“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.”– Luke 20:36 (KJV)
“And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.”– Luke 20:36 (NLT)
“They will no longer be dead, but will be like angels. They will be God’s children because they have been raised from the dead.”– Luke 20:36 (MSG)
What Does Luke 20:36 Mean?
Understanding Luke 20:36 helps us grasp an incredible truth about life after death. In this verse, Jesus is responding to a question about marriage in heaven. The Sadducees, a group that did not believe in the resurrection, were trying to trap Jesus with a tricky question about a woman who had married seven brothers, one after the other, in accordance with the levirate law. Jesus’s answer goes beyond just responding to their question; it reveals profound truths about our existence in the afterlife.
When Jesus says, “Neither can they die any more,” he is teaching that death is no longer a part of the life beyond this earthly experience. Those who are resurrected, like us if we believe in God, are transformed into a state where death can no longer touch us. In this new life, we are equal to angels, signifying a transition into a higher existence. This does not mean we will literally become angels, but instead, we will experience a new spiritual state that transcends earthly limitations.
The phrase “children of God, being the children of the resurrection,” conveys a vital truth. This marks our identity in Christ. Being raised from the dead signifies not only eternal life but also a familial connection with God. In this, we see the heart of the Gospel, which emphasizes our hope in being part of God’s family through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Luke 20:36 Explanation and Commentary
We need to examine the implications of what it means to be “equal unto the angels.” In this statement, Jesus isn’t merely talking about how resurrected believers will not marry or be given in marriage, as earthly relationships do not apply in heaven. Instead, He is pointing out that the resurrection brings us to a state of existence similar to that of angels. Angels are beings who serve God and exist in a spiritual realm beyond our comprehension. They do not experience death or any of the hardships we face in this life.
This transformation into a new existence also reveals how God sees us. No longer do we have the shame or guilt that may have defined our earthly lives. We become pure, holy, and perfect through the work of Christ. As Romans 8:16-17 reminds us, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This means our inheritance is not just eternal life; it encompasses all the joy, holiness, and peace found in relationship with God.
Furthermore, this verse also touches on the heart of resurrection. The resurrection is not just about life after death; it is about living with purpose and hope in the present. Knowing that we are destined for a glorious resurrection empowers us to face life’s difficulties with courage. It transforms our understanding of suffering. Colossians 3:1-2 encourages us to set our minds on things above. In other words, this knowledge of our future should inspire us to live according to God’s principles now.
There’s comfort in the promise of resurrection; it reassures us that death isn’t the end. It’s a beginning—a transition to an unimaginable existence filled with love, joy, and freedom from pain. We can share this hope with others, inviting them to experience the love of Christ and the promise of eternal life. Such discussions about resurrection remind us of the importance of our faith, connecting us with God and with each other as we await our eternal home.
Context of Luke 20:36
To fully understand the depth of Luke 20:36, we must look at the context of the passage. The Sadducees, who approached Jesus in this scenario, were a group of Jewish leaders known for their strict adherence to the Torah and rejection of oral traditions. They denied the resurrection and held a belief that once someone died, their existence ceased. This confrontation occurred during the last week of Jesus’s life, which makes it particularly significant. Jesus was already facing increasing opposition from these religious leaders.
The context shines a light on the larger themes of life, death, and spiritual authority. For the Sadducees, the question posed to Jesus was a mere tactic to attempt to mock the idea of resurrection. However, Jesus’s teaching handed them a profound truth they couldn’t refute. Jesus was not merely saying that resurrection exists; He was imparting the reality that it profoundly alters our lives now and forever.
Earlier in Luke 20, we can see Jesus’s authority being questioned. He had just shared the parable of the wicked tenants, where he illustrated God’s judgment on those who reject His messengers. This encounter with the Sadducees fits directly within this narrative, as Jesus further clarifies that God is indeed God of the living, affirming that His purposes prevail even in death.
Understanding how Jesus addresses the Sadducees reveals the powerful truth that our God is a God of the living. Our faith centers around the hope for life after death, a belief that empowers believers to live boldly and share the message of Christ’s love with those around us. This reality is vital for our faith journey, igniting a sense of purpose as we look forward to our glorification and eternal relationship with God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 20:36
When breaking down Luke 20:36, we come across some essential phrases that deepens our understanding. The first part of the verse, “Neither can they die any more,” is liberating; it reminds us that resurrection is a gift that brings forth eternal life. It frees us from the fear of death that many people carry. The knowledge that death is conquered through Christ gives believers comfort amid life’s trials and tribulations.
Next, consider the words “for they are equal unto the angels.” This signifies a transition where our earthly limitations are shed. It’s an invitation to reflect on the nature of our new existence. We can visualize a life devoid of struggles, where pure joy is the norm. In heaven, we won’t battle sin or sickness. This guarantees that we will enjoy our existence without the weight of earthly challenges.
The conclusion of the verse, “and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection,” emphasizes our relationship with God. It suggests an intimate bond that goes beyond mere servitude; we are His family. This should inspire us to live boldly and Righteously, knowing we are part of His story. When we embrace this identity, our lives are transformed; we begin to reflect His love and grace to those around us. Such transformation invites others into the family of God. The beauty of our testimony becomes a bridge for others to experience God’s salvation.
We also see a call to be ambassadors of hope, sharing the truth of the resurrection with others. Our lives should mirror the joy and assurance that come from knowing we are children of God, with a promise of eternal life. Everything we do, from conversations to actions, should point back to this profound truth, encouraging others to delve into the hope we possess.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 20:36
This verse is rich with lessons that we can apply to our lives. One valuable lesson is the importance of our identity as children of God. In today’s world, so many struggle with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Understanding that we are seen as valuable by God changes our outlook. We are not mere beings drifting through life; we are cherished members of God’s family with a significant purpose.
Another lesson is the assurance of the resurrection. This truth provides hope during dark times in our lives. Knowing that death does not have the final say allows us to face challenges with fortitude and grace. It encourages us to lean into our faith, trusting God’s plan, even when circumstances seem bleak.
We also learn about the importance of relationships—not just with God but with one another. Just as we are part of God’s family, we have a responsibility to nurture our earthly relationships. We can serve and support each other as we journey through life together. Community is a beautiful gift from God; it enriches our existence and encourages us to grow in faith.
Furthermore, this passage reminds us of the purpose of sharing the Gospel message. The resurrection power we celebrate compels us to communicate that hope to others. Whether through conversation or acts of kindness, we must reflect the light of Christ and share the joy that comes from being a child of God.
In essence, Luke 20:36 calls us to live confidently, knowing we are secure in our identity, embraced by resurrection hope, blessed with relationships, and challenged to share this good news with the world. We can inspire one another to focus on the joy and security that come from a life rooted in Christ.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Luke 20:36, we should embrace the immense hope and joy rooted in this powerful promise. This passage beautifully illustrates God’s design for us—a life free from the confines of earthly struggles and limitations. It reminds us that we can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing we are part of something greater. Our faith gives us the courage to endure hardships, and this knowledge should inspire us to spread the message of hope to everyone around us.
Our understanding of what it means to be children of God transforms the way we interact with the world. Every encounter, every conversation, provides an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Let us encourage one another in our journeys and remind ourselves daily of our identity and purpose. We have each been called to share the glorious news of resurrection life with others, inviting them to experience the same love and hope that we have.
This message isn’t just for us—it’s for everyone who longs for purpose and connection. Let us continue exploring more topics in our faith. Discover enriching insights, such as the significance of the Sabbath in Leviticus 25:24, and the teachings of Jesus in Luke 14:4. Together, we build a deeper understanding of the truths that shape us and those around us, embracing the hope of the resurrection and living out our faith every day!