"Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother's widow and raise up offspring for him. “Teacher,” they said,The term "Teacher" is a respectful address used for Jesus, acknowledging His authority and wisdom. In the Gospels, Jesus is often approached by religious leaders and others seeking His interpretation of the Law. This encounter occurs in Jerusalem, where Jesus is teaching in the temple courts, a place of significant religious activity and debate. Mat 22:24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses declared that if a man dies…… “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, This refers to the practice of levirate marriage, which is outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. The law was given by Moses to ensure the continuation of a family line and the preservation of property within the tribe. It reflects the cultural importance of family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society. The Sadducees, who are posing this question, are referencing the Torah, which they held in high regard. Deu 25:5 When brothers dwell together and one of them dies… the man is to marry his brother’s widow The practice of levirate marriage required the deceased man's brother to marry the widow. This was a legal and social obligation intended to provide for the widow and ensure the deceased brother's name and estate were preserved. This practice underscores the communal and familial responsibilities emphasized in the Mosaic Law. Deu 25:6 The first son she bears will carry on the name… and raise up offspring for him. The primary purpose of this law was to produce an heir for the deceased brother, ensuring his name and lineage would not be lost. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern emphasis on progeny and inheritance. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, use this law to challenge Jesus on the concept of life after death, setting the stage for a deeper theological discussion. Gen 38:9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him;… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus- The central figure in the Gospel of Luke, who is being questioned by the Sadducees in this passage. 2. Sadducees - A Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection, who are attempting to challenge Jesus with a question about the law. 3. Moses - The great lawgiver of Israel, whose writings in the Torah are being referenced by the Sadducees. 4. Levirate Marriage - The practice described in the Mosaic Law where a man is required to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without children, to preserve the family line. 5. The Law of Moses - Specifically, the commandment found in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, which the Sadducees are citing in their question to Jesus. Teaching Points Understanding the LawThe Sadducees' question is rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically the practice of levirate marriage. Understanding the cultural and historical context of this law helps us appreciate the continuity and fulfillment of the law in Christ. The Resurrection The Sadducees' denial of the resurrection is a key point of contention. Jesus' response (in the following verses) affirms the reality of the resurrection, which is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Scriptural Authority Jesus often used Scripture to address questions and challenges. This passage encourages believers to know and use Scripture wisely in discussions about faith. Marriage and Eternal Life The question posed by the Sadducees also touches on the nature of relationships in the afterlife. Jesus' teaching points to a transformed existence beyond earthly institutions. Faith and Reason The interaction between Jesus and the Sadducees demonstrates the importance of engaging both faith and reason when discussing theological matters. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the practice of levirate marriage, as described in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, reflect the values and priorities of ancient Israelite society?2. In what ways does Jesus' response to the Sadducees challenge their understanding of the resurrection and eternal life? 3. How can we apply Jesus' use of Scripture in this passage to our own discussions and debates about faith today? 4. What does this passage teach us about the nature of relationships in the afterlife, and how does this influence our understanding of marriage and family? 5. How can we balance faith and reason when faced with challenging questions about our beliefs, as demonstrated by Jesus in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 25:5-6This passage provides the basis for the practice of levirate marriage, which the Sadducees reference in their question to Jesus. Genesis 38 The account of Tamar and Judah, which illustrates the practice of levirate marriage in the Old Testament. Matthew 22:23-33 and Mark 12:18-27 Parallel accounts of this interaction between Jesus and the Sadducees, providing additional context and details. Acts 23:8 Highlights the beliefs of the Sadducees, particularly their denial of the resurrection, which is central to their questioning of Jesus.
People David, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, JohnPlaces JerusalemTopics Brother, Childless, Demanded, Die, Dies, Family, Law, Leaves, Leaving, Man's, Marry, Master, One's, Question, Questioned, Rabbi, Raise, Saying, Seed, Teacher, Widow, Wife, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 20:28 5724 offspring 5681 family, nature of Library Whose Image and Superscription?'Whose image and superscription hath it?'--Luke xx. 24. It is no unusual thing for antagonists to join forces in order to crush a third person obnoxious to both. So in this incident we have an unnatural alliance of the two parties in Jewish politics who were at daggers drawn. The representatives of the narrow conservative Judaism, which loathed a foreign yoke, in the person of the Pharisees and Scribes, and the Herodians, the partisans of a foreigner and a usurper, lay their heads together to propose … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture Tenants who Wanted to be Owners The God of the Living. The Resurrection of the Sleeping Saints. The Morality of the Gospel. In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables. In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables. Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the Question of Christ's Authority - the Question of Tribute to Cæsar - The The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question Fac-Similes The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the Pharisees and to the People - on the Way to Jerusalem: the Parable Wherefore I Cannot Indeed Say, of Females who have Fallen Away from a Better... Difficulties and Objections Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through Disuse. --The virgin Birth and the Corporeal Resurrection of Jesus Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting. Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry. Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. The King on his Throne. The Barren Fig-Tree; Links Luke 20:28 NIVLuke 20:28 NLT Luke 20:28 ESV Luke 20:28 NASB Luke 20:28 KJV Luke 20:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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