In Matt. 22:23-33, Mark 12:19-23 and Luke 20:28-33, the very interesting subject arises concerning a woman who had 7 husbands, and the question was asked of the Lord by the Sadducees, which husband would this woman have come the resurrection?
When looking into this subject, we see from the beginning that the ‘Sadducees’ came to Jesus to ask Him that question to try to trick Him! Verse Matt. 22:23, gives the key to this subject: “The same day the Sadducees came to Him, which say there is no resurrection” and asked Him. >>>
Their question was ‘hypothetical’. “Moses said, (Deut. 25:5-10), if a man die and have no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother”. They go on to say that there were 6 more brothers who likewise sought to raise up seed to the brother, and his name, but without success. They then said that the woman also died, and they wanted to know which husband would she have in the resurrection?
For Jesus this gave an easy opportunity to correct the Sadducees, and give the key for unlocking Scripture in most areas. The context gave the answer; referring to Moses and the details given to Him!
The fact that Jesus referred to the Old Testament, and the Law given to Moses by Jehovah God; clearly showed that those Laws applied to the Jewish race at that time! That condition applied until Acts 28:25-28, after which the Jews became "Lo-Ammi" (not My people); which will continue until they are readopted to "Ammi" (My people), probably in the near future. (Current date September 2020, see: Replacement Theology ).
It is clear therefore that these Sadducees were not genuine in their enquiry, but were seeking to make mischief and trick Jesus; as is recorded throughout the Bible; the Jewish Authorities would not accept Who He was; i.e. their long awaited Messiah!
Jesus’ reply is very interesting, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in Heaven”. Notice Jesus said "are as"; not are!
Immediately Jesus challenges their lack of knowledge of the Scriptures.
Looking at Deut. 25, we can see clearly what our Lord was speaking about. Here there is a directive for the brother of the dead husband to further the line of her first husband, and in fact her firstborn was to have the name of her first husband, then the important words, “that his name be not blotted out of Israel”! Here is the key. This is known as the ‘Kinsman Redeemer Law’, which can be seen in practice in Ruth 3:9 and 4:14. Where Ruth’s first husband had died (a Jew), leaving her without a child. Boaz takes up the responsibility and continues the line through Ruth. (It is interesting to note that Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David, through whom the Line of the Lord would come, both Mary and Joseph)!
From the establishment of the Jewish race through Abraham, the Enemy, (Satan) has sought to destroy the Genetic line. However, the Almighty has consistently preserved it through all his attempts, and this is one of the rules to that effect! Satan wanted to destroy the line because he knew the Jewish Messiah would be brought into the world through it. Even though he failed, and Christ was born, Satan is still seeking to destroy the Jews. See: Satan's Contest with God.
Jesus in verses 31 and 32 of Matt. 22, reminds them that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and that He is the God of the living not the dead, (the resurrection).
The whole subject we see related here, is the one of resurrection. In Luke 20:36, we can see that the Lord was showing the Sadducees, that come the resurrection, there is no more, birth, marriage or death; as per. Eden onwards; but also alluding to a future of totally differing values; clearly referring to the latter part of the descriptions of Revelation; when "all is made new"; (Rev. 21)!
It is always essential when reading the Bible, to see clearly the subject being referred to, and to whom it is addressed. Unfortunately most people today apply many Scriptures to themselves as they are not properly taught the Dispensational (Administration) changes, the one referred to here is a case in point. It is clear from the above that the Lord was talking to the Sadducees; (but in the greater context, to all Israel) who despite not believing in the resurrection, (arrived at by their free-will) were posing the hypothetical to Him in this question.
In this Age, Dispensation (Grace), we Gentiles are in a different situation, and therefore these Scriptures do not apply to us. If a husband dies (in this Age), it is not the Almighty’s desire that his brother raise up seed for his name to remain in the 'Book of Life'.
Also it is important to note that the promised initial inheritance for the Jews is an Earthly one, as they are Promised in Gen 13:14-16, the land borders described. As we know they have as yet never had these borders, however, when their Messiah comes to save them at His 2nd Advent, He will set up His Earthly Kingdom for 1000 years; known by many as the Millennial, with the prophetic borders in place; and the Jews will be the Nation of Priests they were intended to be.
The Body of the Lord, which is now being called out mainly from Gentiles, but with some Jews who see Jesus the Christ in Truth, will have their inheritance in the Body of the Lord Jesus Himself, (Eph. 5:30-32). The words of Paul in Eph. 1:3 and 1:20; “We are blessed in Heavenly places in Christ, with all spiritual blessings”. In this regard we live by Faith, trusting that He has a place for His Body which is special and full of purpose, now and especially the future! See: Faith.
The Jewish eventual Earthly destination, is as a "Kingdom of Priests" unto God the Father! This is formed during the Millennial Reign of Christ Jesus on Earth; and forms "Jesurun" ('ideal Israel') (Deut. 32:15; 33:5; 33:26 & Isa. 44:2.); which converts eventually to the "Bride of Christ", (Rev. 19:7).
The 'Body of Christ' (formed from Gentiles and some "completed" Jews); is completed prior to Christ's Reign on Earth from Jerusalem, and is "ever with The Lord" (1Thess. 4:15-17, after the "translation"); and during all the events of the 1000 years Reign of Christ Jesus and the Father; God Almighty!
It is important to see that Christ Jesus became the Redeemer for all who will come to Him.
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