Wednesday 12 March 2008

Background

Here Jesus is in debate with both the Pharisees and theSadducees. The Pharisees were the orthodox Jewish leaders and theSadducees were a small group within the wealthy governing class whoin Jesus' day, were the chief priests of the Temple inJerusalem.

In verses 22-33 we see Jesus addressing the doctrine of life afterdeath. The Sadducees believed that no real argument for theresurrection of the dead could be produced from their HolyScriptures, while the Pharisees were very definite about theresurrection of the body.

Jesus argues that their basic assumptions are incorrect. Heexplains that heaven is not simply an extension or continuation ofthis world - there will be other new relationships and ways ofbeing.

Jesus then turns to their own accepted beliefs from Scripture. Theyall believe that God is the god of the living and yet they alsobelieve that God is the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. If that isso, Jesus argues, then these men must be alive - even if that is(in some new way) a relationship not yet known or proved.

To Ponder

Jesus promised that heaven will be more than whatwe have on earth. What sort of image of heaven do you have in yourmind and heart?

Spend some time thinking about those you know whoare no longer living on earth, giving thanks for them and rejoicingthat God is God of the living.