“But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.”– Luke 20:35 (KJV)
“But those who are worthy of the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.”– Luke 20:35 (NLT)
“But those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead won’t get married. They will never die again.”– Luke 20:35 (MSG)
What Does Luke 20:35 Mean?
In Luke 20:35, we encounter a profound teaching from Jesus regarding life after death and the new existence that awaits us in the resurrection. This verse speaks to a reality that many of us might not fully grasp—the nature of life in the Kingdom of God. When Jesus talks about those who will be worthy of obtaining that world, He highlights a transformative event described as resurrection. This resurrection is not merely a return to the same life we know but a completely new existence. In that state, traditional institutions, like marriage, no longer apply as they do in our current lives. This is a challenging concept, especially for those of us who value relationships and family in our earthly lives.
This passage invites us to ponder what it means to be ‘accounted worthy’ for this new life. It suggests a sense of preparation and readiness for the divine transformation that awaits us. Jesus wasn’t dismissing the beauty of marriage or relationships; rather, He was indicating that our future existence will allow for different kinds of connections—potentially deeper ones that transcend space and time. The love we experience now in our relationships is merely a hint of the unity and love we will experience with God and others in eternity. In that context, marriage is not required or relevant as it is in this life. We are called to think about the nature of our existence beyond the physical realm, implying that our focus should be on spiritual growth and connection with God and one another.
Luke 20:35 Explanation and Commentary
Exploring Luke 20:35 offers profound insights into Jesus’ teaching concerning life after death. The Sadducees, who were questioning Jesus in this passage, did not believe in the resurrection or the afterlife. They posed a challenging question to Jesus about a woman who married seven brothers, asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus, however, redirects the conversation to highlight the nature of what is to come after death. He indicates that the resurrection is entirely different from our current human experience.
This verse encourages us to recognize that life after death will fundamentally change the way we relate to each other. The hierarchy and roles we assume in our earthly lives, including marriage, will transform into a new reality. Our experience in the resurrection is one of pure existence, devoid of earthly concerns and structures. This can be quite comforting, knowing that our focus will be on uniting with God and enjoying eternal fellowship with Him and with others who share in this new existence.
In laying out these teachings, Jesus gives us hope and assurance. He reassures us that even though we may not fully grasp the concept of resurrected life, we can trust that it will be filled with love, connection, and purpose, perhaps even richer than we experience now. We should remember passages such as Romans 8:38-39, which tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This love will be even more evident in our life after death, where our relationships will be founded on a shared experience of divine love.
As we reflect on this, it pushes us to evaluate our current relationships and priorities. With the understanding that our earthly relationships will not carry over into the resurrection, we are encouraged to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with Christ and how we share that love with one another. Our roles, titles, and human attachments fade, but the love we cultivate during our lives is essential for building a foundation that impacts our heavenly experiences.
Context of Luke 20:35
The context surrounding Luke 20:35 is crucial for understanding its full meaning. The Sadducees, an influential group during Jesus’ time, approached Him to challenge His views on the resurrection. They sought to trap Him with questions, displaying their disbelief in life after death and the resurrection. Jesus’ response was not just an answer to a trick question but also an opportunity to teach everyone present about the reality of the resurrection and its implications for life beyond this world.
This interaction showcases the contrast between earthly authorities and divine truths. The Sadducees relied on human wisdom and rationality, while Jesus revealed a spiritual reality that goes beyond human understanding. The existence of resurrection changes how we approach life, love, and relationships. For those of us who align our lives with Christ’s teaching, this encounter serves as both a reminder and an encouragement that we live in light of eternity, understanding that our actions and relationships today may bear eternal significance.
For many of us, it may feel challenging to consider how relationships evolve after death. However, Jesus challenges us to see from a heavenly perspective. This shift in mindset can be transformative as we are encouraged to build our lives around love, compassion, and connection now. By embracing these values, we form a foundation that prepares us for the unity and joy that awaits in our resurrected lives. Our relationships now can influence our experiences in eternity, encouraging us to put effort into loving others deeply and genuinely.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 20:35
Let us take a closer look at the key parts of Luke 20:35 to grasp the depth of its meaning. Jesus emphasizes the idea of being ‘worthy’ of the resurrection. This term carries weight, suggesting that there is a standard or condition we must meet concerning our spiritual lives. The call to be worthy invites us to self-reflect, considering how we align our lives with God’s will. It asks us to cultivate faith and righteousness, purposefully letting go of hindrances that separate us from God.
In the verse, Jesus articulates that those who are counted worthy “neither marry nor are given in marriage.” This statement reflects the transformed nature of existence in the resurrection. Marriage, as we experience it, serves specific purposes—companionship, procreation, and mutual support. However, in the Kingdom of God, the kind of nurturing and connection that marriage encompasses may spiritually evolve to something even greater. The love shared among individuals will transcend physical bonds, resulting in a pure relationship with God at its core. The implications here are both comforting and inspiring, leading us to anticipate a future filled with unity and love.
Jesus is not dismissive of marriage or relationships; instead, He highlights that our focus must shift from earthly institutions to understanding the extraordinary relationships present during our eternal life. It encourages us to view our interactions in new ways, highlighting love, unity, and spirituality, which will be the essence of our lives in the resurrection. In this context, exploring how we serve, support, and encourage one another is vital to live out our faith meaningfully.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 20:35
Luke 20:35 teaches us several invaluable lessons about our faith and existence. The primary lesson centers on the nature of our relationships. Marriage and earthly connections provide significant meaning in our current lives; however, they also prepare us for something greater. We are called to love and serve one another, mirroring the love of Christ while drawing closer to God.
This verse also challenges us to consider our spiritual preparation for the resurrection. The notion of being “worthy” prompts us to engage in self-examination and growth. Are we living our lives in a way that reflects our faith? Are we nurturing our relationship with God and others? This introspection is not meant to bring guilt but rather inspire change and foster deeper connections with others.
The promise of resurrection opens our hearts to hope and assurance in what lies ahead. We should not shy away from conversations about eternal life or the transformations that await us. Engaging in these explorations helps affirm our faith and reinforces the significance of our spiritual journey, including the guidance from scriptures like John 3:16, which teaches us about God’s love and the gift of eternal life for those who believe.
Lastly, Luke 20:35 encourages us to cherish the relationships we develop in this life while reminding us that they are a glimpse of something greater. The connections built through love and faith are not in vain; instead, they transition into enduring relationships characterized by God’s love in eternity. As we approach others with a heart of love and compassion, we are contributing to our spiritual legacy, shaping how we connect with one another both now and in the future.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap our reflections around Luke 20:35, let’s allow it to inspire us towards a deeper understanding of our current lives and the great future God has prepared for us. Embracing this promise can change how we approach relationships, reshaping our values, and encouraging us to seek what genuinely matters. We should prioritize a loving relationship with God and an authentic connection with each other, knowing it matters immensely in light of eternity.
In summary, let us be intentional about loving others and contributing to the relationships that reflect Christ’s love. The assurance of the resurrection reminds us that, while our current lives define our experiences, a beautiful eternity solidifies our faith in God. May we aspire to live worthy lives that draw us closer to our divine purpose.
We invite you to explore more about the beautiful connections in the Bible. Check out this Luke 14 passage for a deeper understanding of relationships centered on God’s love. Lean into the promises found in scripture and develop a heart focused on eternity.