What is the meaning of Mark 12:18? Then the Sadducees • These men belong to the priestly, aristocratic party in Jerusalem (Acts 4:1–2). • They wield political influence yet reject many supernatural truths found in Scripture (Acts 23:8). • Their approach is not one of humble learning but of calculated opposition, repeating the same pattern seen in Mark 11:27–33 where leaders come to trap Jesus. • By recording their identity first, Mark alerts us that a theological showdown is coming. who say there is no resurrection • The Sadducees limit inspired revelation to the Pentateuch and claim Moses never taught bodily resurrection—an error Jesus will soon expose (Exodus 3:6; Mark 12:26–27). • Acts 23:8 confirms their denial not only of resurrection but also of angels and spirits, in contrast to the Pharisees who affirm these doctrines. • Scripture repeatedly affirms resurrection hope (Job 19:25–27; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28–29), so their stance puts them at odds with the plain teaching of God’s Word. • This phrase highlights the theological issue at stake: are the dead raised or not? The gospel hinges on that truth (1 Corinthians 15:12–19). came to Jesus • They choose a public setting in the temple courts during Passion Week (Mark 11:27; Luke 20:1). • Each delegation of leaders approaches Jesus with a different trap: Pharisees and Herodians on taxes (Mark 12:13–17), Sadducees on resurrection (Mark 12:18–27), scribes on the greatest command (Mark 12:28–34). • Their arrival fulfills Psalm 2:2—“The rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed.” • Yet Jesus welcomes sincere seekers and hostile skeptics alike, displaying patience and authority (John 3:1–2; Luke 7:36–50). and questioned Him: • Their forthcoming scenario of the seven brothers (Mark 12:19–23) is designed to mock resurrection doctrine, not to seek truth. • Similar confrontations occur when scribes “reason in their hearts” about forgiveness (Mark 2:6–7) and Pharisees “test” Him about divorce (Mark 10:2). • Jesus consistently answers from Scripture, exposing error and affirming God’s power (Matthew 22:29). • The questioning underscores human attempts to limit divine revelation with clever arguments—something Jesus will dismantle. summary Mark 12:18 introduces a strategic encounter: influential Sadducees, denying resurrection hope, confront Jesus in the temple to undermine His teaching. Their disbelief collides with the clear testimony of Scripture, setting the stage for Jesus to affirm both the authority of God’s Word and the reality of bodily resurrection. |
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