Luke 20:27–40

content/bible_journal/luke_20:27-40.md

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+title = "Luke 20:27–40"
+date = "2023-01-25"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk20.27-40)
+
+After handling the question of taxes, a new group gives Jesus a controversy to
+untangle. The Sadducees were a group that only considered the books written by
+Moses to be inspired Scripture (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
+Deuteronomy). We don't know much else about them today because none of their
+own writings survive. They did not believe in a resurrection or afterlife
+(because Moses never mentioned it), so they pose a question to Jesus that they
+think makes the common idea of the next life absurd.
+
+The Law of Moses required that a childless widow should be married to her
+husband's brother so that his inheritance can be passed down through the family
+line. Remember that ancient Israel had tribe and clan allotments of land
+parceled out when they conquered Canaan, and God made several provisions in the
+Law to make sure these allotments stayed within the same families.
+
+The Sadducees told a hypothetical situation where a woman became widowed seven
+times through this law and finally died childless. In the next life, who then
+is she married to? Jesus tells them that the question doesn't make sense
+because those who live in the next life are not given in marriage because they
+cannot die, just like the angels.
+
+Furthermore, Jesus tells them, they are also wrong about there not being a
+resurrection in the Pentateuch. He reminds them that at the burning bush, the
+Lord tells Moses He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had died
+before Moses was born. But He said "is", not "was", implying that the
+patriarchs were able to have that relationship with Him still.
+
+* * *
+
+Help us discern Your ways and understand the future You have planned.