Luke 20:36 – “And they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus explains that in the resurrection, believers will no longer experience death. They will be “like the angels,” not in the sense of becoming angels, but in the sense that they will be immortal and live forever in God’s presence. Jesus also describes them as “God’s children” because they share in the resurrection life that He provides.

The resurrection brings believers into a completely transformed existence, where the limitations and struggles of earthly life—including death—are gone. This eternal life is a result of God’s grace and is part of His ultimate plan to bring His people into His kingdom. Jesus contrasts the temporary nature of life on earth with the permanence of the resurrection, showing that believers will be raised to a life that is unending and perfect.

Historical Context

The Sadducees, who had asked Jesus about marriage in the resurrection (Luke 20:27-33), did not believe in life after death, the resurrection of the dead, or the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). They thought their hypothetical question about a woman married to seven brothers would expose the idea of resurrection as ridiculous. However, their understanding of eternal life was limited to earthly concepts.

Jesus corrected their misunderstanding by explaining that the resurrection life is fundamentally different from earthly life. The Sadducees failed to see that God’s power extends beyond death, and they overlooked the fact that the Old Testament contains promises of resurrection (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2).

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important theological truths about the resurrection and eternal life:

1. Immortality and freedom from death: In the resurrection, death is defeated once and for all. Believers will no longer be subject to mortality, pain, or suffering. This reflects the victory of Christ over sin and death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
2. Being like the angels: Believers won’t become angels, but they will share some characteristics with them, specifically immortality and the ability to live eternally in God’s presence. Angels serve and worship God continuously, and in the resurrection, believers will also live in eternal worship and joy.
3. Children of God and the resurrection: Believers are described as “God’s children” because they have been adopted into His family through faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12). The resurrection confirms this identity and gives believers a permanent place in God’s kingdom.

Literary Analysis

The structure of this verse emphasizes the contrast between life on earth and life in the resurrection. The phrase “they can no longer die” introduces the main point: the resurrection brings a life that is eternal and not subject to the limitations of this world. The comparison to angels highlights the transformation that takes place, while the description of believers as “children of the resurrection” underscores their new identity in Christ.

Luke’s use of the term “God’s children” also carries a sense of intimacy and belonging. This isn’t just about living forever—it’s about being part of God’s family and enjoying a relationship with Him that is fully realized in eternity.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – Paul explains the nature of the resurrection body, which is imperishable, glorious, and spiritual.
• Revelation 21:4 – A vision of the new creation, where death, pain, and mourning no longer exist.
• Isaiah 26:19 – A prophecy about the resurrection, promising that the dead will rise to new life.
• John 1:12 – Those who believe in Christ are given the right to become children of God.
• Romans 8:16-17 – Believers are God’s children and co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a source of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that death is not the end for those who believe in Jesus. The promise of the resurrection means that we will be raised to a new and perfect life, free from pain, suffering, and death. This truth should give us confidence and peace, especially in the face of life’s challenges and losses.

This verse also challenges us to live with an eternal perspective. Knowing that we are God’s children and that we will be raised to eternal life should influence the way we live now. Instead of focusing solely on temporary, earthly concerns, we should prioritize our relationship with God and the work He has called us to do.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His promise to defeat death and give His children eternal life. Death entered the world because of sin, but God, in His love, sent Jesus to conquer both sin and death so that believers could be raised to new life. The fact that God calls believers His children demonstrates His desire for an intimate, eternal relationship with them.

God’s love also provides security. Because the resurrection life is eternal, believers can be confident that nothing will separate them from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). His love is unending, just like the life He gives through the resurrection.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is directly tied to Jesus’ role as the one who makes the resurrection possible. Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that believers will also be raised to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Through His victory over death, He opens the door for all who trust in Him to experience a life that is free from death and full of joy in God’s presence.

Jesus is the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, meaning that His resurrection is a preview of what believers will experience. As God’s Son, He makes it possible for believers to be adopted into God’s family and share in the inheritance of eternal life (Romans 8:16-17).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that believers will no longer experience death in the resurrection?
2. How does the promise of being “like the angels” help you understand the nature of eternal life?
3. In what ways does knowing that you are a child of God influence the way you live today?
4. Are there areas in your life where you need to focus more on eternal priorities rather than temporary ones?
5. How does the resurrection give you hope and peace when facing difficult circumstances or the reality of death?