April 19, 2026

Questioning God #

Mark 12:13

Introduction

We have a lengthy portion before us, and I will not read it all in the beginning. Lord willing we will get down to verse 40 this morning. We have a series of questions which are asked, but not out of sincerity, but rather out of malice, and with the idea of entrapping, and ensnaring our Lord Jesus Christ. Questions can be a very interesting study in the Bible! Questions are sometimes asked of us to cause us to reflect. Sometimes questions are asked out of sincere desire to know something. Sometimes questions are used in sarcastic manner to make someone feel dumb. Sometimes questions are “trick” questions, that are used to trap someone with their words. That is exactly what is going on here. They were trying to trick, and entrap Jesus.

I. Questioning about Caesar (Mark 12:13-17) #

A. Self Righteous Pharisees #

• Who are the Pharisees and Herodians?

  • Who is asking the question, becomes just as important as the question itself.
  • Pharisees – They were extremely accurate and minute in all matters appertaining to the law of Moses. – Easton Dictionary

• John the Baptist had already condemned them:

Matthew 3:7 — But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

• Herodians - Herodians were a Jewish political party that were sympathizers with the Roman government, and specifically the government of Herod (Herodians).
• Jesus KNEW their hypocrisy! (15)

B. Sweet Talkers (14) - #

Prov. 29:5 ¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

i. Beware of the flatterer #

• • Someone who is always telling you how good you are… there is a problem!

C. Strait answer of Jesus (17) #

• Obey Government

Romans 13:1-7*

• • Pay your taxes, Obey the LAW! If you don’t like the law, engage in government to have the law changed.

• When God and Government disagree… obey God!

Acts 5:28–29 —28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

II. Question about Couples (Mark 12:18-27) #

A. Sadducees (18) #

i. Only mention in the Gospel of Mark #

• Like the Pharisees had been condemned, John Condemned them too!

Matthew 3:7 — But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

ii. Large group as large as Pharisees. #

• They strictly held to the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) Books of Moses.

Acts 23:8 — For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

• • They denied the resurrection, angels, and spirit… thus also eliminating the after life.

B. Seed (19-23) #

i. Their question was based around the seed heritage left behind… and because they didn’t believe in the resurrection, nor really after life, their question was hypocritical! #

C. Scriptural Reply! (24-27) #

i. Their err #

• Err – to wander from the right way, to deviate from the true course or purpose.

  • These Sadducees had wandered from the truth of Scripture!

ii. Know not the Scriptures! #

• Take time to get to know the Scriptures!!! Spend time reading them!

  • You will not get to know the Scriptures by reading them through once! (Noble goal)
  • You need to read them, and re-read them, and then read them again!

iii. Know God!!! #

• Not only must you know the Book, but also, know the God of the Book!

iv. God of living (26-27) #

III. Questions about Commandments (28-34) #

A. Scribes #

• These were responsible to writing… in OT times, they would pen the edicts of the king. They also were know for writing Scripture, became known for teaching Scripture.

  • If you want to know Scripture, write it down!

i. They often are lumped in with the Pharisees #

Matthew 23:2–3 —2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

• They were condemned by Jesus!

B. Superior Command! #

• Trying to trap Jesus, to say something foolish.

C. Scriptural Response (29-31) #

Deuteronomy 6:5 — And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Leviticus 19:18 — ... thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

IV. Question those that Question God! (35-40) #

A. Simple Heard Jesus! (37) #

i. Simply accept the Word of God! #

B. Scholars (38-40) #

i. The Scholars reject #

ii. The Skeptics reject #

iii. The Simple believe, and receive #

• Jesus out “Scholar-ed” them all! – proved his wisdom, and the foolishness of the scholar