In Matthew 22:23–33, Jesus teaches about the resurrection.
When you’re anchored in truth, no question can shake you.
And Jesus is approached with a theological trick question. But His response doesn’t just shut down the trap—it opens a window into heaven.
Matthew 22:23–33 (NASB 2020)
23 On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, 24 asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother as next of kin shall marry his wife, and raise children for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us; and the first married and died, and having no children, left his wife to his brother. 26 It was the same also with the second and the third, down to the seventh. 27 Last of all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.” 29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, since you do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 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.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- Sadducees, who denied resurrection and tried to trap Jesus
- Disciples and the crowd, who were listening
- Us today, to teach us the truth about eternity and spiritual identity
What Happened?
- The Sadducees brought a contrived situation to mock the idea of resurrection
- Jesus revealed their error: they misunderstood both Scripture and God’s power
- But He declared that life after death is different—we will be like the angels
- Jesus affirmed the resurrection by quoting Scripture, proving that God is the God of the living
The Mood: Confrontational, Revealing, Awe-Inspiring
- The Sadducees came to discredit
- Jesus responded with powerful truth
- The people were amazed and inspired
The Principle: You Are Eternal, Made for Resurrection Life
- The resurrection is not symbolic; it’s real and physical
- Earthly structures like marriage won’t carry into eternity
- Knowing Scripture and God’s power grounds your faith
- God speaks in the present tense because our ancestors live on in Him
Audience Response (Then)
- The crowd was astonished at His teaching
- But the Sadducees were silenced
- The disciples were likely strengthened in their belief
What This Means for Us in 2025
In an age of doubt, distraction, and disbelief:
- Many deny the supernatural or eternal life
- Some try to trap Christians with clever arguments
- But Jesus points us to truth and power
In 2025, we must:
- Know Scripture deeply
- Believe in God’s supernatural power
- Live with eternity in view
Action Steps for Today
- Study the Scriptures. Don’t settle for surface-level faith.
- Embrace the resurrection hope. You were made for more than this life.
- Be prepared to give answers. Speak truth, not fear.
- Live like God is the God of the living. Walk in purpose and power.
- Let eternity shape your priorities. Don’t get trapped in earthly thinking.
Final Prayer
God of the Living, Thank You for making me for eternal life. Help me to live in the power of the resurrection today. Let my heart be rooted in truth, and my mind set on eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You were made for the resurrection. Let that truth shape how you live today.
