Some would call the detractors of Jesus gluttons for punishment. They kept coming at him with contrived questions designed to entrap him. But each time he makes them look silly, and simultaneously teaches major truths. Mark 12:13-27

Perhaps more importantly, these men unwittingly acknowledge significant truths in the process.

The Pharisees and Heroduans in setting up their question regarding taxes, acknowledge that Jesus is not partial to any, but teaches the way of God in truth.

The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, oddly said this, “In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one’s wife will she be?”

This is no way to win a debate! It will not go well for you when your first statement to your opponent is, I grant that you are the all-knowing God of the universe.

Why not be like Simon Peter who humbly said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” John 6:68

You can’t outwit the Lord.

Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? Mark 12:24