How does Jesus' response in Luke 20:27-40 affirm the resurrection? Setting the Scene The Sadducees, who rejected any notion of bodily resurrection, posed a contrived scenario about a woman widowed seven times (Luke 20:27-33). Their aim was to ridicule the idea of life after death. Jesus Confronts the Denial of Resurrection • “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those deemed worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Luke 20:34-35). • “Indeed, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And they are sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection” (v. 36). • “But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive” (vv. 37-38). • “Some of the scribes answered, ‘Teacher, You have spoken well.’ And they no longer dared to question Him about anything” (vv. 39-40). Key Elements in Jesus’ Answer • He differentiates “this age” from “that age,” stressing a future existence beyond earthly categories. • He describes resurrected believers as death-proof and angel-like—still embodied yet imperishable (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44). • By labeling them “sons of God” and “sons of the resurrection,” He links resurrection to adoption and eternal family. • He appeals to Exodus 3:6, grounding resurrection hope in God’s self-revelation to Moses. Old Testament Grounding for Resurrection • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were long dead when God spoke from the bush (Exodus 3:6). Calling Himself their God implies their ongoing, conscious life with Him. • Present-tense language—“I AM the God…”—underscores continuing covenant relationship (cf. Matthew 22:32). • Isaiah 26:19 and Daniel 12:2 echo this promise, revealing resurrection as embedded in Torah and Prophets alike. Implications for Believers Today • Our identity transcends earthly roles; marriage is temporary, but resurrection life is permanent. • Death is a defeated enemy; God’s people share His unending life (2 Timothy 1:10). • Assurance rests not in abstract philosophy but in God’s covenant faithfulness: if He is our God now, He remains our God beyond the grave. Supporting Scriptures • Job 19:25-27—“I know that my Redeemer lives… in my flesh I will see God.” • Psalm 16:9-11—David anticipates resurrection joy. • John 11:25-26—Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” • 1 Corinthians 15:20-23—Christ as firstfruits guarantees believers’ resurrection. Summary: Jesus’ Clear Affirmation By contrasting the present age with the coming age, depicting believers as deathless, and invoking God’s covenant name at the burning bush, Jesus unmistakably teaches that resurrection is real, bodily, and rooted in the very character of the living God. |
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