“Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”– Luke 20:37 (KJV)
“But now as to whether the dead will be raised— even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”– Luke 20:37 (NLT)
“The resurrection of the dead is confirmed by Moses, who wrote about the burning bush, saying that God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” – Luke 20:37 (MSG)
What Does Luke 20:37 Mean?
Luke 20:37 is an important verse that discusses the concept of resurrection and the eternal nature of God. In this passage, Jesus is countering a group of Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees challenged Jesus by presenting Him with a hypothetical situation involving a woman who had been married to seven brothers. They wanted to know whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus responds by referring to Moses and the story of the burning bush to illustrate that God is the God of the living, not the dead.
When Jesus mentions “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,” He signifies that these patriarchs were not simply historical figures who existed in the past, but they are alive in God. Jesus emphasizes that God identifies Himself with these patriarchs, affirming their current existence and the reality of life beyond death.
Luke 20:37 Explanation and Commentary
This passage challenges us to understand the nature of God and life after death. Jesus demonstrates that God does not speak of the dead in the past tense, but rather as living beings. The mention of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob illustrates that they are currently alive in God’s presence. This gives credence to the belief in resurrection and eternal life.
When examining this verse, we can reflect on the significance of our own lives in relation to God’s promises of eternity. Jesus teaches us that our relationship with God does not end when we die but continues onward. The connection to the burning bush event is meaningful, as it serves as a reminder that God is a living God who is actively engaged with His creation.
Furthermore, we learn from this verse that our faith should influence how we see life and death. Just as the Sadducees were misguided in their thinking, we too can be led astray if we do not hold to the truth of God’s Word. God’s empowerment over death reinforces His authority and the truth of His promises. Jesus encouragingly confirms that our hope in Him extends far beyond the temporary nature of this world.
Context of Luke 20:37
To fully grasp the meaning behind Luke 20:37, it is essential to understand the surrounding context of the chapter. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is engaging with the religious leaders of His time. The Sadducees, who were known for their strict adherence to the Torah and rejection of resurrection, questioned Him in an attempt to trip Him up. Their hypothetical situation aimed to disprove the resurrection by highlighting an absurd scenario of a woman married to multiple men.
Jesus skillfully navigates their question, redirecting the conversation towards the truth about God and resurrection. The context is important as it shows us that even those in authority can have flawed beliefs. This prompts us to examine our own beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife, ensuring they align with God’s word.
By grounding His response in the Old Testament, Jesus validates His arguments through familiar scripture. This lends credibility to His teachings and highlights how connections between the Old and New Testaments reveal a consistent message of God’s promise. The assurance revealed in Luke 20:37 serves not just as a rebuke to skeptics but as reassurance for followers of Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 20:37
Each element of Luke 20:37 carries significant weight in understanding its teachings. Jesus mentions Moses and the burning bush, bringing to mind the profound encounter Moses had with God in Exodus 3. In this divine moment, God introduces Himself as “I AM,” indicating His eternal presence.
This aspect of God’s identity links back to His relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By affirming that He is their God, Jesus is asserting not just historical authenticity, but also a present reality regarding the patriarchs’ existence. They exist in an eternal relationship with God, actively alive rather than forgotten or lost.
The assertion that God is the God of the living carries profound implications. By using this phrase, Jesus honors the faith of the patriarchs and assures believers that there is an afterlife. This promise extends to us, affirming that all who trust in God and His promises will live forever in His presence.
Jesus emphasizes that God’s covenant with these patriarchs is still valid today. He deeply cares for His people, and His relationship with them is timeless. This truth gives us hope and serves as encouragement for our faith, reminding us that death is not a conclusion, but a transition into life with God.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 20:37
As we reflect on Luke 20:37, several key lessons emerge for our spiritual growth and understanding. First, we learn about the essential truth of God’s existence beyond this life. His role as the God of the living emphasizes that our faith holds eternal significance, reinforcing that life continues after our time on Earth.
We are called to live in the present with a hopeful perspective on our future. This means that our actions, attitudes, and decisions should be grounded in a recognition of divine promises. When we understand that our lives are connected to an eternal God, we are encouraged to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, allowing that connection to shape our daily lives.
We can also draw encouragement to share the good news of Jesus with others. The reality of resurrection is an essential aspect of our faith, giving us the motivation to spread love and hope to those around us. Just as Jesus countered the Sadducees’ misconceptions, we should be equipped to share the truth regarding God’s power over death.
Finally, Luke 20:37 reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs. We must not be swayed by the skepticism of the world or the doubts of others. As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to know the truth and live it out confidently. Our hope in resurrection should be a driving force in our lives, motivating us to glorify God in all we do.
Final Thoughts
As we ponder the truths found in Luke 20:37, we discover a beautiful picture of God’s eternal nature and His promise of life after death. Jesus teaches us that we can have complete peace in knowing that God is with us and that our relationship with Him continues beyond our earthly existence.
This passage affirms our faith, encouraging us to live purposefully as we await the resurrection. May we always remember that God is the God of the living, not the dead. With this truth in mind, let us confidently embrace the promise of an everlasting relationship with Him.
For those interested in exploring more about God’s promises and teachings, feel free to check out Luke 1:44 or teachings regarding God’s blessings in Leviticus 25:14. Additionally, understanding the laws and stories in Luke 14:1 may enrich our journey in learning more about God’s Word.