Force of Law – Matthew 22:34-40

The third adversarial cross-examination attempt by the ideological enemies of Christ is recorded in Matthew 22. The power of Jesus' response cannot be fully appreciated without some background which we will explore in today's message. With the context in view, we feel the punch of Jesus' answers. The full force of the Law is wielded by its author in this exchange to expose the sin of the self-righteous and to proclaim the glory and righteousness of Almighty God! There is a two-fold demonstration of force in Christ's statements including the destructive power of the law against the enemies of the Gospel, as well as its constructive blueprint for Kingdom of God realities. I John 4:21 summarizes the beauty of Christ's teaching with tender clarity: “ And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” A truly striking testimony to the divinity of Christ and the inspiration of scripture is demonstrated in our text today as we behold, in the gospel record, how a simple truth can wield such elaborate, strategic force in answering the skeptic, naysayer, autonomous wannabe, and obstreperous rebel. Behold the Word of Christ!