Our scripture this week is Luke 20:27-38.
Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.
Luke 20:27-28
This passage may sound strange to us. The idea that a man is required to marry his deceased brother’s widow in order to continue the family line was a very old custom dealing with tribes and inheritance practices. Most scholars indicate it rarely happened at the time this group approached Jesus with the question, but is part of the Law, found in Deuteronomy 25:5-6.
They ask this question of Jesus to see how He responds to a legal issue, but as we see they have an ulterior motive, as most who questioned Jesus did. They are trying to get Him to give an answer that will support their beliefs and make Him look foolish. Many have debated with Jesus over petty issues, avoiding the hard question that Jesus coming had posed to them.
Jesus always listened patiently, and He always responded, no matter how convoluted or downright silly the argument seemed. Jesus is ready to do the same for us, waiting for us to share our worries and frustration, ready to hear every request we may have. If He cared enough to listen to those who tried to discredit Him, how much more will He hear the prayers and petitions of the faithful?
Loving Lord, we know You are waiting to hear from us. Help us realize we can bring any issue we have to share with You, confident that You will hear us. Amen.