Gospel
Luke 20:27-40
27 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to him, 28 saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. 30 Then the second 31 and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” 34 Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; 35 but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. 37 That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; 38 and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” 39 Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” 40 And they no longer dared to ask him anything.
Historical Background
Sadducees is a Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, composed mainly of aristocrats and priests. They rejected belief in the resurrection, angels, and spirits, holding only to the Torah (first five books of Moses).
They posed a hypothetical scenario about a woman married to seven brothers (based on the law of levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5–6). Their intent was not genuine inquiry but to trap Jesus and ridicule belief in resurrection.
Marriage was central to family lineage and inheritance. The Sadducees used this cultural concern to argue against resurrection, assuming earthly institutions would continue unchanged in the afterlife.
Theological Context
Resurrection is not about continuity of earthly structures but about transformation into eternal communion with God.
Jesus affirms that resurrection life is qualitatively different from earthly life. In the age to come, people will be “like angels” — not bound by marriage or death. He cites Moses at the burning bush, where God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Since God is the God of the living, these patriarchs are alive to Him, proving resurrection.
Learning Lesson
Faith is not about clever arguments but about trust in God’s promises. Eternal life transcends human categories — it is rooted in God’s love, not earthly institutions. God’s covenant is everlasting; those who belong to Him live beyond death.
Reflection for the Day
Today, I am reminded that my hope should not rest on temporary things — possessions, status, or even human relationships — but on the eternal love of God. Resurrection means that life is not extinguished by death but transformed into fullness with Him. My daily choices should reflect this hope: living with integrity, love, and trust, knowing that I am destined for eternal life.
Beyond the grave, a light shall rise,
Not bound by earth, nor fading skies.
Like angels free, our souls shall sing,
Alive in God, eternal King.
No chains of death, no fear, no pain,
His covenant forever reigns.
The God of life, of love, of flame,
Calls each by heart and knows our name.
Lord Jesus,
You are the Resurrection and the Life. When doubts cloud my heart, remind me that You are the God of the living. Lift my eyes beyond the limits of this world, to see the promise of eternal communion with You. Grant me faith that endures, hope that sustains, and love that reflects Your Kingdom here and now.
Amen.
VI: The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem
THE QUESTION ABOUT THE RESURRECTION
Luke 20:27-40
Gospel Acclamation
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
