Mark 12: 13-34  More challenges, more tests, more questions.. all aimed at Jesus.. in order to trap Him.  The Pharisees, the Herodians, the Scribes, and the Sadducees each took a shot at Jesus.  

The Pharisees and Herodians wanted to see what Jesus would say about paying taxes to Caesar.  The answer Jesus gave them.. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's".. amazed them. 

The Sadducees asked about a woman who had been married but never had children with any of the 7 brothers she had been given to one after the other.   Jesus used this question to tell them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures, or the power of God?"  He goes on to show them their error in thinking.  God is not "the God of the dead but of the living; you are greatly mistaken." 

The third question came from a scribe who recognized that Jesus was answering "well".  His question seemed more sincere and less like a trap.. "What commandment is the foremost of all?"   Jesus gave the scribe the answer that he needed.. "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and will all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'' ".   The scribe fully agreed with this.. and Jesus told him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."    I wonder if this man began to follow Jesus?

The Lord does not back down from questions.. whether they are sincere or not.  He gives us the answer that we need.. the answer that will bring us into His kingdom if we truly listen.  He will answer our prayers when we ask Him to show us where we are mistaken.. when we need to know what His will is..  even when we are focused on the wrong questions.  He is a gracious and patient God! 

Father in heaven, we are so thankful that You have given us Truth, that You have not allowed us to stay confused and mistaken in our own conclusions.  Lead us by Your Spirit, Lord God.. that we might walk in Your ways and love You with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.. and that we might love others too.  Bring us closer to Your heart and fill us with the joy of Your salvation!  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.