Matthew 22:28 – “Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”
Extended Explanation
This verse concludes the Sadducees’ hypothetical scenario about a woman who married seven brothers, each in succession due to the practice of levirate marriage. Their question—“whose wife will she be in the resurrection?”—is intended to mock the concept of life after death, a belief the Sadducees rejected. They believed that such a situation would create an impossible dilemma in the resurrection, demonstrating their view that the doctrine of resurrection was illogical. Their approach exposes their misunderstanding of God’s power and the transformative nature of eternal life.
Historical Context
The Sadducees, a Jewish sect composed of the priestly elite, denied the resurrection, angels, and an afterlife, holding only the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) as authoritative. They used this question to challenge Jesus publicly, attempting to undermine His teaching on the resurrection. Levirate marriage, which required a man to marry his deceased brother’s widow if she was childless (Deuteronomy 25:5-6), was an important practice in Jewish culture to ensure familial continuity. However, the Sadducees misapplied this law to frame an absurd question.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the limits of human reasoning when applied to divine truths. The Sadducees misunderstood the resurrection, imagining it as a mere continuation of earthly life. Theologically, the resurrection is not about restoring the structures of this life but about a new, transformed existence in God’s presence. Jesus later explains that in the resurrection, relationships and existence are fundamentally different, pointing to the greatness of God’s power and promises.
Literary Analysis
The question in this verse serves as the climax of the Sadducees’ story. By asking “whose wife will she be,” they attempt to expose the resurrection as an illogical concept. The tone of their question is not one of genuine inquiry but of ridicule, revealing their lack of understanding and insincerity. This setup creates an opportunity for Jesus to reveal profound truths about the resurrection in His response.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 25:5-6: The law of levirate marriage, which the Sadducees cite in their scenario.
- Isaiah 26:19: A promise of resurrection and eternal life.
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: Paul describes the resurrection as a transformation into a spiritual body.
- Matthew 22:29-30: Jesus’ response, explaining that people will not marry in the resurrection.
- Revelation 21:4: A vision of eternal life where earthly pain and limitations are removed.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us to trust in God’s promises, even when they go beyond our understanding. It challenges believers to approach questions about eternity with humility, recognizing that God’s power and plans far exceed human logic. The Sadducees’ misunderstanding serves as a caution against reducing spiritual truths to earthly perspectives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His promise of the resurrection, which offers hope and a future beyond the limits of this life. Even when faced with skepticism, Jesus patiently reveals the truth, demonstrating God’s desire for all people to understand His plans. This verse reminds us that God’s love encompasses not just this life but also the life to come, providing a future filled with joy and transformation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to the doctrine of resurrection, as He is the first to rise from the dead and secure eternal life for all who trust in Him. The Sadducees’ question gives Jesus an opportunity to clarify the nature of the resurrection and point to God’s power. Through His own resurrection, Jesus not only answers their question but also fulfills the promise of eternal life (John 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the promise of the resurrection shape your understanding of life and eternity?
- What can you learn from the Sadducees’ misunderstanding about approaching spiritual truths with humility?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection challenge your perspective on earthly relationships and priorities?
- Are there areas where you struggle to trust in God’s promises about the future? How can you grow in faith?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection give you confidence in the hope of eternal life?