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Daily Devotions for the Advent and Christmas Seasons

Monday, December 7

Matthew 22:23-33

by Douglas A. Clark

How we might wish we could sit down and ask Jesus a question! It’s a tempting thought, right? Certainly events in our world, as have happened throughout the ages, give us ample reason to want to seek some answers to life’s problems. As I write this in late October, the H1N1 flu virus is a substantial threat, Iraq is coming undone with another bombing, and our leaders in the West debate how to deal with the problems of Afghanistan.

In the Matthew passage for today, the Sadducees come to Jesus with a hypothetical question. It’s a question that seems a bit outlandish about how to deal with a widow and her remaining brothers-in-law, but they are really questioning the concept of resurrection.

Jesus answers their question in verse 30 by saying, “For when the dead rise to life, they will be like angels in heaven and will not marry.” (Japan Bible Society version) I take this to mean we must not worry about a resurrection in our flesh but in another sense, one perhaps hard for both the Sadducees and for me to comprehend. What is this about an afterlife and why should we be worried about it so much and not what is happening in front of our eyes? Are there other questions Jesus might answer with a surprise for us?

In reading the passage and going over some interpretations of this passage by writers of other Christian faiths, I have thought about it in light of my limited understanding of God. I use the word limited because the more I try to understand the Bible, the more questions I have, and the more I fall back on simple faith. I realize I can live with the ambiguity and find comfort from Jesus’ teachings.

Prayer

Mother/Father God, help us to understand your will for us as we struggle with life’s problems and try to be faithful to your teachings. Help us to remain faithful despite life’s trials, failures, and periods of confusion. Help us see that our faith will guide us to do the right thing and to help others to make a better world. Amen.