So they failed to trap Him by what He said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by His answer, and they became silent. Luke 20:26 NLT
The religious leaders both the Pharisees and Sadduccees were willing to do anything to kill Jesus, even putting aside their differences and working together to accomplish it. It brings a whole new meaning to the saying, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Several times while Jesus was teaching before the Passover they tried to get Him to incriminate Himself with trick questions, that no matter how He answered it would be the wrong. But Jesus knew their hearts and motives. He looked beyond the question into what they were really asking. He not only answered their questions, but got right to the heart of their issues and all they could do was think about what He said.
Human nature hasn’t changed much. Their are still people who don’t want to believe in Jesus. They often ask Believers questions that seem impossible to answer, and they know it. Like, “Why does God let bad things happen?” or “If God is in control, doesn’t that mean I have no free will?” When asked we are often taken back and don’t know how to answer. Here is where we need to learn to answer like Jesus. First of all Jesus doesn’t need to be defended, just answer to the best of your knowledge, and if you don’t know, tell them you”ll find out and get back to them.
But then look beyond the question and try to see what they really are saying. Their question might be stemming from a deep hurt or loss. Perhaps they have experienced being controlled by someone else, or even by religious people in the church. The bottom line is often they just want to know that you care and are willing to listen more than they need an answer. We are never more like Jesus than when we take the time to really listen to a person and let them know we truly care. So next time someone asks a question that seems impossible to answer, look beyond the question to the motive of their heart and see them through the eyes of Jesus.
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