Month: October 2020

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

In this week’s lesson the Pharisees and Herodians engage Jesus in debate regarding taxes paid to the Roman government. Of course, they’re not really interested in what He thinks, they merely want an opportunity to discredit Him based on how He responds. However, they first attempt to lull Him into a false sense of security through flattery.

Jesus knows that this group opposes Him for various reasons. As always, He listens and then responds in a way that gently rebukes them for their underhanded tactics but also teaches them about His kingdom. He isn’t trying to drive them away but to help them see the wrong they are perpetuating. While the Gospel doesn’t tell us, it is possible that some understood and turned to God after hearing the lesson.

Jesus wanted everyone to hear God’s message of love and truth, especially those who held positions of power. He spent time with the poor and marginalized to heal them and give them hope, but He ensured that the political and religious leaders heard the Word as well. Only by knowing God’s plan for us can we be part of it.

Loving Lord, the lessons You bring aren’t for just one group or class but for all people everywhere. Help us to share Your love without regard to status, seeing everyone as our brothers and sisters. Amen.

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.

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.”

Jesus closes His lesson with the powerful statement “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (v. 32). His point to the Sadducees is that in God all are alive, through His blessing of salvation. Those who believe are called to live with Him eternally, restored to His plan for us all.

Using God’s promise to their ancestors, He teaches them of the kingdom to come, and that there is more to His covenant than just the mortal existence we now know. God’s love is given to us to show how wonderful it will be when we are with Him forever. Jesus said “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) to teach us that this life is not all there is.

Jesus wants us to expect more than this world can give. We can’t take earthly things with us and we won’t want them when we see the wonderful gift He has prepared for us. Accepting His forgiveness and following Him will take us there.

Eternal God, we are grateful for Your blessings and the promise of salvation. Help us to live out Your covenant that we may be messengers of the kingdom to all Your children. Amen.

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.”

Jesus continues His lesson on resurrection and eternal life, explaining to those gathered that it will be different than the mortal existence we know here. We seem to assume the cultural and societal norms we practice will also be the case then. Jesus compares us to the angels – not being angels but like them – and tells us it will be unlike anything we have known.

I don’t believe Jesus faults us for wondering “what it will be like”. It is only when we use this imagining as fact and allow it to direct our thoughts and actions that we lose our way. However, the group He is addressing in this passage doesn’t believe in eternal life at all.

Jesus came to teach the truth to all, that through faith in Him we can be saved. To miss this blessing because we don’t believe in anything after our lives here is incredibly sad. His sacrifice opened the way to eternal life for us and His love goes out to everyone.

Gracious God, the gift of Your son has brought salvation to a world in need of forgiveness. Help us to live out this wonderful blessing and share our joy with all the world. Amen.

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.”

The Sadducees fail on several levels in their debate with Jesus. They propose an outlandish situation involving a practice little used even in that time, and ask for a response that can only support their position. Jesus doesn’t stumble over the question but answers them honestly and without anger at their deception.

He does mention that they don’t understand the Scripture they claim to know and goes on to explain their error to them. How often do we come to Jesus with wrong preconceived understanding? Do we ask Him to support our arguments against others before praying for discernment to determine if we are correct? Do we vilify those who oppose us rather than speak with love and reconciliation as He taught?

Jesus wants us to see each other as God sees us, beloved children created with a purpose. Even when we disagree about earthly matters, it doesn’t change our heavenly origin or His love for us. He has placed a call on all our lives that must be our primary goal – love Him, love others, and share His truth with the world.

Gracious God, we find so many ways to be in conflict with each other! Help us to remain calm in our interactions, treating each other with the love You have placed in each of us. Amen.

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.”

Jesus continues His lesson to this group of religious leaders, explaining that heaven will not be like earth. He tells them “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (v. 30). We try to understand what it will be like, but Jesus says it will be infinitely more than we can imagine.

Did you ever think about a future event and play out in your mind how it would be? When it happened, was it like you thought and if not, were you disappointed? Jesus teaches us that eternal life is beyond our frame of reference, that we can’t possibly see what it holds for us because of our human limitations.

The Apostle Paul writes “For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). This is why we can’t figure out what it will be like – we will be changed, different from our temporary human forms. Jesus wants us to learn about God’s eternal love, but not to get wrapped up in “what it will be like”. It will be wonderful!

Wise and wonderful Lord, we often get distracted by asking foolish questions and trying to see beyond our limits. Help us to focus on what is important now that we may be worthy to receive Your eternal blessing. Amen.

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.”

The Sadducees didn’t believe in resurrection, so they were immediately at odds with Jesus’ message. That’s why they were “sad, you see” (old preacher joke!) They use a riddle in an attempt to discredit His teaching, but Jesus uses scripture they are familiar with as an answer. He often turned to what people knew as a starting point for new teaching.

He tells them that as teachers they should be more wise in understanding God’s word. Any who would lead will be held to a higher standard. He also warns they are ignoring the power of God, that earthly ways are not heavenly ways.

Jesus didn’t condemn them, but tried to explain their mistaken belief about resurrection and eternal life. Jesus gives us all the assurance that by faith we can be saved and live with God. We don’t know exactly how it will be, but we can trust His promise that it will be beyond any joy we know.

Loving Lord, when we don’t understand, help us to seek the truth rather than creating our own limited answers. Your word is the ultimate knowledge and we are grateful to share it with the world. Amen.

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.”

In this lesson a different group of religious leaders are hoping to trap Jesus with their questions. There always seemed to be those who thought if they could catch Him with one wrong answer, it would undo His entire ministry. It sounds like the political rhetoric we hear today, that if one is wrong on one topic, they are likely wrong about everything.

I imagine Jesus heard the Sadducees questions and shook His head sadly. After hearing all His teachings this is what they want to discuss? However, He listens patiently and then gives them the truth.

Do we test Jesus as well? Realize that this is different from honest discussion and questions asked seeking real answers. Jesus is always ready to teach us more about His love, but we must never question who He is or what He has done for us.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to save and free us. Help us to believe more fully, seeing the proof of Your forgiveness in the love we are called to share. Amen.