Luke 20:39 – “Some of the teachers of the law responded, ‘Well said, teacher!’”

Extended Explanation

This verse comes at the conclusion of Jesus’ debate with the Sadducees about the resurrection. After Jesus masterfully uses Scripture to show that the resurrection is a biblical truth—pointing to God’s statement at the burning bush that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—some of the teachers of the law (likely Pharisees or scribes) acknowledge His wisdom by saying, “Well said, teacher!”

The teachers of the law admired Jesus’ response because they themselves believed in the resurrection, unlike the Sadducees. They appreciated how Jesus used the Torah, the Sadducees’ primary source of authority, to prove that life after death was real. However, their acknowledgment doesn’t necessarily mean they fully embraced Jesus as the Messiah. At this point, many were still opposed to Him, but they couldn’t help but admire the truth of His teaching.

Historical Context

The religious scene in Jesus’ time was divided between different groups, the two most prominent being the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Sadducees, who controlled the temple, did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits. They were focused on political power and earthly matters. The Pharisees, on the other hand, believed in the resurrection and accepted a broader range of Scriptures beyond the Torah.

When Jesus answered the Sadducees’ challenge about the resurrection, He did so by quoting Exodus 3:6, which was part of the Torah. This was significant because the Sadducees viewed the Torah as their primary source of authority. By proving the resurrection using their own Scriptures, Jesus not only silenced the Sadducees but also earned the respect of the Pharisees and other teachers of the law.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important theological lessons:

1. The authority of Scripture: Jesus’ response shows that Scripture holds the answers to life’s most important questions. By correctly interpreting the Word of God, Jesus revealed the truth about the resurrection and eternal life.
2. Resurrection as a central truth: The teachers of the law’s approval of Jesus’ statement underscores the importance of the resurrection in Jewish and Christian belief. For believers, the resurrection is a foundational doctrine that gives meaning to life, death, and the hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).
3. God’s wisdom is greater than human understanding: The Sadducees thought they could trap Jesus with a difficult question, but His response revealed their limited understanding. God’s wisdom, as revealed through His Word, always prevails.

Literary Analysis

This verse marks a shift in the narrative. The Sadducees, who had confidently posed a difficult question, are now silenced, and the teachers of the law, who often opposed Jesus, commend His response. The phrase “Well said, teacher!” shows a rare moment of approval from a group that usually sought to discredit Him. It highlights the effectiveness of Jesus’ teaching and His ability to reveal God’s truth in a way that even His opponents had to respect.

Luke’s inclusion of this detail emphasizes that truth is undeniable, even when it comes from someone people may not want to believe. Jesus’ wisdom consistently left His opponents speechless or, in this case, even admiring His knowledge.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 3:6 – The passage Jesus quoted to demonstrate that God is the God of the living, not the dead.
• Matthew 22:33 – The parallel passage where the crowds are astonished by Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection.
• Acts 23:6-9 – Paul uses the debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees about the resurrection to his advantage during his trial.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – Paul explains the significance of the resurrection, stating that Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of eternal life for believers.
• 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, and guiding believers in truth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the power and authority of God’s Word. Just as Jesus used Scripture to reveal the truth about the resurrection, believers can rely on the Bible to answer life’s most important questions. This passage also shows that even when the world tries to challenge our faith, the truth of Scripture stands firm.

It also serves as a reminder to study and know God’s Word deeply. Jesus was able to refute the Sadducees because He had a perfect understanding of Scripture. As believers, we are called to grow in our knowledge of the Bible so we can defend our faith and share it with others (1 Peter 3:15).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire for His people to know the truth and have hope beyond this life. By providing the Scriptures, He has revealed His plan for salvation and eternal life. Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection demonstrates God’s love in promising that death is not the end for those who trust in Him.

God’s love is also seen in His patience with those who misunderstand or oppose Him. Even when the Sadducees challenged Him, Jesus responded with truth and grace, giving them an opportunity to see the bigger picture of God’s eternal plan.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the ultimate teacher of truth and the one who reveals God’s plan for eternal life. His ability to interpret Scripture and reveal its deeper meaning demonstrates His divine wisdom and authority. But more importantly, Jesus isn’t just teaching about the resurrection—He is the resurrection. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated death and made eternal life possible for all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).

Jesus’ victory over death proves that His teaching about the resurrection wasn’t just a theological argument—it was the reality He came to fulfill.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the teachers of the law admire Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, even though they often opposed Him?
2. How does Jesus’ use of Scripture in this passage challenge you to study and know God’s Word more deeply?
3. What does this verse teach you about the importance of the resurrection in your faith?
4. How can you respond with wisdom and grace when others challenge your beliefs about God and eternal life?
5. How does knowing that Jesus is the resurrection give you hope and confidence, even in the face of death?