Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.
“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “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. 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. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘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.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”
Have you ever heard or read something a second time and gained new insight from it? That seems to be the experience the people were having as Jesus taught and explained God’s plan to them. They had heard the Scriptures before, most of them for all their lives. Yet when Jesus spoke about these lessons “they were astonished at His teaching” (v. 33).
The way He taught them led them to a new understanding of the Word, a better connection to what God called them to do. We can learn more from things we have heard or read through discussion with each other, listening to different perspectives and experiences. Each of us see things just a little differently and sharing those observations can help us all to improve our understanding.
The religious leaders of that time were often locked in their interpretation of the Law; the people were often swayed by whatever was the latest “thing” to come along, neither of which is very effective. Much like us, they were all searching for the truth but failed to see it when it came. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). If we put our trust in Him, we can see the blessings God intends for us and share His love with all the world.
Gracious God, we are still amazed by the teaching You send. Help us to hear the truth and see how to apply it in our world, that all may be led to Your love. Amen.