“Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.”– Luke 20:33 (KJV)
“So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.”– Luke 20:33 (NLT)
“So here’s the question: At the resurrection, whose wife is she? All seven were married to her.”– Luke 20:33 (MSG)
What Does Luke 20:33 Mean?
This scripture presents a fascinating discussion about marriage and resurrection between Jesus and a group of Sadducees, a sect of Jewish leaders. They didn’t believe in the resurrection, so they posed a tricky question to Jesus, trying to trip Him up. In essence, they were asking, “If someone has more than one spouse due to the law of levirate marriage, which spouse will they have in the afterlife?”
To put it simply, the Sadducees were trying to make a mockery of the idea of resurrection, questioning how something like this could ever work. Their question presupposed a misunderstanding of the nature of heaven and the resurrection. They thought human relationships like marriage would carry over into eternal life. Jesus, however, uses this opportunity to clarify a few key truths about life after death. He highlights that in the resurrection, life is different. Relationships as we know them are transformed and take on new meaning.
Luke 20:33 Explanation and Commentary
In understanding this verse and its implications, we must look at the nature of the Sadducees’ question. They were essentially saying, “If you believe in resurrection, how can you believe in the wife’s relationship to several men in this life? It doesn’t make sense!” By presenting this scenario, they expected to prove their point—that the resurrection is nonsensical. Yet, Jesus’s response offers insight into the spiritual realities beyond our earthly understanding.
When Jesus explains that people neither marry nor are given in marriage in the resurrection, He is revealing that life beyond this earth operates under different principles. Here, our earthly relationships, while essential and beautiful, are not the same as the relationships we will have in heaven. This doesn’t mean those we loved or were married to here will be forgotten. Instead, it points to a rich, deep, and fulfilled existence that transcends our current understanding of love and companionship.
This raises deeper questions about what it means to be in the presence of God forever. Will love still exist in heaven? Certainly! However, it will likely manifest in a profoundly different way than we’re accustomed to. Jesus helps us understand that heaven is about unity with God, which surpasses any earthly relationship we might experience. In this sense, we find our ultimate identity in Him rather than in earthly connections.
Jesus also gently rebukes the Sadducees for their lack of understanding of Scripture. He points out that they err in not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. This is significant—for us, it serves as a reminder that our understanding of God’s promises and plans comes from engaging with His Word. The more we learn about Scripture, the more equipped we are to face tough questions and challenges regarding our faith.
Context of Luke 20:33
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus is teaching in the temple, and He faces questions from various groups, including the Sadducees. They were known for their denial of the resurrection and a strict interpretation of the Torah. The belief in resurrection lent hope to the people, so the Sadducees challenged it directly in an attempt to discredit Jesus. The surrounding verses reveal their approach—scheming to entrap Him and ultimately prove that He is false.
Understanding the significance of this passage involves learning about the customs during that time. The Sadducees presented a question that stemmed from the levirate law, where a man would marry his deceased brother’s widow to carry on the family name. They took this law and complicated it to create a scenario that they thought would thwart the idea of resurrection.
When we realize what is at stake—the fundamental core of faith in resurrection—it highlights the importance of Christ’s response. He uses this moment, not merely to answer a question, but to impart an essential truth about the nature of God’s Kingdom. We take cues from His example to respond to doubts and misconceptions surrounding our faith by focusing on the transformative hope and promise that God gives to all believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 20:33
As we reflect on this verse, there’s much wisdom to uncover in the details. Firstly, the Sadducees’ approach demonstrates a tendency to use the law for their purposes without consideration for the heart of the law itself. This reminds us how important intent and sincerity are when we approach God’s Word. We shouldn’t just look to prove our points; rather, we should pursue deeper understanding and connection with God.
Next, understanding the difference between earthly life and life after resurrection is crucial. Jesus clarifies that life beyond this earth is not confined by marriage or human relationships as we know them. Instead, we are invited to imagine something greater, a life that is fully integrated with God’s presence. This indicates that our focus should not be fixated on our earthly status but rather on our relationship with God, which will be perfected in the resurrection.
The concept of resurrection encompasses deep hope— a promise that life isn’t simply an end but a transformation into eternity. As believers, we hold firm to this promise, using it to bolster our faith and share this hope with others. Jesus wants us to understand that in Heaven, we will experience perfect unity with Him and each other, radically transforming the connections we cherish here on earth.
Finally, this scene culminates in Jesus’ assertion about the power of God. The Sadducees failed to recognize that God is all-powerful and capable of granting life beyond death. This truth reverberates through time as it speaks to us today. Clinging to the power of God gives us courage and hope. It reminds us that, despite life’s tests and trials, we serve a God who can overcome anything—including death.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 20:33
From this engaging exchange, we can extract several meaningful lessons. One major take-away is how we must view God’s plans with openness and faith. When we face varying opinions about our beliefs, we should remain steadfast in Scripture and be prepared to share the hope we have in Christ. The power of God enables us to triumph over doubts and misunderstanding.
We are also reminded that relationships should be viewed through the lens of our faith. While marriage is sacred, our ultimate relationship is with God. It highlights that our lives should reflect our devotion to Him above any other commitment. Maintaining our primary focus on God helps us to nurture every other relationship in balanced, healthy ways.
This passage is a beautiful reminder to embrace the promise of eternal life. Life does not end when we close our eyes in death; instead, it transforms into an incredible new existence. This perspective molds how we view our time here and inspires us to share our faith, knowing we have something that lasts beyond this world.
Lastly, we should continually cultivate an intimate relationship with God through prayer and the study of Scripture. Jesus emphasizes knowing God’s power and the truth of His Word. A personal relationship empowers us to strengthen our faith continually and helps us understand God’s will for our lives.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Luke 20:33 encourages us to reflect on what life in eternity means and how it differs from our earthly existence. The Sadducees attempted to challenge God’s truth but instead revealed their own misunderstanding of His nature. We, too, can get swept away in misconceptions but are called to anchor ourselves in the promises of Scripture.
The question of relationships in Heaven invites us to consider our identity in God, which ultimately defines our existence. As we embrace the glorious promise of resurrection, let us focus on nurturing our hearts toward Him and strengthening our faith.
For those wanting to explore more about scriptural insights, I encourage you to check out our resources at Bible Repository. Together, let’s continue this journey of faith and discovery.