How can we align our lives with the eternal perspective in Luke 20:34? Setting the Scene Luke 20 finds Jesus fielding questions from the Sadducees, a group that denied bodily resurrection. They pose a hypothetical about marriage in the afterlife, and Jesus answers by distinguishing “the sons of this age” from those who will share in “the age to come” (vv. 34-35). Verse 34 pinpoints the temporal mindset—fixated on earthly institutions like marriage—while Jesus urges His followers to lift their eyes to eternity. Key Verse “Jesus answered, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.’” (Luke 20:34) Eternal Perspective Defined • “This age” = the present, temporary world system (cf. 1 John 2:17). • “That age” = the coming, everlasting kingdom inaugurated at the resurrection (Luke 20:35-36; Revelation 21:1-4). • Followers of Christ already belong to the next age (Philippians 3:20) and must live like it now. Practical Ways to Align Our Lives • Embrace your new identity – We are “sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36). – Live as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21), not merely residents of earth. • Set your mind above – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2). – Filter decisions through eternity’s values rather than momentary advantage. • Hold earthly institutions loosely – Marriage, family, vocation are good gifts (Genesis 2:24; 1 Timothy 4:4) but temporary. – Use them to display Christ’s love (Ephesians 5:25-33) instead of seeking ultimate fulfillment in them. • Invest in kingdom treasure – “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21). – Steward time, talents, and finances toward gospel advance (Luke 16:9; 1 Corinthians 3:12-14). • Pursue holiness with hope – Future resurrection motivates present purity (1 John 3:2-3). – Choose obedience that carries eternal reward (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). • Endure suffering with eternity in view – “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). – Trials lose their sting when measured against forever. • Keep gospel proclamation central – Eternal souls hang in the balance (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:14-15). – Let every relationship become an opportunity to point others to Christ. • Gather expecting forever fellowship – Corporate worship anticipates the heavenly assembly (Hebrews 10:24-25; Revelation 7:9-10). – Engage the church now as rehearsal for eternity. Summary Luke 20:34 reminds us that life’s institutions, while meaningful, are confined to “this age.” By anchoring identity, priorities, and hope in the resurrection reality of “that age,” we shape choices that echo into eternity and honor the One who secured that future for us. |
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