12/29

Matthew 22:30

³⁰For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

In the Israel of Jesus' day, there were two main groups. The Pharisees believed in the words of Moses and the prophets, as well as the concept of heaven. The Sadducees only believed in the writings of Moses and did not believe in an afterlife or angels. Jesus' belief in that regard was the same as the Pharisees, so the Sadducees tried to trip Him up with their best argument. If a woman's husband died and she married his brother, and then he died and so on until the seven brothers had all been married to her, whose wife would she be in the resurrection?

Jesus told the Sadducees that they didn't know the Scriptures or the power of God. Jesus revealed that neither we nor the angels will marry in heaven. God's power is able to transform our bodies in such a way that intercourse is no longer a function. The relationship of a husband and wife is a picture of our intimacy with God (Ephesians 5:32). When we are with Him we will no longer need the picture. As wonderful as sexual intimacy is, our relationships in heaven will be even more wonderful and unlimited. The dedication of ourselves will be completely to God while also enjoying unhindered and pure communion with one another.

Jesus proof text for resurrection from the Torah was Exodus 3:6. There God said He is the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God spoke that to Moses indicating that they were still living. Jesus did not rebuke the Sadducees and ignore them, but tried to show them their error from the part of Scripture that they did believe.

Consider: As wonderful as marriage can be now, our relationship to God will be even more wonderful in the resurrection.