“And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marvelling at his answer they became silent.”
Here we have a group of people who are trying to set a trap for Jesus. They ask him a question hoping he chooses one of 2 answers – which would result in him either breaking the law or insulting God. Instead Jesus gives an answer they were not expecting. They were so awestruck by the answer that they fell silent.
Christian leaders have a target on their backs. Some people are always trying to trip up Christians into saying something they will regret. Jesus teaches us a valuable lesson here. It would have been easy for Jesus to yell, swear or give an answer without too much thought, but Jesus sees the big picture. Jesus, of course being in constant connection with God, understands their trap and gives an answer straight from heaven.
When we find ourselves in a situation like Jesus was in we should respond just like he did; not with a rude or sharp answer. Think about it and pray. See the big picture – you are not just trying to win an argument but rather represent God well. Keep that in mind always and hopefully your answer can make any argument fall silent.
