and the third married the widow, and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. and the third married the widow,This phrase is part of a hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees to Jesus, based on the practice of levirate marriage found in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. This law required a man to marry his deceased brother's widow if the brother died without leaving a son, to ensure the continuation of the brother's family line. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, used this scenario to challenge Jesus on the concept of life after death. The cultural context of levirate marriage was significant in Jewish society as it preserved family inheritance and lineage. Mat 22:25-26 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married… and in the same way all seven died, The repetition of the scenario with all seven brothers emphasizes the improbability and absurdity of the situation, which the Sadducees used to mock the idea of resurrection. This reflects their misunderstanding of the nature of the resurrection life, which Jesus later clarifies. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, which may suggest the totality of the Sadducees' argument against the resurrection. Mat 22:27 And last of all, the woman died. leaving no children. The lack of children underscores the failure to fulfill the purpose of levirate marriage, which was to produce offspring to carry on the deceased brother's name. This detail highlights the futility of the Sadducees' argument, as they focus on earthly concerns rather than the spiritual realities of the resurrection. The absence of children also serves to set the stage for Jesus' teaching on the nature of eternal life, where earthly institutions like marriage do not apply. Deu 25:6 The first son she bears will carry on the name… Persons / Places / Events 1. SadduceesA Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection, who posed the question to Jesus to challenge Him. 2. Jesus The central figure in the passage, responding to the Sadducees' question with wisdom and authority. 3. The Seven Brothers A hypothetical group of brothers used in the Sadducees' question to illustrate their point about marriage and resurrection. 4. The Widow The woman in the Sadducees' scenario who marries each brother in turn, according to the Levirate marriage law. 5. Jerusalem The setting of this discourse, where Jesus was teaching in the temple courts. Teaching Points Understanding the ResurrectionThe Sadducees' question reveals their misunderstanding of the resurrection. Jesus' response teaches us that the resurrection life is different from earthly life, emphasizing the eternal nature of our future hope. The Authority of Jesus Jesus demonstrates His authority and wisdom in addressing theological challenges. As believers, we can trust in His teachings and seek His guidance in understanding complex spiritual truths. The Importance of Scripture Jesus often used Scripture to correct misunderstandings. We should be diligent in studying the Bible to discern truth and refute error. Faith Beyond Tradition The Sadducees were bound by their traditions and interpretations. We are called to have a faith that transcends human traditions and is rooted in the truth of God's Word. Hope in Eternal Life This passage encourages believers to focus on the hope of eternal life, reminding us that our earthly experiences are temporary compared to the eternal joy of the resurrection. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of Levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-6 relate to the Sadducees' question in Luke 20:31?2. What does Jesus' response to the Sadducees teach us about the nature of the resurrection? 3. How can we apply Jesus' method of using Scripture to address theological questions in our own lives? 4. In what ways can we ensure that our faith is based on the truth of God's Word rather than human traditions? 5. How does the hope of the resurrection influence our daily lives and decisions as Christians? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 25:5-6This passage outlines the Levirate marriage law, which the Sadducees reference in their question to Jesus. Matthew 22:23-33 and Mark 12:18-27 Parallel accounts of this interaction between Jesus and the Sadducees, providing additional context and details. 1 Corinthians 15 Paul's teaching on the resurrection, which affirms the reality and importance of the resurrection that the Sadducees denied. Acts 23:8 Highlights the doctrinal differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees, particularly regarding the resurrection.
People David, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, JohnPlaces JerusalemTopics Died, Leaving, Likewise, Manner, Married, Seven, ThirdDictionary 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 20:31 NIVLuke 20:31 NLT Luke 20:31 ESV Luke 20:31 NASB Luke 20:31 KJV Luke 20:31 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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