18 Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 “Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. 21 “And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. 22 “So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. 23 “Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” 24 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 “But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”
Devotional
The chief priests having failed in their attempt to trap Jesus in His Words by employing the Pharisees along with the Herodians (that is those followers of Herod) with their trick question on the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar or not; that is the lawfulness under the law of Rome and lawfulness under the law of Moses. Jesus having undone their scheme by replying to them: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17 And having marveled at His response they go their own ways (Matt. 22:22). And with their departure the Sadducees now approach Jesus with a question of their own. Based on the Law of Moses but ultimately meant to undermine Jesus. Again these series of inquires that come in a sort of rapid fire succession at Jesus in this section of the gospel are not honest inquires as Jesus welcomes all faith inquiries; these are craftily worded theological snares meant to entrap Jesus with His responses, and thus discredit Him before the people.
Now the Sadducees (the religious leaders from the upper classes in Israel), were particularly skilled at this sort of thing. Well educated and having a Greek or Hellenistic world view, they lived very privileged lives, even while under Roman rule. And in contrast to the Pharisees, the Sadducees strictly held to the Law of Moses as the only canonical Scriptures. They did not accept the oral tradition as the Pharisees did; and as modern Rabbinic Judaism does. While the Lord Jesus only taught from the Law and prophets and Psalms; in other words the entire Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament as we now know it (Luke 24:44-49); which were as Jesus said until John the Baptist, (Luke 16:16) upon which the Lord Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of them preached the Kingdom of God, (Mark 1:14-15), which He commands we proclaim as well (Matt. 28:18-20). Though He commanded His followers who were primarily, pre-Pentecost Jews, to obey those who sat in Moses seat (Matt. 23), until that age was ushered into their lives with the Holy Spirit’s outpouring and the church age began (Acts 15; Rom. 6:14). “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 Not that the Old Testament Scriptures don’t speak to us who believe in Jesus, for they clearly do since they are given by Holy Spirit Inspiration as well, and both reveal to us Christ’s Person as well as God’s moral will for us all. And even future prophecies for Israel yet to be fulfilled, as well as the inherent wisdom, knowledge and discernment both of God and from God through them. But they must now always be interpreted in light of the New Testament Scriptures and God’s Word and Will given directly to us all through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and His Biblical Apostles. Therefore: 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Returning then back to the Sadducess, for they present a strange irony to us, in that they said they believed the Scriptures, yet they did not believe in the resurrection from the dead, nor of the immortality of the soul.
And as such they did not believe in heaven and hell and the judgment to come, as the Scriptures declare and Jesus clearly taught and warns about (Mat. 5:22, 27-30; 10:27-28; 18:6-9). For both rewards and punishments will be rendered to each person according to their works at the resurrection for both believers and non-believers, for there will be a new heaven and earth in which righteousness dwells (Isaiah 65:1-25; 66:22-24; Matt. 25: 31-46; Luke 14:12-14; John 5:24-30; Rom. 2; 1 Peter 3:11-13; Rev. 11:16-18; 22:12-13 etc.). You wonder why people live godless and immoral lives, it is because they either do not believe in the resurrection of the just and the unjust as Jesus clearly says there will be, or they have never heard about. So when you preach a salvation message don’t forget the resurrection, not just of Christ; which is of course is foundational to our redemption from sin and death, but the resurrection of life for those who believe in Jesus and the resurrection to eternal condemnation to those who do not.
As well the Sadducees did not believe in angels or spirit’s (Acts 23:8), nor Divine Predestination (as Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon says of them), which again just reveals their unbelief. Since you cannot pick and choose what you will believe about God’s Word and believe in Him, for to reject segments of God’s Word is ultimately to reject God Himself (Consider Isaiah 66:2; Isaiah 8:20; Jeremiah 8:8-9; 23:29; 2 John 2:9-11). Apparently “They believed in free will—that people are responsible for their own prosperity or misfortune. They interpreted the law literally and tended to support strict justice as opposed to mercy toward the offender.”*** In regards to this they clearly follow the error revealed through the tragedy and suffering of Job. Whose “friends” extensive and at times arrogant theological discourses on why Job was suffering during his time of misery, only caused them to go on to condemn an innocent man (Job 42:7-8).
Now the Law clearly declares the Angel of the Lord guiding Israel out of Egypt with Moses (Num. 20:16); as well as in their future conquests of Canaan under Joshua (Ex. 23:20-33; Joshua 5:13-15). Not to mention His appearances found in the Law to Abraham, Sara, Hagar, even Balaam. But more relevant to our study, Moses in the burning bush passage which will be the passage from the Law that Jesus will cite to the Sadducees in refuting them (See Ex. 3:2-6). But that’s getting ahead of ourselves, so let us return to the passage to refresh our memories, which began by saying that some Sadducees, “…who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 “Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. 21 “And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. 22 “So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. 23 “Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” Vs. 19-23
Now under the Law of Moses to maintain inheritances as God gave them. A brother was in the event of his married brother’s dying without an heir, to take his brother’s wife to himself, as his wife, and raise up an offspring for his brother’s name, so that his brother’s name would not be cut from Israel (Deut. 25:5-10). However the Sadducees in presenting this scenario to Jesus about the brothers and whose wife the woman would be in the resurrection since all seven had her. Are not declaring that they believe there will be a resurrection. Rather there hypothetical scenario is meant to make a spectacle of Christ, by catching Him in an impossible moral dilemma. For if all plays out as they have outlined it. Then as they have so craftily pre-reasoned, all seven brothers having had her, all would be married to her in resurrection. Not a very likely scenario. Now Jesus in refuting them initially says two things to them that first exposes their unbelief; but more importantly gives us some rather tangible insights into the resurrection and what eternity will be like. Now notice first that Jesus in refuting them will say that they do not know the Scriptures, nor the power of God (vs. 24). Though again they were highly trained and educated. And they held the majority in the Sanhedrin counsel; the religious counsel that ruled over Israel’s religious affairs. As well being the exclusive segment of Judaism from which the high priests were drawn; themselves claiming ascendency through Zadok the high priest, from King David and Solomon’s reigns.** Yet the Lord says rather frankly to them that they know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. An astonishing statement given that they held the highest places in religious Judaism. Therefore don’t ever think that by simply having a title and or a few letters of educational accreditation beside ones name indicates that such a person is either saved, or God fearing, or even qualified to lead in Jesus Christ’s church. For though God may call someone to seminary or a Bible college, such institutions in of themselves have no God given priority in directing His church. For it is the Holy Spirit who alone equips, empowers and calls, (not seminaries) and in this He often chooses those deemed least capable by this worlds (or maybe even their own) standards (see 1 Cor. 1:26-31).
For in God's eyes it's ones heart and faith that is far more important than all the religious accreditation's one attains too. Far more important than ones intellect, strength, social standing, achievements or whatever else would make draw people to them. As the Old Testament judge and prophet Samuel quickly learned when seeking God's King and Ruler for Israel. 6 So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7-8
Now the word Jesus uses of the Sadducees not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God; is a word that indicates an utter lack of discernment on their part. In other words they have neither seen or perceived just what the Scriptures declare to them, and just how greatly they unleash the power of God in those lives who believe. And so Jesus goes on to say to them, 25 “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” That is the first tangible insight that Jesus gives us all, and we take to heart, since the One who has always been there and knows exactly what goes on there, is revealing to us that in heaven’s realm, the redeemed, that is those who believe and are saved by Lord will in some way be like angels of God. Marriage then between a man and woman is something that is confined to the earthly sphere, not heavens. Thus the Sadducees premise that all seven of the brothers would be married to the woman in the resurrection is fundamentally flawed. For as Jesus says, none will be, because marriages do not occur there; they serve God’s purposes here on earth, giving both relational intimacy as God said in the beginning: … “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Gen. 2:18
As well as providing us with a forum for healthy, passionate, and committed relationships which again lay a foundation for procreation and thus the basis for the family and loving, nurturing, maturing, responsible, relationships within it; which then spill over into communities, and of course greater society. All born out of committed heterosexual marriages, which again provide stability for all. That is a part of the basic moral fabric that God has sown into life itself, for mankind’s well being. Cast it aside for self gratification and the consequences are broken hearts, lives, relationships and eventually societies.
Jesus then having undone the Sadducees plans to trap Him in a moral dilemma about marriages in the resurrection; by revealing to them and us that there simply aren’t any. Now goes on to say of the dead, that they do indeed rise, which the Sadducees denied since there is no direct reference to this in the Law. Nonetheless the Lord Jesus cites to them a very familiar passage, from the Law to prove that this is so. Saying: 26 “But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” vs. 26-27
Notice first Jesus says “have you not read in the Book of Moses…” that is have you not understood, what you have read. For when Jesus says God spoke to Moses, Jesus uses a verb in the original language that is used only in the definite past tense (Strong’s). Indicating that God’s speaking with Moses was in the past. However Jesus immediately contrasts that by using a verb in the original language that puts God’s speaking of being the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, in the present tense. Indicating that when God spoke to Moses of being their God. He was referring to this in real time. Not in some distant past experience. In other words they are currently with Him and He is the God of them. For Jesus concludes His Words to them and their lack of understanding of the resurrection by saying: “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” Vs. 27 Simply stated then a Living God doesn’t have dead subjects. Thus both the resurrection of the dead and the immortality of the soul are clearly seen in the Law and Jesus’ Words.
Now Jesus having said that God is the God of the living, the question then needs to asked, are you alive? Not physically that is something we all experience as Jesus said in John’s gospel chapter three of being born of water and blood, but spiritually? Which is what Jesus was referring to when He said to Nicodemus there that unless you are born again, that is born from on High by the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ’s Person you cannot see the Kingdom of God. And that is what God through the Lord Jesus Christ compels everyone to do, “Be born again!” that is believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification. For when you do God will send His Spirit into you, and He will bring you to life, for your sins having been washed away by the blood of Christ’s Person, your person will now be fit for God’s Person dwelling within you, by His Holy Spirit who alone brings us to life. As Jesus said of Him who brings us to new and everlasting life and union with Christ the moment we believe: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63
Therefore by faith in Jesus Christ’s Person; to the exclusion of all others; we receive by the grace of God the Person of God within us. Have you then come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? “For there is no other Name given under heaven amongst men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
If you have, why not confirm your faith in Christ before God and man and confess the Lord Jesus Christ before both. As the Scriptures declare: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Rom. 10:9-10; 13
Now you can do this in prayer to God by saying to Him that yes you believe and want to receive the Lord Jesus Christ His Son into your heart and life. And you can also do this before man by declaring to your family; friends; co-workers your decision to put away your old sinful life and to take up the cross, as Jesus says, and follow Him into eternal life. Which one often does by getting baptized in a Christ believing church and making a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus as Lord, then serving Him there or wherever He leads you to do so. For God will equip you and appoint you to your own service for Him as the Scriptures says: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10 Now this may unfold immediately, or this maybe a process, as God's plans and purposes unfold for your life. But rest assured if God has saved you then He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Your part is to simply avail yourself to Him and let His Spirit begin to prepare you and conform you into Christ-likeness for all the purposes God has already predestined you to serve the Lord Jesus in. Which is an exciting and at times will be a challenging way of living. Yet knowing that God is making you not only fit for His eternal Kingdom; that is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. But He is going to make your life meaningful and have an eternal impact on the lives He will touch through you here and now. For when you come to a saving knowledge of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God makes an eternal commitment to you, to be not only your God but also your and Father, through all your successes and failures as the Scriptures declare: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:
“The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?” Heb. 13:5-6
Have you then made your decision for the Lord Jesus Christ? If not why not do that? Instead of pursuing what does not satisfy the deepest longings of your soul turn to or return to the Lord Jesus Christ and call on His Name and begin life anew. For if you forsake your life for the Lord Jesus Christ you will find life anew, brand new, a Spirit filled life that cannot be equaled or compared to, which does not end in death, as the life lived for sin or in unbelief does. But in eternal love, life, and peace found only in the God of love, life, and peace, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
Additional Resources Consulted:
Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.
Nelson’s illustrated Bible dictionary, Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1995.
Ronald F. Youngblood, general editor; F.F. Bruce and R.K. Harrison, consulting editors.
Devotional
The chief priests having failed in their attempt to trap Jesus in His Words by employing the Pharisees along with the Herodians (that is those followers of Herod) with their trick question on the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar or not; that is the lawfulness under the law of Rome and lawfulness under the law of Moses. Jesus having undone their scheme by replying to them: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Mark 12:17 And having marveled at His response they go their own ways (Matt. 22:22). And with their departure the Sadducees now approach Jesus with a question of their own. Based on the Law of Moses but ultimately meant to undermine Jesus. Again these series of inquires that come in a sort of rapid fire succession at Jesus in this section of the gospel are not honest inquires as Jesus welcomes all faith inquiries; these are craftily worded theological snares meant to entrap Jesus with His responses, and thus discredit Him before the people.
Now the Sadducees (the religious leaders from the upper classes in Israel), were particularly skilled at this sort of thing. Well educated and having a Greek or Hellenistic world view, they lived very privileged lives, even while under Roman rule. And in contrast to the Pharisees, the Sadducees strictly held to the Law of Moses as the only canonical Scriptures. They did not accept the oral tradition as the Pharisees did; and as modern Rabbinic Judaism does. While the Lord Jesus only taught from the Law and prophets and Psalms; in other words the entire Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament as we now know it (Luke 24:44-49); which were as Jesus said until John the Baptist, (Luke 16:16) upon which the Lord Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of them preached the Kingdom of God, (Mark 1:14-15), which He commands we proclaim as well (Matt. 28:18-20). Though He commanded His followers who were primarily, pre-Pentecost Jews, to obey those who sat in Moses seat (Matt. 23), until that age was ushered into their lives with the Holy Spirit’s outpouring and the church age began (Acts 15; Rom. 6:14). “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17 Not that the Old Testament Scriptures don’t speak to us who believe in Jesus, for they clearly do since they are given by Holy Spirit Inspiration as well, and both reveal to us Christ’s Person as well as God’s moral will for us all. And even future prophecies for Israel yet to be fulfilled, as well as the inherent wisdom, knowledge and discernment both of God and from God through them. But they must now always be interpreted in light of the New Testament Scriptures and God’s Word and Will given directly to us all through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and His Biblical Apostles. Therefore: 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Returning then back to the Sadducess, for they present a strange irony to us, in that they said they believed the Scriptures, yet they did not believe in the resurrection from the dead, nor of the immortality of the soul.
And as such they did not believe in heaven and hell and the judgment to come, as the Scriptures declare and Jesus clearly taught and warns about (Mat. 5:22, 27-30; 10:27-28; 18:6-9). For both rewards and punishments will be rendered to each person according to their works at the resurrection for both believers and non-believers, for there will be a new heaven and earth in which righteousness dwells (Isaiah 65:1-25; 66:22-24; Matt. 25: 31-46; Luke 14:12-14; John 5:24-30; Rom. 2; 1 Peter 3:11-13; Rev. 11:16-18; 22:12-13 etc.). You wonder why people live godless and immoral lives, it is because they either do not believe in the resurrection of the just and the unjust as Jesus clearly says there will be, or they have never heard about. So when you preach a salvation message don’t forget the resurrection, not just of Christ; which is of course is foundational to our redemption from sin and death, but the resurrection of life for those who believe in Jesus and the resurrection to eternal condemnation to those who do not.
As well the Sadducees did not believe in angels or spirit’s (Acts 23:8), nor Divine Predestination (as Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon says of them), which again just reveals their unbelief. Since you cannot pick and choose what you will believe about God’s Word and believe in Him, for to reject segments of God’s Word is ultimately to reject God Himself (Consider Isaiah 66:2; Isaiah 8:20; Jeremiah 8:8-9; 23:29; 2 John 2:9-11). Apparently “They believed in free will—that people are responsible for their own prosperity or misfortune. They interpreted the law literally and tended to support strict justice as opposed to mercy toward the offender.”*** In regards to this they clearly follow the error revealed through the tragedy and suffering of Job. Whose “friends” extensive and at times arrogant theological discourses on why Job was suffering during his time of misery, only caused them to go on to condemn an innocent man (Job 42:7-8).
Now the Law clearly declares the Angel of the Lord guiding Israel out of Egypt with Moses (Num. 20:16); as well as in their future conquests of Canaan under Joshua (Ex. 23:20-33; Joshua 5:13-15). Not to mention His appearances found in the Law to Abraham, Sara, Hagar, even Balaam. But more relevant to our study, Moses in the burning bush passage which will be the passage from the Law that Jesus will cite to the Sadducees in refuting them (See Ex. 3:2-6). But that’s getting ahead of ourselves, so let us return to the passage to refresh our memories, which began by saying that some Sadducees, “…who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 “Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. 21 “And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. 22 “So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. 23 “Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” Vs. 19-23
Now under the Law of Moses to maintain inheritances as God gave them. A brother was in the event of his married brother’s dying without an heir, to take his brother’s wife to himself, as his wife, and raise up an offspring for his brother’s name, so that his brother’s name would not be cut from Israel (Deut. 25:5-10). However the Sadducees in presenting this scenario to Jesus about the brothers and whose wife the woman would be in the resurrection since all seven had her. Are not declaring that they believe there will be a resurrection. Rather there hypothetical scenario is meant to make a spectacle of Christ, by catching Him in an impossible moral dilemma. For if all plays out as they have outlined it. Then as they have so craftily pre-reasoned, all seven brothers having had her, all would be married to her in resurrection. Not a very likely scenario. Now Jesus in refuting them initially says two things to them that first exposes their unbelief; but more importantly gives us some rather tangible insights into the resurrection and what eternity will be like. Now notice first that Jesus in refuting them will say that they do not know the Scriptures, nor the power of God (vs. 24). Though again they were highly trained and educated. And they held the majority in the Sanhedrin counsel; the religious counsel that ruled over Israel’s religious affairs. As well being the exclusive segment of Judaism from which the high priests were drawn; themselves claiming ascendency through Zadok the high priest, from King David and Solomon’s reigns.** Yet the Lord says rather frankly to them that they know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. An astonishing statement given that they held the highest places in religious Judaism. Therefore don’t ever think that by simply having a title and or a few letters of educational accreditation beside ones name indicates that such a person is either saved, or God fearing, or even qualified to lead in Jesus Christ’s church. For though God may call someone to seminary or a Bible college, such institutions in of themselves have no God given priority in directing His church. For it is the Holy Spirit who alone equips, empowers and calls, (not seminaries) and in this He often chooses those deemed least capable by this worlds (or maybe even their own) standards (see 1 Cor. 1:26-31).
For in God's eyes it's ones heart and faith that is far more important than all the religious accreditation's one attains too. Far more important than ones intellect, strength, social standing, achievements or whatever else would make draw people to them. As the Old Testament judge and prophet Samuel quickly learned when seeking God's King and Ruler for Israel. 6 So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7-8
Now the word Jesus uses of the Sadducees not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God; is a word that indicates an utter lack of discernment on their part. In other words they have neither seen or perceived just what the Scriptures declare to them, and just how greatly they unleash the power of God in those lives who believe. And so Jesus goes on to say to them, 25 “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” That is the first tangible insight that Jesus gives us all, and we take to heart, since the One who has always been there and knows exactly what goes on there, is revealing to us that in heaven’s realm, the redeemed, that is those who believe and are saved by Lord will in some way be like angels of God. Marriage then between a man and woman is something that is confined to the earthly sphere, not heavens. Thus the Sadducees premise that all seven of the brothers would be married to the woman in the resurrection is fundamentally flawed. For as Jesus says, none will be, because marriages do not occur there; they serve God’s purposes here on earth, giving both relational intimacy as God said in the beginning: … “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Gen. 2:18
As well as providing us with a forum for healthy, passionate, and committed relationships which again lay a foundation for procreation and thus the basis for the family and loving, nurturing, maturing, responsible, relationships within it; which then spill over into communities, and of course greater society. All born out of committed heterosexual marriages, which again provide stability for all. That is a part of the basic moral fabric that God has sown into life itself, for mankind’s well being. Cast it aside for self gratification and the consequences are broken hearts, lives, relationships and eventually societies.
Jesus then having undone the Sadducees plans to trap Him in a moral dilemma about marriages in the resurrection; by revealing to them and us that there simply aren’t any. Now goes on to say of the dead, that they do indeed rise, which the Sadducees denied since there is no direct reference to this in the Law. Nonetheless the Lord Jesus cites to them a very familiar passage, from the Law to prove that this is so. Saying: 26 “But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” vs. 26-27
Notice first Jesus says “have you not read in the Book of Moses…” that is have you not understood, what you have read. For when Jesus says God spoke to Moses, Jesus uses a verb in the original language that is used only in the definite past tense (Strong’s). Indicating that God’s speaking with Moses was in the past. However Jesus immediately contrasts that by using a verb in the original language that puts God’s speaking of being the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, in the present tense. Indicating that when God spoke to Moses of being their God. He was referring to this in real time. Not in some distant past experience. In other words they are currently with Him and He is the God of them. For Jesus concludes His Words to them and their lack of understanding of the resurrection by saying: “He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” Vs. 27 Simply stated then a Living God doesn’t have dead subjects. Thus both the resurrection of the dead and the immortality of the soul are clearly seen in the Law and Jesus’ Words.
Now Jesus having said that God is the God of the living, the question then needs to asked, are you alive? Not physically that is something we all experience as Jesus said in John’s gospel chapter three of being born of water and blood, but spiritually? Which is what Jesus was referring to when He said to Nicodemus there that unless you are born again, that is born from on High by the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ’s Person you cannot see the Kingdom of God. And that is what God through the Lord Jesus Christ compels everyone to do, “Be born again!” that is believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification. For when you do God will send His Spirit into you, and He will bring you to life, for your sins having been washed away by the blood of Christ’s Person, your person will now be fit for God’s Person dwelling within you, by His Holy Spirit who alone brings us to life. As Jesus said of Him who brings us to new and everlasting life and union with Christ the moment we believe: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63
Therefore by faith in Jesus Christ’s Person; to the exclusion of all others; we receive by the grace of God the Person of God within us. Have you then come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? “For there is no other Name given under heaven amongst men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
If you have, why not confirm your faith in Christ before God and man and confess the Lord Jesus Christ before both. As the Scriptures declare: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Rom. 10:9-10; 13
Now you can do this in prayer to God by saying to Him that yes you believe and want to receive the Lord Jesus Christ His Son into your heart and life. And you can also do this before man by declaring to your family; friends; co-workers your decision to put away your old sinful life and to take up the cross, as Jesus says, and follow Him into eternal life. Which one often does by getting baptized in a Christ believing church and making a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus as Lord, then serving Him there or wherever He leads you to do so. For God will equip you and appoint you to your own service for Him as the Scriptures says: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10 Now this may unfold immediately, or this maybe a process, as God's plans and purposes unfold for your life. But rest assured if God has saved you then He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Your part is to simply avail yourself to Him and let His Spirit begin to prepare you and conform you into Christ-likeness for all the purposes God has already predestined you to serve the Lord Jesus in. Which is an exciting and at times will be a challenging way of living. Yet knowing that God is making you not only fit for His eternal Kingdom; that is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. But He is going to make your life meaningful and have an eternal impact on the lives He will touch through you here and now. For when you come to a saving knowledge of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God makes an eternal commitment to you, to be not only your God but also your and Father, through all your successes and failures as the Scriptures declare: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:
“The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?” Heb. 13:5-6
Have you then made your decision for the Lord Jesus Christ? If not why not do that? Instead of pursuing what does not satisfy the deepest longings of your soul turn to or return to the Lord Jesus Christ and call on His Name and begin life anew. For if you forsake your life for the Lord Jesus Christ you will find life anew, brand new, a Spirit filled life that cannot be equaled or compared to, which does not end in death, as the life lived for sin or in unbelief does. But in eternal love, life, and peace found only in the God of love, life, and peace, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
Additional Resources Consulted:
Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.
Nelson’s illustrated Bible dictionary, Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1995.
Ronald F. Youngblood, general editor; F.F. Bruce and R.K. Harrison, consulting editors.
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