Definition: Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this part of the Matthew 22 passage: “Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying…” Essentially, it's setting up a conversation where someone is trying to trick Jesus. Here’s what’s happening: “One of them, which was” : This refers to a specific person – likely one of the teachers of the law – who is challenging Jesus. “[which was] a lawyer” : This tells us who's talking. It’s Jesus’s close friend, the lawyer named David. Lawyers were often involved in religious debates and interpretations. “asked him a question, tempting him” : This is crucial . The lawyer isn't just asking a normal question; he's deliberately trying to provoke Jesus into a debate. He’s using words and phrases designed to make Jesus think about something other than the actual rules of following God’s law. It's like planting a seed of doubt. So, what’s the overall point? The lawyer is trying to get Jesus to: 1. Focus on his own importance: He wants to be seen as smarter and more knowledgeable than Jesus. 2. Disrupt the conversation: He's creating a situation where Jesus needs to respond, which might lead to a bigger argument. In short, it’s a classic example of a lawyer trying to manipulate Jesus into a debate that isn’t really about the core message of following God’s law. Do you want me to go deeper into any specific aspect of this passage? For example: What does "tempering him" mean? Why is this important in the story?