Luke 20:34-35 is about Jesus explaining to the Sadducees that those who are considered worthy to attain that age and the resurrection from the dead will not marry or be given in marriage, for they will be like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection.
34 And 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 to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage,
Setting the Scene for Luke 20:34-35
In Luke chapter 20, we find Jesus engaged in a discussion with the Sadducees in the temple in Jerusalem. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, were questioning Jesus about marriage in the afterlife. They presented a hypothetical scenario about a woman who had been married multiple times due to the levirate marriage custom, where a man would marry his brother’s widow if he died childless. The Sadducees asked Jesus whose wife the woman would be in the resurrection.
Jesus, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers and his disciples, responded to the Sadducees’ question with wisdom and authority. He explained that in the resurrection, people will not marry or be given in marriage but will be like angels. Jesus used this opportunity to teach about the nature of the afterlife and the resurrection, challenging the beliefs of the Sadducees and emphasizing the importance of understanding the Scriptures. The scene is filled with tension as Jesus confronts the religious leaders of the time, showcasing his deep knowledge of the Scriptures and his divine insight.
What is Luke 20:34-35 about?
This verse, often found in discussions about the afterlife and marriage, presents a unique perspective on the eternal state of believers in heaven. It suggests a fundamental change in relationships and ways of being, indicating that the concept of marriage as we know it on earth may be transcended in the heavenly realm. Instead of the earthly bond of marriage, believers will be like angels who do not marry but exist in a state of purity, spiritual connection, and service to God. This verse might be teaching us about the nature of relationships in heaven. Could it be suggesting that the deep, personal connections we have with others on earth will be transformed into something even more profound and fulfilling in the presence of God? Reflect on how this idea challenges our understanding of love, companionship, and eternal life. Let us contemplate this verse, trusting in God’s wisdom and goodness, as we open our hearts to the mystery and beauty of His plan for us beyond this life.
Understanding what Luke 20:34-35 really means
In Luke 20:34-35, Jesus responds to a question posed by the Sadducees, who challenged Him on the concept of resurrection. The Sadducees, known for their disbelief in the resurrection, presented a hypothetical scenario about marriage in the afterlife to test Jesus. Jesus begins by acknowledging the customs of earthly life, stating that people in this age marry and are given in marriage. This highlights the temporal nature of human institutions and practices, emphasizing the transient quality of earthly relationships.
However, Jesus goes on to distinguish between the present age and the age to come, where those considered worthy will partake in the resurrection from the dead. This distinction underscores the transformative power of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life for believers. It shifts the focus from earthly concerns to spiritual worthiness and the eternal perspective that awaits those who believe in Him.
This passage echoes similar teachings found in Matthew 22:30, where Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like angels in heaven. It aligns with Paul’s discussion in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 about the nature of the resurrection body, contrasting it with our earthly bodies. Additionally, Revelation 21:4 paints a vivid picture of the new heaven and earth, devoid of death and mourning, emphasizing the hope and restoration promised in the eternal realm.
Today, this passage serves as a reminder to believers of the transformative power of the resurrection and the assurance of eternal life. It challenges us to shift our focus from temporal pursuits to spiritual priorities, urging us to seek worthiness in the eyes of God rather than in earthly relationships or achievements. In a world where fleeting pleasures often distract us, this teaching redirects our attention to the enduring promises of God and the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful.
Consider the analogy of a person building a sandcastle on the beach, investing all their efforts into something that will inevitably be washed away by the tide. This mirrors the folly of prioritizing earthly matters over spiritual growth. Instead, Jesus calls us to build our lives on the solid foundation of His teachings, akin to constructing a house on a rock as described in Matthew 7:24-27. By embracing the promise of resurrection and eternal life, we can find true fulfillment and hope that transcends the temporary nature of our earthly existence.
In conclusion, Jesus’ words in Luke 20:34-35 prompt us to reevaluate our priorities and live with an eternal perspective. They inspire us to seek spiritual worthiness, trust in the promise of resurrection, and find hope in the eternal life offered through Him. May we heed this call to focus on the things that truly matter in light of eternity, finding peace and purpose in the assurance of God’s everlasting love.
Is there marriage in the resurrection?
Jesus in the passage in Luke 20:34-35 is speaking about the nature of relationships in the resurrection. He explains that those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead do not marry or are given in marriage. This indicates that the institution of marriage as we know it on earth will not be present in the resurrection.
The main point conveyed in this verse is that the relationships we have on earth, including marriage, are temporal and not eternal. Believers in the resurrection will have a different kind of existence where the focus will no longer be on earthly relationships but on our relationship with God. This verse emphasizes the fullness and completeness of relationships that we will have with God in heaven, and how these will surpass and transcend earthly relationships. Our ultimate union will be with God, signifying that we will find complete satisfaction and fulfillment in Him, as the absence of marriage in the resurrection ultimately indicates. The verse reminds us that while earthly relationships like marriage are important and ordained by God, they are only a shadow of the greater reality of our relationship with Him that will be fully realized in the resurrection.
Application
Imagine your life as a garden – what seeds are you planting for your eternal harvest? Take a moment to evaluate where you are investing your time and energy. Are you sowing seeds that will bear fruit in eternity? Let the words of Luke 20:34-35 guide you in making intentional choices that have eternal significance. Will you choose to build a legacy that echoes into eternity?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.