The Challenge of Jesus

Matthew, Mark & Luke (the "Synoptic" gospels) all mention a time in the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry when His enemies no longer "dared to ask him any more questions" (Mk 12.34). However, in an unusual turn, Jesus went on the offensive by challenging the gathered scholars a question involving the Messiah, the Scriptures and the promises of God. These were topics of which they considered themselves to be the reigning experts; Jesus demonstrated that these were topics which they understood very poorly.