Monday 4 April 2022

23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” 29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” 33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

Here in this passage, we see the Sadducees (religious people) challenging and trying to catch Jesus out with what they believe and what they think is truth.  They are not interested in a message of love, hope, peace, grace and unity, but a life lived by rules and regulations.  However, they don’t understand the scriptures they can recite.

I love Jesus’ answer (TPT translation) in verse 29:  Jesus answered them, “You are deluded, because your hearts are not filled with the revelation of the Scriptures or the power of God.” (you don’t know the scriptures and you don’t know the power of God)

The issue was all about marriage – and who this woman “belonged” to.  He redefines identity and gives her value in his reply.   He doesn’t look at us through the lens of who we are, where we have come from, how much money we have, what out titles or academic records are, whether we are married or single – He sees everyone with equal value.

What I see in this passage is that marriage does not define this woman or give her an identity or better value.  Our true identity is who we are in Christ.  Our true value is that we are all sons and daughters of the Living God – King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Let’s ensure that our hearts are filled with the revelation of the Scriptures and the power of God, so that you and I can bring a voice of value and transformation so that others can see how God sees and values them.  We have a big job to do – our voice will often be in opposition to that of the world.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus fill our hearts with a revelation of your power.  As we read your word (the Bible) reveal to us your love but also our value.  You see us as your children.  Help us to help others to see their value because you love them and strengthen their desire to follow you.  Reveal yourself afresh to us today.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta