Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife, but died childless. Now there were seven brothers.This phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees to Jesus. The Sadducees were a Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits, focusing instead on the Torah. The number seven is often symbolic in the Bible, representing completeness or perfection. The use of seven brothers in this context may emphasize the thoroughness of the scenario they are presenting to challenge Jesus. Mrk 12:20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married… The first one married a wife Marriage in Jewish culture was a significant covenant, often arranged by families to ensure the continuation of lineage and inheritance. The mention of marriage here sets the stage for a discussion on levirate marriage, a practice outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man is obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without offspring. This practice was intended to preserve the family line and property within the tribe. Mrk 12:21 Then the second one married the widow, but he also died… but died childless. Dying childless was considered a misfortune in ancient Jewish society, as children were seen as a blessing from God and a means to carry on the family name and inheritance. The absence of children in this scenario is crucial, as it triggers the levirate marriage obligation. This detail also highlights the Sadducees' focus on earthly concerns and inheritance, contrasting with Jesus' teachings on eternal life and the kingdom of God. Deu 25:6 The first son she bears will carry on the name… Persons / Places / Events 1. Seven BrothersA hypothetical group of siblings used in the Sadducees' question to Jesus. They represent a scenario meant to challenge the concept of resurrection. 2. The First Brother The eldest of the seven brothers who marries but dies without leaving any children, setting the stage for the Levirate marriage question. 3. The Wife The woman who marries the first brother and becomes central to the Sadducees' question about resurrection and marriage. 4. Sadducees A Jewish sect during Jesus' time known for denying the resurrection of the dead, which is why they pose this question to Jesus. 5. Jesus The central figure in the Gospel who is being questioned by the Sadducees to test His teachings on the resurrection. Teaching Points Understanding the ResurrectionThe Sadducees' question highlights a misunderstanding of the resurrection. Jesus' response clarifies that earthly institutions like marriage do not apply in the same way in the afterlife. The Power of God Jesus emphasizes that the power of God transcends human understanding and limitations, including life after death. Scriptural Knowledge The Sadducees' question reveals a lack of understanding of the Scriptures and the power of God. Believers are encouraged to study the Word deeply to understand God's promises. Faith in Eternal Life The passage encourages believers to have faith in the promise of eternal life, trusting in God's plan beyond this earthly existence. Challenge of Legalism The Sadducees' focus on legalistic interpretations serves as a warning against missing the spirit of the law and the broader truths of God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of Levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-6 relate to the Sadducees' question in Luke 20:29, and what does it reveal about their understanding of the law?2. In what ways does Jesus' response to the Sadducees challenge their beliefs about the resurrection, and how can this challenge our own understanding of life after death? 3. How does the Sadducees' approach to questioning Jesus reflect a legalistic mindset, and what can we learn from this about the dangers of legalism in our own faith journey? 4. Considering the parallel accounts in Matthew 22 and Mark 12, what additional insights do we gain about Jesus' teaching on the resurrection, and how can these insights strengthen our faith? 5. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's power and promises, as demonstrated in Jesus' response to the Sadducees, to our daily lives and challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 25:5-6This passage provides the background for the Levirate marriage law, which the Sadducees reference in their question to Jesus. Matthew 22:23-33 A parallel account of the same event, offering additional insights into Jesus' response to the Sadducees. Mark 12:18-27 Another parallel account that emphasizes Jesus' teaching on the resurrection and the power of God. Acts 23:8 Highlights the beliefs of the Sadducees, particularly their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits, contrasting with the Pharisees.
People David, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, JohnPlaces JerusalemTopics Brethren, Brothers, Childless, Died, Married, Seven, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 20:27-33 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 20:29 NIVLuke 20:29 NLT Luke 20:29 ESV Luke 20:29 NASB Luke 20:29 KJV Luke 20:29 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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