In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be? For all seven were married to her." In the resurrection, then,This phrase refers to the belief in life after death, a concept that was debated among Jewish sects. The Sadducees, who posed this question to Jesus, did not believe in the resurrection, unlike the Pharisees who did. The resurrection is a central tenet of Christian faith, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 15, which discusses the resurrection of the dead and the hope it provides to believers. The question posed here is intended to challenge Jesus on the logistics of resurrection, reflecting the Sadducees' skepticism. Mat 22:30 In the resurrection, people will neither marry… whose wife will she be? This question is based on the Levirate marriage law found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man is required to marry his brother's widow if the brother dies without leaving children. The Sadducees use this law to create a hypothetical scenario to test Jesus. The question is designed to highlight what they perceive as the absurdity of resurrection, by suggesting a complicated marital situation that would arise. This reflects the cultural and legal practices of the time, where family lineage and inheritance were of significant importance. Mat 22:28 In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be… For all seven were married to her.” The scenario involves a woman who was married to seven brothers, each of whom died without leaving children. This hyperbolic situation is meant to emphasize the perceived impracticality of resurrection. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, which may suggest the totality of the argument the Sadducees are trying to make. This phrase also highlights the Sadducees' misunderstanding of the nature of the resurrection life, which Jesus addresses in His response, indicating that earthly institutions like marriage do not apply in the same way in the afterlife. Mat 22:25-27 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question posed by the Sadducees. He is teaching in the temple courts in Jerusalem. 2. Sadducees A sect of Judaism during the time of Jesus, known for their denial of the resurrection. They approach Jesus with a question intended to challenge the concept of resurrection. 3. Moses Referenced by the Sadducees in their question to Jesus, Moses is the lawgiver of Israel, and his writings are foundational to Jewish law and tradition. 4. The Seven Brothers Part of the hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees, these brothers are used to question the logistics of resurrection and marriage. 5. The Woman Central to the Sadducees' question, she is married sequentially to each of the seven brothers, raising the question of whose wife she will be in the resurrection. Teaching Points Understanding the ResurrectionJesus corrects the Sadducees' misunderstanding of the resurrection, emphasizing that earthly relationships do not define eternal life. Believers should focus on the eternal nature of their relationship with God. The Authority of Scripture Jesus uses Scripture to refute the Sadducees, demonstrating the importance of knowing and understanding God's Word. Christians are encouraged to study Scripture diligently to defend their faith. God of the Living Jesus' teaching highlights that God is the God of the living, not the dead. This reassures believers of the hope and reality of eternal life. Challenge of Skepticism The Sadducees' question reflects skepticism about spiritual truths. Believers should be prepared to address doubts and questions with grace and truth. Marriage and Eternity Earthly institutions like marriage are temporary and serve a purpose in this life. In eternity, our focus will be on our relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' response to the Sadducees challenge their understanding of the resurrection, and what can we learn from His approach to addressing skepticism?2. In what ways does Jesus use Scripture to affirm the truth of the resurrection, and how can we apply this method in our own faith journey? 3. How does the concept of God being the "God of the living" impact your understanding of eternal life and your relationship with God? 4. What are some practical ways to prepare ourselves to answer questions or doubts about our faith, as Jesus did with the Sadducees? 5. How does the temporary nature of earthly relationships, like marriage, influence your perspective on eternal life and your priorities in this life? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 22:23-33 and Luke 20:27-40These parallel accounts provide additional context and details about the interaction between Jesus and the Sadducees. Exodus 3:6 Jesus references this passage to affirm the reality of the resurrection, emphasizing that God is the God of the living. 1 Corinthians 15 Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of the dead provides a theological foundation that supports Jesus' argument against the Sadducees. People David, Herodians, Isaac, Jacob, JesusPlaces JerusalemTopics Dead, Future, Married, One's, Resurrection, Rise, Rising, Seven, Whenever, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Mark 12:18-23 5661 brothers 5681 family, nature of Library God's Last Arrow'Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them.'--Mark xii. 6. Reference to Isaiah v. There are differences in detail here which need not trouble us. Isaiah's parable is a review of the theocratic history of Israel, and clearly the messengers are the prophets; here Christ speaks of Himself and His own mission to Israel, and goes on to tell of His death as already accomplished. I. The Son who follows and surpasses the servants. (a) Our Lord here places Himself in … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Dishonest Tenants Not Far and not In The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed Defended. --Miracles vindicated. Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ. The Unity of the Divine Being For the Candid and Thoughtful The First and Great Commandment Observing the Offerings and Widow's Mites. A Serious Persuasive to Such a Method of Spending Our Days as is Represented in the Former Chapter. The Cross as a Social Principle Whether to the Words, "Thou Shalt Love the Lord Thy God with Thy Whole Heart," it was Fitting to Add "And with Thy Whole Soul, and with Thy Whole Strength"? The Tribute Money Christ and the Sadduccees The Discerning Scribe David's Lord The Widow's Mite Talks with Bohler The Room was Like and Oven The Morality of the Gospel. Prophecy. In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables. 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