Sermon Text: Mark 12:18-27
Outline
BIG IDEA: As Christians, we can have resurrection hope by knowing God’s Word and trusting in God’s power.
Verses Referenced (sermon order):
Ex 3:6; 1 Cor 15:20-26
Context
Mark 11-16 covers Jesus’ final week (Passion Week). We’re still in Tuesday of that week. So far on Tuesday Jesus’ authority was challenged by the Sanhedrin. Jesus responded with the parable of the tenants condemning Israel’s religious leaders. Next, Jesus answered a question about taxes.
Summary
This is only a summary. Watch the sermon video (linked above) for more.
In our text, we see the Sadducees set up a hypothetical scenario and ask Jesus a question. They are trying to demonstrate the absurdity of the resurrection and to damage Jesus’ credibility.
Jesus says that the Sadducees are in error for two reasons (v. 24). They don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. Jesus not only tells the Sadducees that they are in error, but e answers their question (vv. 25-27).
In v. 25, Jesus teaches that when (not if) we are raised from the dead we will no longer be married or given in marriage but will be like the angels. Notice that Jesus did not say that we will become angels or be like the angels in every way but in the sense of marriage, we will be like angels.
In vv. 26-27, Jesus shows the Sadducees how they do not know the Scriptures. Remember, the Sadducees only accepted Genesis-Deuteronomy as Scripture. Knowing this, Jesus goes all the way back to Exodus 3 to show them that God is God not of the dead, but of the living.
Exodus 3:6
And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been physically dead for a long time, but God identified himself as their God. He could be their God only if they were still alive.
This is our hope as Christians. Those who are in Christ are promised a future resurrection and fullness of life in the presence of God. Of course, the opposite of fullness of life in the presence of God is loneliness and suffering apart from God and His people in an eternal hell.