Watching and Praying

When will Jesus return? Let’s learn that we do not know when Christ will return but that he will come back and we must keep watch. Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44.

End of an Era

Matthew 24:36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

If Jesus is God the Son and coequal with the Father, how does He not know the day or hour? The Athanasian Creed says that Christ is "equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching his manhood.” Jesus the man is speaking here.

When is the end of this age? Jesus predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the Gospel preached in the whole world. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, a purposefully vague prophecy. We keep watch, because we don’t know on what day our Lord will come.

Like Noah’s Day

Matthew 24:37-39 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

Jesus confirms the Noah flood narrative. Does science prove it wrong? Are we sure? If the flood is a myth, how were transcontinental sedimentary rock layers formed? How were the Grand Canyon layers formed without any evidence of erosion between layers? How are whale and possum fossils found mixed together?

Jesus includes a picture of normal life before Noah’s flood. We can become deluded that we don’t need to keep vigilant watch in prayerful preparation for his return. It appears that in apocalyptic times there may also be periods of normalcy. During those times watching will be even more imperative.

Left Behind

Matthew 24:40-41 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

The “left behind” theories have difficulties with this passage. Jesus compares those “taken away” with evil people swept away in Noah’s flood. The natural reading of this passage is the opposite of the “left behind” theories. Jesus gave us enough to encourage hope, and enough left out to stimulate faith.

Watch

Matthew 24:42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

A mandates in the passage is to watch. A watchman must be vigilant. In Matthew 26:41 we are to watch and pray not to give into temptation. Jesus encourages us to be ready at all times, because he is coming at an hour when we do not think he will.

Shepherds watch flocks to protect them. Jesus warns us to remain clothed (Revelation 16:15), to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38). Unlike the five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) a good watch is always ready, on guard lest the enemy tempt them.

Jesus Like a Burglar

Matthew 24:43-44 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Jesus like a burglar in only one way, his coming is unexpected. The only way to deal with burglars is preparation and watching. Most people will be uninterested in Jesus and unaware of the approach of his coming. Jesus challenges us to stay alert, be vigilant, prepared for his coming.

Rather than becoming deluded by consumerism and materialism, let’s live out the kingdom of God here and now, like Nicholas of Myra who gave away his life’s fortune so that others could be blessed. We cannot know when Christ will return but He will and we must keep watch. We need to watch and pray so that when he comes we will be ready.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Readings

Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaia 2:1 This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. 3 People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

The word of the Lord from Isaiah.

Turning swords into plows is carved into a wall across the UN building in New York. Isaiah describes a future that begins at the coming of the Lord. His first coming began this future for those in the church. His second coming will bring this future to all the world.

Psalm 122

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. 4 All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. 5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David. 6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. 7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. 8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Thus ends the Psalm.

Jerusalem pictures the church, the place for all who love God, the place we all pray together. It is where God meets us. It is where the words of life are rehearsed in our ears. It is the place where national greatness begins.

Romans 13:11-14

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

The word of God for the people of God.

The Holy Spirit helps us to see through the darkness of this world. We battle the evil that brings hatred and fear. We become like Christ, just as became one of us. We welcome and embrace all humanity, just as Christ embraced all humanity at the cross.

Matthew 24:36-44 in Rhyme

No one knows the day or the hour
When these things will happen down here
No not the angelic order
Or the Son, only the Father

When the Son of Man comes our way
It will be like in Noah’s day
In those days before the drenching
Were banquets, parties and weddings

Right up until Noah boarded
They ignored warnings afforded
Unaware of what was coming
‘Til swept away in the flooding

Just like when the Son of Man comes
Two farmers; two different outcomes
Two women working at the mill
One taken, the other left still

So you, too, must keep watch!
It’s not something to botch
You don’t know when the Lord’s coming
It’s just like the burglar’s cunning

Keep watch lest your goods be stolen
Always ready, that’s the slogan
For the Son of Man will then come
Unexpected by everyone

Failure of Human Leadership

Can human political systems save us? We elect national leaders, and are quickly disappointed. Let’s learn that only God’s government can truly bless humanity. Let’s contrast human governments and Christ’s government in Luke 23:33-43.

Forgive Them

Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

This is a remarkable saying, “Father forgive them.” The people didn’t know what they were doing. Do we forgive others only after they apologize, after repentance? Here Jesus teaches us a new level of forgiveness before repentance, before a change of heart, forgiveness because of a deed done in ignorance.

Taking versus Giving

Luke 23:35-39 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

At the cross, human leadership failed: Romans, Jews, and the Disciples. Jesus said: Father forgive them. Human leaders, in and out of the church will disappoint us. We do not know what we are doing. We say of the suffering Jesus, “Let him save himself.” Human governments are devouring beasts.

A bad leader (1 Samuel 8) will “TAKE your sons and appoint them for his own… TAKE your daughters… the best of YOUR fields… TAKE a tenth… And you will be his servants.”1 Luke’s Gospel describes Christ’s government, giving and forgiving. He gave his life and forgave our sins.

Remember Me

Luke 23:40-43 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Every generation starts moving into adult life about the same way, thinking that they can create a better world and do a better job than their parents or national leaders. By the time we reach middle age, optimism can turn to pessimism as we are forced to face humanity’s failures.

By the time we are old, we begin to see the reality of death. We learn that our generation too has NOT solved the world’s problems. We don’t need to fret or turn to pessimism and despair. Let’s learn to pray, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus conquered the gates of hell. He ushered in a new government, a forgiving government, forgiving those who planned his death. His government willingly sacrificed for all. His government forgave a criminal based on his attitude alone. We represent that eternal government every time we forgive and sacrifice for others.

A failure of human leadership is unwillingness to sacrifice for others. A failure of human society is unwillingness to forgive imperfect leaders. Jesus showed us the way by giving his life for all and forgiving all our sins. What are we willing to sacrifice? Who must we forgive?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Jeremiah 23:1-6

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord. 3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord. 5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Thus ends the reading from Jeremiah

This woe to the shepherds or pastors includes not just local church leaders, but also national political leaders in its scope. Bad leaders scatter the flock, drive people away and do not look after them. Good leaders feed the flock, people don’t fear, are not dismayed and people don’t lack.

The Benedictus (Song of Zachariah) Luke 1:68-79

68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Thus ends the Song of Zachariah.

Reciting phrases taken from the Psalms, Zechariah’s Song is also a prophecy of the kingdom and salvation in the Messiah.

Colossians 1:11-20

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

The word of God for the people of God.

Made powerful by God, we are already delivered, already in God’s kingdom through the blood of Jesus’ cross.

Luke 23:33-43 in Rhyme

When they had come to Calvary
They crucified Him brutally
Criminals right and left of Him
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them

For they don’t know what they’re doing.”
They bet on His clothes, lots strewing
And the people stood looking on
Even the rulers said with scorn

“He’ll save Himself if not a fraud
If He’s the Christ, the chosen of God.”
The soldiers also came and mocked
Giving sour wine they did concoct

“Save Yourself, if You’re the Jews’ King.”
Made a sign in three tongues writing,
Said, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
A criminal blasphemed his views

“If You’re Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other rebuked him thus
“Don’t you fear God, you’re condemned too?
We receive our punishment due

But this Man has done nothing wrong.”
“Recall when kingdom comes along.”
“I tell you, today in this place
You’ll be with Me in Paradise.”

Don't be Deceived

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at Luke 21:5-19 and discuss fear and enduring to the end.

Not One Stone

Luke 21:5-6 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Jesus predicted the Temple would be destroyed. It lasted over 500 years. God closes spiritually worthless buildings. Jesus’ prediction came right after he had praised a widow for her very generous contribution to the temple fund, the proverbial widow’s mite. Church buildings are not the "forever" part of church life.

The majesty of a large church service and the healing intimacy of a small church are unsurpassed. Large churches are not the norm and not always successful. A few ancient churches were large. Usually, they were small and scattered. Jesus is more impressed with the grandeur of a faithful heart.

God may destroy what we have built for our own good. The Temple once serving a good purpose but it became a distraction. The Gospels help us realize how ignorant we are of God’s perspective. The important thing in gaining perspective is to sit at the feet of the Master.

A tour guide once remarked that St Peter's Basilica cost most of northern Europe. Built by financial corruption, indulgences, it is a monument to sin and arrogant pride in the Church. Our traditions and structures can become monuments to our own sin and conceited arrogance which God must eventually destroy.

Jesus spoke of a permanent Temple. People are that house of God (Ephesians 2:18-20). We are the living stones (1 Peter 2:4-6) in a spiritual temple. Our hope is in a permanent structure being built by Jesus Christ. If we build with him we will not be disappointed.

Don’t be Deceived

Luke 21:7-9 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

Let’s not be deceived by wild claims about the end times. Let’s not be frightened. In the midst of calamity and destruction, let’s stand firm on God’s foundation: Jesus, the prophets and apostles, the whole Bible. End-time theories make us lazy. Real Christianity involves steadfastness in the midst of uncertainty.

An Occasion for Testimony

Luke 21:10-13 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.

Many Christians live in GREAT tribulation in dozens of countries today, fellow Christians face North Korean labor camps and death, Saudi Arabian imprisonment, deportation, torture and death, Afghani kidnapping and killing, Iraqi home burning, abduction and murder, Somali abduction and murder with no religious freedom. Let us pray for them.

Every generation since the cross has thought that theirs was the last generation and none of them was right. Jesus encouraged us not to worry about being overly prepared but to put our faith in him. Worry and doubt distract us from the important job of spreading the gospel message.

Patient Endurance

Luke 21:14-19 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

By patient endurance, we will gain our lives. Martyr means testimony, a witness. 50 countries persecute Christians according to Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs. Fake gospels contradict the reality of giving in self-sacrifice. God certainly does provide material blessings along with suffering. Jesus encouraged us to stand firm.

There are 4 predominant schools of prophecy: preterists (ancient fulfillment), historicists (fulfilled through history), futurists (to be fulfilled) and idealists (symbolic or spiritual fulfillment). The symbolic view can include all other views. Here we can see elements fulfilled in 70 AD and some more completely fulfilled only at Christ’s return.

Someday this earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Our church buildings will be gone. False predictions and false gospels will be exposed. To God, the only important things are you and me. Have we learned to possess our souls? Are we trusting God with patient endurance, and gaining eternal life?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah 65:17-25 17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying.

20 “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them.

24 “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” Says the Lord.

Thus ends the reading from Isaiah 65.

This chapter of Isaiah offers a vision of a world with a wonderful future, a future that is at peace. In this new world God will not simply defeat enemies but transform their relationships. “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox.”

2nd Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6

Isaiah 12:1-6 And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

The word of the Lord.

This is Isaiah’s song of praise to the Lord for His salvation. Isaiah thanks God for replacing His anger with mercy. That happens in Jesus Christ. Rather than fear we trust God. God will again grant Israel an “exodus” from “slavery.” Jesus is the “Living Water.” Eternal life begins now.

3rd Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

The Word of God for the people of God.

Paul instructs the Christians in Thessalonica on the importance of work and avoiding the creation of an “idle class” either on welfare but able to work or wealthy and not working. Neither is God’s intent for humanity. Never get tired of doing good works.

Luke 21:5-19 in Rhyme

Then, as some spoke of the temple
Adorned with stones so beautiful
And gifts to God dedicated
With which it was decorated

He said, “These things which you are beholding
The days will soon be unfolding
In which not one stone shall be left
On another, but thrown to rest.”

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher
When will these things be a feature?
And what sign will there be when these
Things are about to take place please?”

He said: “Take heed you’re not deceived.
In My name heaps will be received
Saying, ‘I’m He,’ and, ‘The time’s near.’
Don’t go after them, when you hear.

When you hear of wars and tumults
Don’t waver; expect such results
But the end won’t come right away.”
And then He had some more to say

“Nation will rise against nation
Also kingdom against kingdom
There will be terrible earthquakes
In various places outbreaks

And famines, plagues and fearful sights
Also great signs from heaven’s heights
Before all these things come to pass
They’ll lay hands on you and harass

In the assemblies and prisons
You’ll be before rulers and kings
For My name’s sake you’ll testify
Don’t plan ahead what you’ll reply

I’ll give you a mouth and wisdom
Foes can’t fight with criticism
You’ll be betrayed by your brothers
By parents, friends and relatives

And they’ll even kill some of you
And for My name’s sake they’ll hate you
You won’t lose a hair on your head
Stand firm and win your life instead.”

Dead or Alive?

What happens after death? What happens between death and the return of Christ? Where are our loved ones? Let’s understand that God is the God of the living because to him all are alive. Let’s discuss the Sadducees, an ancient marriage custom and resurrection questions in Luke 20:27-38.

Sadducees

Luke 20:27 Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection)

In Israel a religious party was also political. Sadducees were conservatives preserving Temple worship. The more liberal Pharisees believed people could worship God anywhere. The Sadducees also did not believe in a resurrection. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not often in agreement but they were united in opposition to Jesus.

Trick Resurrection Question

Luke 20:28-33 and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless; 30 and the second 31 and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally the woman died also. 33 In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.”

In ancient times marriage was more practical than purely romantic. Ancient societies gave agricultural inheritance through the males. Females would usually be joint-owners with their husband. Where ancient culture was unfair, Israel created exceptions. Levirate marriage was where a man married his deceased brother’s wife to ensure the family inheritance.

This is the background to the question. Whose wife will she be in the resurrection? It was designed to trick Jesus about the resurrection, something the Sadducees did not believe in. Important beliefs in Christianity are repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1-3).

An ancient Ugaritic and Hittite levirite custom was also normal in Israel. After seven marriages, whose wife will she be? Was it meant to poke fun, disproving the resurrection? Jesus did not answer the question but pointed out how ridiculous it was because there is no marriage in the resurrection.

Resurrection Questions

Luke 20:34-36 Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

People ask if the giants of old were hybrid children of angels and women. Jesus quite clearly states, at the resurrection people do not marry or give in marriage, but are like angels. People are called sons or children of God too, but this verse adds immortality to that description.

Are we disappointed that there will be no sex or earthly family life? Remember that eternity will be far and above any earthly experience. Will we recognize our current earthly families? Though Jesus did not directly address that question, he did say that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be recognizable.

Dead or Alive?

Luke 20:37-38 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”

We read in that account that God said “I am [not WAS] the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6; Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26). We learn much more about the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

Like some today, the Sadducees did not believe all of scripture. They focused mainly on the five books of Moses, which do not seem to directly mention the resurrection. Jesus showed them that even Moses understood the resurrection when describing the Lord as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Jesus spoke regarding the patriarchs that, God is the God of the living not the dead. The original Greek says “all live to him.” God is the God of the living implies something more than just a future life. It implies that our lives today are already touched by eternity.

Is the departed spirit asleep until Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15)? What about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) or Stephen’s prayer “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59)? Is resurrection instantaneous after death where believers receive a spiritual body (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)?

Is the spirit absent from the body and consciously present with the Lord in heaven (Philippians 1:19-26) but awaiting a body at the return of Christ (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)? All die and by God’s grace we can enter his joyful presence forever (Luke 20:27-38).

God is the God of the living because to him all are alive. Therefore, let us stand firm. Let nothing move us. Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Readings

Haggai 1:15b-2:9

After having been devastated by persecution, or falling away from the truth, or generational change, or urban decline, many churches are in need of encouragement to rebuild. May this encouragement to be zealous in rebuilding the Temple, encourage us to be strong in rebuilding our local churches.

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

In a world that praises materialism and corruption, may we stay strong in praising God above all else. May we praise God with as much or more enthusiasm than fans show to men in colorful athletic gear chasing a little air-filled leather bladder across a cow paddock.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

What an encouragement regarding our merciful God! Our prayers are not answered due to legalistic observance, but because of truth, reverential fear, our love for Him. Let us not be deceived by arrogant people who try to lead us astray.

Luke 20:27-38 in Rhyme

Now there came to Him some Sadducees
Who say that there’s no resurrection
They posed questions for His expertise
A man reaches life’s expiration

He dies childless and Moses taught us
His brother should marry the widow
To raise children for his brother up
Now then seven brothers did ditto

The second and the third married her
And in the same way all seven died
Childless, her death did also occur
Whose is she a resurrection bride

She had been married to all seven
Jesus said marriage is for this age
It’s different in the resurrection
No giving or taking in marriage

For they can’t even die anymore
Because like angels, they’re sons of God
Sons of the resurrection what’s more
The dead are raised, Moses spread abroad

Describing the burning bush he said
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s God
He’s God of the living not the dead
For all live to Him, so said our Lord