One of the most famous riddles is that of the Sphinx...
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One of the most famous riddles is that of the Sphinx: "What creature goes on four legs in the morning, two at midday, and three at night?" Often riddles are used as a game but they are also historically and culturally a display of wisdom. Riddles maintain multiple perspectives in tension. Thus, the sphinx was shown to be wise as the keeper of the riddle and Oedipus in solving it, answering, "Man."
When the Sadducees and Pharisees ask Jesus about the greatest commandment, they intend to feel him out with a standard theological question and perhaps engage him with some lively debate. In return, however, they get not only a sound answer but a question of Jesus' own, a sort of theological riddle. When they fail to answer, the point is clear. If they want to debate Jesus' theology, they're out of their league.
When the Sadducees and Pharisees ask Jesus about the greatest commandment, they intend to feel him out with a standard theological question and perhaps engage him with some lively debate. In return, however, they get not only a sound answer but a question of Jesus' own, a sort of theological riddle. When they fail to answer, the point is clear. If they want to debate Jesus' theology, they're out of their league.
