Doctrinal Question About The Resurrection

Matthew 22:23–33
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A little later the same day a group of Sadducees came to ask Jesus a doctrinal question about the resurrection (v. 23). These Sadducees were the “religious liberals” of that day. They said there is no resurrection or angels, but they were firm adherents to the law of Moses. They often challenged the Pharisees to prove the doctrine of the resurrection but the Pharisees were not too successful with their arguments.

These Sadducees brought up a hypothetical illustration based on the Jewish law concerning “leverite marriage” (Deut. 25:5-10). This dealt with the marrying of a dead brother’s wife in order to prevent his line from dying out (vv. 24-28). They cited the story of a woman who married a man who later died. Her husband’s brother married her but he too died. This happened with seven brothers. These Sadducees now question Jesus as to whose wife, of these seven brothers, will she be at the resurrection? They were actually trying to make the resurrection look ridiculous.

Jesus said their problem was that they did not know the Scriptures or the power of God (vv. 29-32). We cannot base our faith on human logic or reasoning, but on the Word of God and the almighty power that brought us into existence. If it seems foolish to some, so be it. The Word of God will stand when all else fails. Believers in their glorified bodies will be like the angels, (He did not say people will become angels) for angels do not reproduce themselves. There will be no need for marriage in the next life because there will be no death. Therefore it will not be necessary to bear children to replace those who die. When the crowds heard His teaching they were impressed (v. 33).

Application

Just the fact of the resurrection gives me great hope. I do not serve a dead but a living Saviour.