Luke 20:34 – “Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus begins His response to the Sadducees’ question about marriage in the resurrection. The Sadducees had presented a hypothetical scenario involving seven brothers who all married the same woman and died childless, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection (Luke 20:33). Their goal was to make the resurrection seem illogical by showing that earthly relationships like marriage would create complications.
Jesus’ response begins by explaining that marriage is a part of this life, not the next. In “this age”—the time before the resurrection—marriage serves important purposes, such as companionship, procreation, and the continuation of family lines. But in the resurrection, these earthly purposes no longer apply. Jesus is making a clear distinction between earthly life and eternal life, showing that the two are not the same.
Historical Context
Marriage played a central role in Jewish culture and society during Jesus’ time. It wasn’t just about love and companionship—it was deeply tied to family legacy, inheritance, and the continuation of the Jewish people. The law of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) reflected this importance by ensuring that a man’s family line would continue even if he died without children.
The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, saw marriage as one of many reasons why life after death couldn’t work. They believed that earthly obligations, like those tied to marriage and family, would make the concept of resurrection confusing and impractical. But Jesus reveals that their understanding of the resurrection is flawed—they are trying to fit eternal life into an earthly framework.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a key theological truth: the resurrection is not a continuation of earthly life but a transformation into a new kind of existence. In this life, marriage is a good and God-ordained institution with important purposes. But in the resurrection, believers will experience a reality where earthly concerns like marriage, family ties, and inheritance no longer apply. Instead, they will be fully satisfied in their relationship with God.
This truth challenges us to rethink what we value and prioritize. Earthly relationships are important, but they are temporary. Our ultimate fulfillment comes not from marriage or family but from our relationship with God, which will last for eternity.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “the people of this age” is significant. Jesus is drawing a contrast between the present age, characterized by earthly concerns, and the age to come, characterized by eternal life with God. His response shows that marriage is a part of God’s design for this age, but it does not carry over into the next.
The structure of Jesus’ reply is progressive. He starts by addressing the Sadducees’ misunderstanding of the resurrection and then builds toward a deeper explanation of the nature of eternal life. This structure allows Him to dismantle their flawed reasoning step by step while pointing them toward a greater understanding of God’s power and plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 2:24 – The institution of marriage, where a man and woman become one flesh.
- Deuteronomy 25:5-6 – The law of levirate marriage, which the Sadducees reference in their question to Jesus.
- Matthew 22:30 – The parallel passage where Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like the angels.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – Paul describes the transformation that takes place in the resurrection, where earthly bodies are raised as spiritual bodies.
- Revelation 21:4 – A vision of the new creation, where earthly concerns like death, pain, and sorrow no longer exist.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us that while marriage and family are important, they are not the ultimate goal of life. Our primary purpose is to know, love, and serve God, and our ultimate hope is found in the promise of eternal life with Him. Marriage is a temporary blessing for this life, but in the resurrection, we will experience a deeper, more complete relationship with God and one another.
This verse also encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. Instead of placing all our hopes and desires in temporary things, we should focus on the eternal joy and fulfillment that come from being in God’s presence.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His provision for both this life and the life to come. He created marriage as a good and meaningful part of earthly life, providing companionship and the means to build families and communities. But His love doesn’t stop there—He also offers us something even greater in the resurrection: eternal life, where we will be fully united with Him.
God’s love is also patient and merciful. Even when the Sadducees misunderstood His plan, Jesus didn’t dismiss them. Instead, He lovingly corrected their misunderstanding, inviting them to see the bigger picture of God’s eternal purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus as the one who reveals the truth about the resurrection and eternal life. The Sadducees thought they could trap Jesus with a difficult question, but He showed them that eternal life is not limited by earthly concerns like marriage. Jesus Himself is the key to the resurrection. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated death and opened the door to eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection reflects His role as the one who brings new life. Just as He transforms our earthly bodies into resurrection bodies, He transforms our understanding of what life and relationships are ultimately about. In Him, we find the fulfillment that earthly relationships can only hint at.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the Sadducees had such a hard time understanding the resurrection as a transformation rather than a continuation of earthly life?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage and the resurrection change the way you view earthly relationships?
- Are there areas in your life where you are focusing too much on temporary things instead of eternal ones?
- How does the promise of a transformed life in the resurrection give you hope for the future?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s love and His desire to provide for both our earthly and eternal needs?