What is the meaning of Luke 20:28? Teacher, they said • The speakers are the Sadducees, approaching Jesus with what they think is an airtight dilemma (Luke 20:27). • Addressing Him as “Teacher” sounds respectful, yet their aim is to undermine His teaching on resurrection (Acts 23:8). • They acknowledge His authority publicly, but privately intend to trap Him—similar to earlier attempts by scribes and Pharisees (Luke 20:20). Moses wrote for us • The Sadducees ground their challenge in the Law of Moses, which they claim to uphold exclusively (Exodus 3:6 sets the stage for Jesus’ later rebuttal). • By citing Moses, they are appealing to the highest earthly authority recognized in Israel (John 5:45-47 confirms Moses’ writings point to Christ). • The phrase “for us” highlights that the Law was given to the covenant community, underscoring their conviction that Scripture governs real life, not abstract theory (Psalm 19:7-11). If a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children • Childlessness in ancient Israel meant no continuity of name, land, or inheritance (Numbers 27:8-11). • The death of the brother creates a real-life crisis the Law must address; God’s concern for widows and inheritance emerges here (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 68:5). • The scenario stresses finality—death—yet sets the stage for God’s provision through family responsibility. The man is to marry his brother’s widow • This directive comes straight from Deuteronomy 25:5-6, the law of levirate marriage. • It demonstrates covenant loyalty within the family, ensuring the widow’s protection (Ruth 3:9; 1 Timothy 5:8). • By instructing marriage, the Law secures relational and economic stability, showing God’s practical care. And raise up offspring for him • The firstborn son would carry the deceased brother’s name so “his name will not be blotted out of Israel” (Deuteronomy 25:6). • The practice looks forward to the promised Seed who would bless all nations (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16). • Boaz fulfilling this duty for Elimelech’s line (Ruth 4:10) foreshadows Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer, who secures an everlasting inheritance for His people (Hebrews 2:11-15). summary Luke 20:28 records the Sadducees citing the levirate law to challenge Jesus about resurrection. Each clause reveals God’s concern for family, inheritance, and covenant faithfulness. The law mandated that a surviving brother protect the widow and perpetuate the deceased brother’s name, pointing ahead to Christ who, through His own resurrection, guarantees an eternal inheritance for all who belong to Him. |
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