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.