Read: Mark 12:18–27
Jesus said to the Sadducees, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God?” Mark 12:24
The Sadducees wanted to trick Jesus by asking Him a foolish question crafted to demonstrate Jesus’ lack of religious training and insight. It was a “how many angels can you fit on the tip of a pin?” kind of question. Jesus didn’t tolerate that type of superfluous religious debate and examination. Instead, Jesus went right to the heart of the issue—the Sadducees were willing to dabble in little religious tricks and tests, because they didn’t know their scripture and they didn’t know God. Theological gymnastics is not what faith is about; knowing God’s will and doing it are the hallmarks of religious belief. Stop giving religious quizzes and start putting faith into action. Don’t waste time playing catechetical games, get to work on building God’s kingdom today. Trying to trip Jesus up turns out to be far less rewarding than following in His footsteps.
Do you spend more time thinking about faith or putting your faith into action?
Lord, I might not be as deliberate as the Sadducees, but I know I am more inclined to play games than to get serious about my faith. I would rather keep my religion in my head than to have to activate it in my life. Faith costs less if I compartmentalize it. But You call me out of my safe religious ruminations and into a daring life where I can actually walk as You walked, act as you acted, and try to live as You lived. Theological quizzes can be intriguing and fun, but putting our faith to the test by putting it into action is what You desire. Help me to do just that. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.