-32)? How did the crowds react to Jesus's teaching (verse 33)?

Pray

Lord God, you are the God of the living. Guide me day by day with your teachings so that I serve in obedience to your will and give honor and glory to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 22:34-46: Conflict between the religious leaders and Jesus intensifies.