Matthew - Chapter 22

Matthew 22.1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, Matthew 22.2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, Matthew 22.3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Matthew 22.4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. Matthew 22.5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: Matthew 22.6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. Matthew 22.7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Matthew 22.8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Matthew 22.9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. Matthew 22.10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. Matthew 22.11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: Matthew 22.12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Matthew 22.13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 22.14 For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22.15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. Matthew 22.16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Matthew 22.17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Matthew 22.18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Matthew 22.19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. Matthew 22.20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? Matthew 22.21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. Matthew 22.22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way. Matthew 22.23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Matthew 22.24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Matthew 22.25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Matthew 22.26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. Matthew 22.27 And last of all the woman died also. Matthew 22.28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Matthew 22.29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. Matthew 22.30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. Matthew 22.31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, Matthew 22.32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Matthew 22.33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. Matthew 22.34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Matthew 22.35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Matthew 22.36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Matthew 22.37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22.38 This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22.40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22.41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Matthew 22.42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. Matthew 22.43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, Matthew 22.44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? Matthew 22.45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? Matthew 22.46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

Matthew : Chapter 22

Reflection on Matthew 22: The Divine Confrontation

Chapter 22 of the Gospel of Matthew intensifies the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders. In this tense context, we wonder: how does the Messiah react to the traps set by his adversaries? To answer this question, Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet, illustrating the rejection of the divine invitation by those who should be the first to respond.

The Tricky Questions

In the remainder of this chapter, Jesus addresses tricky questions concerning taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. Through his answers, he demonstrates supreme wisdom, defying the expectations of his interlocutors. Each question posed is an opportunity for Jesus to reveal His divine nature and His authority over human interpretations of the law.

The Challenge to the Pharisees

The chapter ends with Jesus challenging the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah, allowing them to see the depth of their ignorance. His words silence his opponents, exposing both their cunning and Jesus' divine authority. These powerful interactions invite us to reflect on our own understanding of faith.

Meditation on Bible Passages

To deepen our reflection, let's meditate on five biblical passages that illuminate the profound themes of this insightful chapter:

Isaiah 25:6

"On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a feast of aged wine, of the finest meats and the best wine." This verse relates to the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14, illustrating the kingdom of God like a great banquet.

Exodus 3:6

"He said again, 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' Then Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God." Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 22:32 to argue for the resurrection, showing that God is the God of the living.

Deuteronomy 6:5

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Jesus cites this verse in Matthew 22:37 as the greatest commandment, emphasizing unconditional love for God.

Leviticus 19:18

"Do not seek revenge or hold a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Jesus refers to this verse in Matthew 22:39 as the second greatest commandment, emphasizing the importance of loving others.

Psalms 110:1

"The Lord said to my Lord, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'" Jesus quotes this psalm in Matthew 22:44 to challenge the Pharisees' understanding of the Messiah.

These passages invite us to a A profound meditation on the nature of God and our response to his invitation. Let us commit ourselves to responding with faith and love, remembering that the kingdom of God is at hand.