Luke 20:35 – “But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus explains that the resurrection brings about a new reality, one that is different from life on earth. He says that those who are “considered worthy” to take part in the age to come and the resurrection will not marry or be given in marriage. This doesn’t mean that marriage is unimportant or bad, but it shows that marriage serves specific purposes in this life—purposes that won’t be needed in eternity.

Marriage on earth provides companionship, family, and the continuation of generations. But in the resurrection, believers will be fully satisfied in their relationship with God and will experience perfect unity with one another without the need for marriage. The focus will shift from earthly concerns to the eternal joy of living in God’s presence.

Historical Context

In Jewish culture during Jesus’ time, marriage was considered essential for several reasons, including 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 asked Jesus the question about marriage in the resurrection, didn’t believe in life after death or the resurrection of the body. They thought they could discredit the concept of resurrection by pointing to the supposed complications that would arise from earthly relationships continuing in the afterlife. But Jesus corrects them, teaching that life in the resurrection is fundamentally different.

Theological Implications

This verse has significant theological implications regarding the nature of eternal life and God’s kingdom:

1. Transformation through the resurrection: The resurrection is not about restoring or continuing earthly life; it’s about a new kind of life where believers experience the fullness of God’s presence. Earthly institutions like marriage serve temporary purposes, but eternal life is about something much greater—complete union with God and perfect fellowship with other believers.
2. God’s grace and worthiness: Jesus mentions that those who take part in the resurrection are “considered worthy.” This worthiness is not something we can earn through good works; it’s a gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Only those who have trusted in Him will experience the resurrection to eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Eternal satisfaction in God: The fact that marriage is no longer necessary in the resurrection highlights that believers will be fully satisfied in their relationship with God. Earthly relationships, as meaningful as they are, will be replaced by a deeper and more complete joy in God’s eternal kingdom.

Literary Analysis

The phrase “those who are considered worthy” is key to understanding the structure of Jesus’ response. He isn’t saying that everyone will automatically take part in the resurrection to eternal life. Instead, He highlights the need for faith and trust in God to be part of His kingdom. The contrast between this age (earthly life) and the age to come (eternal life) is central to His teaching.

The mention of “neither marry nor be given in marriage” is also important. It signals a shift in the nature of relationships in the resurrection. While marriage is a fundamental part of life on earth, eternal life transcends the need for it because believers will experience perfect unity and fellowship with God and one another.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 22:30 – The parallel passage where Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will be like the angels in heaven.
• Revelation 21:4 – A description of the new creation, where pain, death, and earthly concerns no longer exist.
• 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – Paul explains the transformation that occurs in the resurrection, where earthly bodies are raised as spiritual bodies.
• John 11:25-26 – Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in Him will live forever.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation and participation in eternal life come through God’s grace, not human effort.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that our hope is not in the temporary things of this world but in the eternal life that God has prepared for us. Marriage, family, and other blessings are important parts of our earthly journey, but they are not the ultimate goal. Our ultimate hope is in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with God.

This verse also challenges believers to live with an eternal perspective. While we should value and cherish the relationships and responsibilities we have on earth, we should remember that they are temporary. What matters most is our relationship with God and our readiness to be part of His eternal kingdom.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His plan to bring His people into eternal life through the resurrection. He created marriage and other earthly blessings as good gifts, but His love doesn’t stop there—He has something even greater in store for us. In eternity, we will experience the fullness of His love and joy in a way that goes beyond anything we can imagine.

God’s love is also evident in the fact that He makes us “worthy” to be part of His kingdom. We don’t earn this worthiness on our own; it’s a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. His love invites us to trust Him and receive the gift of eternal life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly connects to Jesus’ role as the one who makes the resurrection possible. The worthiness Jesus speaks of is not based on human effort or merit—it’s based on faith in Him. Jesus’ death and resurrection secured victory over sin and death, making it possible for believers to be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Jesus is the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, meaning that His resurrection is the guarantee that those who believe in Him will also be raised (1 Corinthians 15:23). Through Him, we are given a new life that transcends earthly concerns and brings us into perfect fellowship with God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did Jesus say that marriage is not part of the resurrection life? What does this teach us about the nature of eternal life?
2. How does knowing that eternal life is different from earthly life change the way you view your relationships and responsibilities?
3. What does it mean to be “considered worthy” to take part in the resurrection, and how does this relate to God’s grace?
4. Are there areas in your life where you are placing too much emphasis on temporary things instead of focusing on eternal priorities?
5. How does the promise of the resurrection give you hope and peace, especially in the face of death or loss?