Mark 12:18

Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him:

Study Bible

Then the Sadducees
The Sadducees were a sect within Judaism during the Second Temple period, known for their aristocratic status and priestly lineage. They held significant power in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Theologically, they were conservative, adhering strictly to the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) and rejecting oral traditions. Their name is believed to be derived from Zadok, a high priest during the time of King Solomon. Understanding the Sadducees' background is crucial, as it highlights their vested interest in maintaining the status quo and their opposition to the more popular Pharisaic beliefs, which included the resurrection.

who say there is no resurrection
This phrase underscores a fundamental theological difference between the Sadducees and other Jewish groups, such as the Pharisees. The Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead, a belief that was gaining traction among the Jewish populace. This denial was rooted in their strict interpretation of the Torah, which they argued did not explicitly mention resurrection. Their disbelief in an afterlife or resurrection shaped their worldview and religious practices, focusing on the present life and temple rituals. This context is essential for understanding their confrontation with Jesus, who preached about eternal life and resurrection.

came to Jesus
The Sadducees approached Jesus with the intent to challenge Him. This encounter is set within a series of confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Their approach was not merely inquisitive but was designed to trap Jesus in a theological debate. The Sadducees' coming to Jesus signifies their recognition of His influence and the threat He posed to their authority and teachings. It also reflects the broader tension between Jesus and the established religious order of His time.

and questioned Him
The act of questioning was a common rabbinic practice used to test one's knowledge and understanding of the law. However, the Sadducees' questioning was not in good faith but rather an attempt to discredit Jesus publicly. Their question, which follows in the subsequent verses, was crafted to ridicule the concept of resurrection by presenting a hypothetical scenario based on the Levirate marriage law found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10. This context of questioning reveals their skepticism and the intellectual and spiritual challenge Jesus faced from the religious elite. It also sets the stage for Jesus to reveal deeper truths about the resurrection and the nature of God’s kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sadducees
A Jewish sect during the time of Jesus known for their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits. They held significant power in the Sanhedrin and were often in conflict with the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is approached by the Sadducees in this passage to be tested on His teachings about the resurrection.

3. Moses
Although not directly present in this passage, Moses is referenced by the Sadducees as they cite the law he delivered regarding levirate marriage, which is found in the Torah.

4. Levirate Marriage
A practice from the Mosaic Law where a man is required to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring in his brother's name, as described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10.

5. Resurrection
The central theological issue in this passage, which the Sadducees deny and Jesus affirms, pointing to the power of God and the reality of life after death.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Resurrection
Jesus' response to the Sadducees emphasizes the reality of the resurrection and the power of God. Believers are encouraged to have faith in the promises of eternal life.

The Authority of Scripture
Jesus uses Scripture to correct the Sadducees' misunderstanding, highlighting the importance of knowing and correctly interpreting the Word of God.

The Nature of God
Jesus points to the nature of God as the God of the living, not the dead, encouraging believers to trust in His eternal nature and promises.

Engaging with Skeptics
Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees provides a model for engaging with those who question or deny core Christian beliefs, using wisdom and Scripture.

Hope in Eternal Life
The passage reassures believers of the hope and assurance of eternal life, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Sadducees' question reveal their misunderstanding of the resurrection, and what can we learn from Jesus' response about the nature of eternal life?

2. In what ways does Jesus' use of Scripture in His response to the Sadducees challenge us to deepen our understanding and application of the Bible in our lives?

3. How can the differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees regarding the resurrection inform our understanding of theological diversity within Christianity today?

4. What does Jesus' teaching about God being the God of the living mean for our daily walk with Him, especially in times of doubt or fear?

5. How can we apply Jesus' example of engaging with skeptics to our own conversations with those who question or challenge our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-10
This passage provides the background for the Sadducees' question about levirate marriage, which they use to challenge Jesus on the concept of resurrection.

Acts 23:6-8
This passage highlights the theological differences between the Sadducees and Pharisees, particularly regarding the resurrection, which is central to the discussion in Mark 12:18.

1 Corinthians 15
Paul’s extensive teaching on the resurrection of the dead, affirming the hope and reality of resurrection for believers, which aligns with Jesus' teachings.