“But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,”– Matthew 22:31 (KJV)
“But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? What God said to you?”– Matthew 22:31 (NLT)
“And regarding the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read what God said to you?”– Matthew 22:31 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 22:31 Mean?
Matthew 22:31 is a passage where Jesus speaks to the Sadducees, a group who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They believed that this life was all there was, and once someone died, that was the end. Jesus points them to the Scriptures to show them that God indeed spoke of the resurrection. This is significant because it reveals the heart of God and His power over life and death. It reminds us that God is not just a God of the living moment but also a God of eternity, offering hope to all who believe in Him.
In this verse, Jesus is calling them to reconsider their beliefs. He points out that they have missed something vital in their understanding of God’s message. It’s a gentle but firm nudge to open their eyes to the truth about life beyond death. The resurrection is not a new concept, nor is it a trick; it is woven into the very fabric of God’s promises found in the Scriptures. By referring to God’s own words, Jesus establishes authority and credibility, using Scripture to clarify spiritual truths.
Matthew 22:31 Explanation and Commentary
We can break down this verse into several important themes. First, we see the engagement of Jesus with the Sadducees. They challenge Him with a hypothetical situation to disprove the resurrection. Instead of countering their arguments directly, Jesus points them to Scripture, something that shows His respect for the authority of God’s Word. It serves as a reminder that when we are faced with doubts or misunderstandings about our faith, God’s Word should be our anchor and foundation.
When Jesus says, “have ye not read,” He signifies that the knowledge of God’s promises is not confined to the spiritual elite. Each of us has access to the Scriptures. The truth is available to all who seek it honestly. It encourages us to regularly engage with the Bible, not just for knowledge but for understanding the character of God and the reality of His promises. We should not shy away from difficult questions or challenges concerning our faith but approach them with an open heart and a willingness to learn.
Jesus’ words highlight the transformative power of the resurrection. He is challenging us, much like the Sadducees, to consider our beliefs about life after death and how they align with God’s teachings. The Sadducees had a narrow view of eternity, isolating their beliefs to human experiences. Jesus broadens this perspective, pushing us to explore and expand our views on life beyond this world. By pointing to God’s nature, He reassures us that God is more than capable of resurrecting the dead, creating hope for those who have passed away in faith.
Another core aspect of this verse is the affirmation of God’s promise of life after death. In making reference to what God has said, Jesus indicates that our faith should be deeply rooted in trust in God’s words. As believers, we have the assurance that when we pass from this life, we are entering into a greater existence with Him, which energizes our faith journey here on earth.
Finally, let us reflect on the relationship that God desires with His creation. The resurrection is not merely a topic of theological debate; it is a reflection of God’s desire to be with us eternally. When we embrace the reality of the resurrection, our view of life and our purpose expands tremendously. It gives us hope in uncertainty, joy in sorrow, and a sense of purpose in our current lives.
Context of Matthew 22:31
Matthew 22:31 is placed within a series of debates Jesus had with religious leaders just days before His crucifixion. The chapter introduces questions from different groups, with the Sadducees being among them. The Sadducees often engaged Jesus in attempts to discredit Him and His teachings. They approached Him with a question about resurrection, citing Moses’ law concerning levirate marriage. It was an attempt to trap Jesus into a contradiction concerning the resurrection.
This context is crucial because it illustrates not just the theological disputes of the day but the nature of people’s hearts. The Sadducees were unwilling to accept a truth that meant a paradigm shift in their understanding of God’s workings. Their rigid belief system clashed with the glorious truths Jesus was revealing, making this confrontation a pivotal moment in the Gospels.
In this moment, Jesus does not just respond to their question but addresses the underlying beliefs that restrict their understanding of God. He ensures His teaching emphasizes the importance of viewing Scripture as a living word—a revelation from God intended to guide and instruct all who seek it. His assertion about God being the God of the living is a profound statement affirming the life and hope that we have in Christ.
The broader context of Matthew 22 includes reflections on the Kingdom of Heaven and invitations to embrace a new reality. It reminds us that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not eradicate it. Instead, He proposes the fullness of God’s promises, bringing light to the shadowy misconceptions held by the religious elite. This passage encourages us to examine our beliefs and how they align with the truths presented in Scripture.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 22:31
The phrase “but as touching the resurrection of the dead” refers to the very essence of what separates the beliefs of the Sadducees from Jesus’s teachings. The resurrection is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The assurance that Jesus offers through His resurrection assures us that we, too, will experience eternal life beyond this earthly existence. This aspect of resurrection speaks to our hope and the continual journey of faith.
By stating “have ye not read,” Jesus emphasizes a common oversight. Here, He points out that knowledge is not just about reading but understanding the implications of what we find in the Scriptures. It emphasizes the importance of comprehending God’s words and recognizing His voice within them. This invites us to engage deeply with Scripture—to seek, to ponder, and to let God illuminate our understanding.
When Jesus brings up, “what God said to you,” it brings a personal touch to the discussion. God’s messages are not meant to be historical anecdotes alone; they carry relevance and implications for our lives today. God speaks to us personally through His word, inviting us to connect with His heart, which is filled with love and promises for our future. This personal element compels us to consider how God is communicating with us in our current circumstances, leading us to a greater relationship with Him.
Finally, the affirmation of God as the God of the living challenges us to rethink our understanding of life and death. It speaks volumes about the continuity of existence in God’s kingdom. For believers, death becomes a transition into a more glorious reality rather than an end. Jesus encourages us to view both life and death through His perspective and the hope that can be found in eternal life with Him.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 22:31
As we reflect on Matthew 22:31, there are many lessons to take to heart. We learn the importance of engaging with the word of God regularly, allowing it to shape our beliefs and thoughts. When the Sadducees questioned Jesus, He did not dismiss Scripture but showed reverence and authority in referring to it. We, too, must relate to the Bible as the living word of God, capable of transforming our hearts and guiding our decisions.
This passage also teaches us to confront the limitations of our beliefs. We may find ourselves holding onto misunderstandings or rigid interpretations of faith that limit our growth. Jesus invites us to re-examine those beliefs through the lens of Scripture, allowing Him to enlighten us on matters concerning faith and eternity. It is a beautiful reminder of God’s desire to grow us into deeper knowledge and relationship with Him.
Another lesson we encounter in this verse is affirming the hope offered by the resurrection. For many, the fear of death can cloud the beauty of eternal life. By embracing the resurrection, we understand better that death is not the end—it is the beginning. This assurance motivates us to live boldly and faithfully, sharing this hope with others who may feel lost or uncertain about what lies beyond this life.
Additionally, we also recognize God as a personal and relational being who desires to connect with each of us. When Jesus emphasizes, “what God said to you,” it reminds us of God’s active presence in our lives. He is not a distant deity but rather intimately engaged with our journeys. Strengthening our relationship with Him through prayer, meditation, and studying His word opens the door for deeper understanding and guidance.
Lastly, the concept that God is the God of the living invites us to embrace the fullness of life here and now. We should live with purpose, intention, and love, embodying His message to those around us. By reflecting on the resurrection, we become lights in a world that often feels dark and uncertain, sharing His love and hope with others.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 22:31 serves as an essential reminder of the depth of truth contained in God’s promises. Jesus’ gentle confrontation with the Sadducees illustrates the importance of understanding Scripture and recognizing its implications for our lives today. Through God’s word, we have the assurance of life beyond death, a personal relationship with Him, and a call to share this hope with others.
As we consider this verse, let us commit to embracing God’s teachings and allowing them to influence our hearts and actions daily. We are not alone in our journey of faith; God’s promise of resurrection invigorates our spirits and strengthens our resolve to live fully for Him. May this truth enrich our lives and encourage us to explore more aspects of our faith. Check out resources like Bible Repository to read more passages and deepen your understanding.