What practical steps can we take to avoid misunderstanding Scripture like in Matthew 22:26? Setting the Scene Matthew 22:26: “So also the second and third brothers, down to the seventh, died without leaving children.” The Sadducees spin this unlikely story to deny the resurrection. Jesus answers in verse 29, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Their error shows how easily Scripture can be twisted when hearts are closed to its plain meaning. Practical Steps to Keep Our Understanding Clear • Know the Whole, Not Just a Slice – Read passages in their immediate paragraph, their book, and the canon-wide storyline. – Example: Resurrection hope runs from Job 19:25 to Isaiah 26:19 to Daniel 12:2 and culminates in Matthew 28. Seeing the thread blocks the Sadducees’ narrow reading. • Compare Scripture with Scripture – Let clear texts interpret difficult ones (2 Peter 3:16). – Trace a doctrine through multiple authors (Acts 17:11). Cross-referencing guards against building a case on an isolated verse. • Honor the Literal Sense First – Assume God means what He says unless a passage clearly signals symbolism (e.g., Psalm 23’s metaphor of a shepherd). – The Sadducees’ denial of resurrection ignored straightforward prophetic promises (Ezekiel 37:12-14). • Study Historical and Cultural Background – Learn first-century marriage customs or Levirate law (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) to understand why seven brothers marrying one woman is mentioned at all. – Context prevents fanciful, modern projections onto the text. • Acknowledge the Supernatural Power of God – Jesus links Scriptural accuracy with recognizing God’s power (Matthew 22:29). – Rejecting miracles or future resurrection will skew interpretation. Accepting God’s omnipotence keeps reading honest (Jeremiah 32:17). • Handle the Word with Skill – “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God…who accurately handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). – Use reliable study tools, original-language helps, and sound commentaries, but let Scripture remain authoritative. • Depend on the Spirit’s Illumination – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). – Pray for insight before and during study; the Author best explains His own book. • Cultivate Humility and Teachability – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). – Hold conclusions with conviction yet remain open to correction as deeper study refines understanding. Putting It into Practice This Week 1. Read Matthew 22:23-33 in one sitting; underline Jesus’ reasons the Sadducees erred. 2. List at least three resurrection passages from other books and note their plain meaning. 3. Check a study Bible or lexicon on Deuteronomy 25:5-6 to grasp the Levirate background. 4. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15, asking the Spirit to shape your approach to every passage. Staying anchored in the full counsel of God, relying on His Spirit, and handling His Word with reverence keeps us from the misunderstandings that plagued the Sadducees—and lets Scripture speak with its intended clarity and power. |
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