During the summer of 1984, the English group Sade released the song Smooth Operator, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 2 weeks. The distinct voice of Sade Adu has etched a place in history for this song, a classic which highlights the unique sounds of the 1980’s. While modern commercial studs, movie stars and players try to claim this crown, there is only one Smooth Operator, Jesus of Nazareth.
According to Mark 12:13-15, the religious police came after Jesus, pulling out all their stunts to find a way to arrest him. In Act I, found in Mark 12:15-17, Jesus faces off with the Pharisees and Herodians, thirsty for blood ever since Mark 3:6. These two religious groups attempt to force Jesus into a corner where he either breaks Roman law, not paying taxes to Caesar or refuses to respect the proper temple tax. Celebrating too earlier, Jesus asks for a coin, answers both questions, leaving a jaw dropping response in Mark 12:17.
Act II begins in Mark 12:18-27 with a group known as the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Thus, one of their zealots poses a hypothetical question, hoping to stump and or trick Jesus into giving an unbiblical reply. Likely yawning, thinking, “is that the best you’ve got,” Jesus quickly disposes these morons. Toying with their minds, Jesus clarifies their flawed logic by explaining there is no marriage in heaven and Oh by the way, Moses served the God of the living, not the dead.
On fire now, burning through his competition, Act III rolls out one final expert to duel Jesus, a teacher of the law, Mark 12:28-39. Playing pin the tail on the donkey, this teacher thinks he can get Jesus to de-emphasize one of the 10 commandments, Exodus 20:1-17. Instead, Jesus divides the commandments God gave to Moses in 2 classifications: 1-4 focus on loving God, 6-10 require loving your neighbor as yourself. By loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and following the golden rule, individuals can insure that they will keep all 10 commandments. Astonished by his wisdom, this teacher of the law is nearly converted by Jesus in Mark 12:34. After this, no one else dared to ask Jesus another question, proving once and for all, He is the real smooth operator!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 