Matthew 22:27 – “Finally, the woman died.”
Extended Explanation
This verse concludes the Sadducees’ hypothetical scenario about the seven brothers who sequentially married the same woman according to the law of levirate marriage. After all seven brothers die, the woman herself also dies. The Sadducees crafted this elaborate story to challenge Jesus on the concept of resurrection, a doctrine they rejected. By ending with the woman’s death, they set up their intended question: In the resurrection, whose wife will she be? This scenario highlights their misunderstanding of God’s power and the nature of life after death.
Historical Context
The Sadducees were a prominent group in Jewish society, primarily composed of wealthy elites and priests. They denied the resurrection, the existence of angels, and an afterlife, holding that the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) was the sole authoritative Scripture. Their question to Jesus was meant to mock the idea of the resurrection by presenting a situation they believed made it seem illogical. Levirate marriage, the basis for their story, was a practice designed to ensure a man’s lineage continued if he died without children (Deuteronomy 25:5-6).
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the limits of human reasoning when trying to understand divine truths. The Sadducees assumed that earthly relationships, such as marriage, would continue unchanged in the resurrection. Theologically, their question demonstrates a lack of understanding about the transformative nature of eternal life. Jesus later clarifies that the resurrection is not a continuation of earthly life but a new existence, free from the limitations of the current world.
Literary Analysis
The progression of the Sadducees’ story builds to its climax with the woman’s death. Their detailed and exaggerated scenario is meant to set up a seemingly unanswerable question for Jesus. The repetitive structure of the story (each brother’s death followed by the woman’s remarriage) creates tension, while the finality of the woman’s death emphasizes their attempt to make the resurrection appear impractical.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 25:5-6: The law of levirate marriage that forms the basis of the Sadducees’ question.
- Matthew 22:29-30: Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, explaining the nature of resurrection life.
- Luke 20:34-36: A parallel passage where Jesus explains that people will not marry in the resurrection.
- Isaiah 25:8: A promise that God will swallow up death forever, offering hope of eternal life.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: Paul describes the transformation that occurs in the resurrection.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God’s ways are far beyond human understanding. It challenges believers to trust in the reality of the resurrection, even if they cannot fully comprehend its nature. The Sadducees’ flawed reasoning also encourages Christians to approach spiritual questions with humility and faith, seeking wisdom from God rather than relying solely on human logic.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His promise of the resurrection, which offers hope and assurance of eternal life. Even in the face of skepticism, Jesus patiently explains the truth about the resurrection, showing God’s desire for all people to understand His plans. This verse reminds us that God’s love extends beyond earthly life, providing a future free from death and suffering.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the key to understanding the resurrection. Through His own death and resurrection, He demonstrates God’s power over death and reveals the reality of eternal life. The Sadducees’ question gives Jesus the opportunity to teach about the resurrection, pointing to His mission to bring new life to all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the promise of the resurrection give you hope in the face of life’s uncertainties?
- What can you learn from the Sadducees’ misunderstanding about approaching spiritual truths with humility?
- How does Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection challenge your perspective on earthly relationships and priorities?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust in God’s promises? How can you seek His guidance and assurance?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection shape your understanding of eternal life and your relationship with God?