Questions

The Pharisees wanted to trap. 
So these tricky questions, they slapped.
Rabbi, is it against our law?
Taxes to the emperor seems like a flaw!
Oh, those backstabbing hypocrites, one day will get me with a kiss!
Hand me a coin.
To whose name is it joined?
This is the name and face of Emperor Caesar.
Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.
And give to God...
faithful worship and applaud.

Then the Sadducees brought up the law of Moses. 
If a married man dies with no children,
it is his brother's duty as per religion...
to marry the widow and have children.
So the dead brother's line will continue as per the Mosaic law and religion.
But one-by-one, seven brothers died and she bore none.
None of the brothers fathered her children.
Eventually, the widow died and ended up barren.
Now then, when the dead are raised to life,
which one of them can call her, his wife?
There is no marriage for all seven.
They will be like the angels in heaven.
I AM the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
the God of the living, when the dead be raised.
The God of the living, His name forever be praised!
The Pharisees and Sadducees, both He silenced.
All this Jesus managed without any violence.

So they joined forces and tried to trick,
with this question that they picked.
Rabbi, what is the greatest commandment?
A teaching opportunity for Jesus, so in excitement,
He explained there was no power greater than love.
So love God with all your heart, soul and mind.
And if you follow this, how can you leave your neighbour behind?
Love your neighbour as you love your self.
Dependent on love, the holy book shelf.
The entire Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets.
Are summarised in just these two.

Finally, a direct question.
Meant to create tension.
Whose descendant is the Messiah?
The prophets - Ezekiel, Isaiah and Jeremiah,
all had prophesied...
A descendant, son of David be the Christ.
Son of David or the Son of God?
Or just some illegitimate son of a fraud?
Jesus quoted a verse from the Psalms. 
If the Messiah is a descendant of David, 
why would David feel so obligated...
to call him, his own son - Lord?
Speechless with no answer, yet didn't turn to God.
Just two days before they crucified, 
to tarnish His reputation, so hard they tried.

-RUELHA 
www.ruelha.com 
(Inspired by Matthew 22:15-46)

This poem is part of a series of rhymes titled ‘The Matthew Series’. This is the 23rd poem in the series. They are all based on the gospel of Matthew and are in the correct sequence. Here are few of my favorites:

• The Beginning of His ministry
• The secrets to a successful healing
• Many are invited; few are chosen

(Photo credit for featured image:hlcoc.org)