Mark 12:21
Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise.
Then the second married the widow
This phrase introduces the continuation of the Levirate marriage practice, which is rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically Deuteronomy 25:5-6. The Greek word for "married" here is "ἐλάβεν" (elaben), meaning "took" or "received," indicating the brother's duty to take the widow as his wife. This practice was designed to preserve the family lineage and provide for the widow. Historically, this reflects the importance of family and inheritance in Jewish culture, where maintaining one's name and property within the tribe was crucial.

but he also died
The repetition of death among the brothers emphasizes the tragic and unusual nature of the scenario presented by the Sadducees to Jesus. The Greek word "ἀπέθανεν" (apethanen) is used here, which simply means "died." This highlights the inevitability of death and the limitations of human life, setting the stage for Jesus to address the deeper theological question of resurrection and eternal life.

and left no children
The absence of children is significant in this context, as it underscores the failure to fulfill the Levirate obligation of producing offspring to carry on the deceased brother's name. The Greek phrase "οὐκ ἀφῆκεν σπέρμα" (ouk aphēken sperma) translates to "left no seed," with "σπέρμα" (sperma) meaning "seed" or "offspring." This lack of progeny not only affects the family line but also reflects the broader theme of barrenness and the hope for future generations found throughout Scripture.

And the third did likewise
The phrase indicates the continuation of the pattern, with the third brother also marrying the widow and dying without children. The Greek "ὁ τρίτος ὡσαύτως" (ho tritos hōsautōs) means "the third likewise," showing the repetitive nature of the scenario. This repetition serves to heighten the tension in the narrative and prepares the audience for Jesus' teaching on the resurrection. It also reflects the persistence of human efforts to fulfill the law, contrasted with the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Second Brother
In the context of the Sadducees' question to Jesus, the second brother marries the widow in accordance with the Levirate marriage law, but he also dies childless.

2. The Widow
She is central to the hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees, having been married to multiple brothers in succession, each dying without leaving children.

3. The Third Brother
Like the second, he marries the widow and also dies without producing offspring, continuing the pattern set in the Sadducees' question.

4. Sadducees
A Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection, they present this scenario to Jesus to challenge the concept of resurrection.

5. Jesus
The central figure who is being questioned by the Sadducees, ultimately providing a profound teaching on the resurrection and the nature of life after death.
Teaching Points
Understanding Levirate Marriage
The practice of Levirate marriage was designed to preserve family lineage and inheritance. It reflects the importance of family and community in biblical times.

The Reality of the Resurrection
Jesus' response to the Sadducees highlights the truth of the resurrection, affirming that life continues beyond physical death in a transformed state.

The Nature of Eternal Life
In heaven, earthly institutions like marriage are transcended, pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality that believers will experience.

Challenging Skepticism
The Sadducees' question was rooted in skepticism. Jesus' answer encourages believers to trust in the promises of God, even when they challenge human understanding.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding the resurrection should impact how we live today, prioritizing spiritual growth and eternal values over temporary concerns.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of Levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-6 help us understand the Sadducees' question to Jesus in Mark 12:21?

2. In what ways does Jesus' response to the Sadducees challenge their understanding of the resurrection, and how can this challenge our own views?

3. How does the reality of the resurrection, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 15, provide hope and assurance for believers today?

4. What are some practical ways we can live with an eternal perspective, keeping in mind the teachings of Jesus on life after death?

5. How can we address skepticism about the resurrection in our own lives and in conversations with others, using the example of Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 25:5-6
This passage outlines the Levirate marriage law, which is the basis for the Sadducees' question. It provides context for understanding the cultural and legal background of the scenario.

Matthew 22:23-33
and Luke 20:27-40
These parallel accounts of the same event provide additional insights into Jesus' response and the broader implications of the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15
Paul's teaching on the resurrection offers a theological foundation that complements Jesus' response to the Sadducees, emphasizing the hope and reality of life after death.
A Type of the ResurrectionS. Cocks.Mark 12:18-27
Christ's Proof of ImmortalityR. GloverMark 12:18-27
Congenial Occupation in HeavenW. Birch.Mark 12:18-27
Employment in HeavenW. Birch.Mark 12:18-27
Heaven Will Reveal ItselfChristian AgeMark 12:18-27
Immortality and LoveH. W. Beecher.Mark 12:18-27
Individual Relation to GodDean Church.Mark 12:18-27
Leisure in HeavenW. Birch.Mark 12:18-27
Like the AngelsPres. Dwight.Mark 12:18-27
Materialism and the ResurrectionThomas Binney.Mark 12:18-27
More in Scripture than as First AppearsJ. H. Newman.Mark 12:18-27
Our Knowledge of the Future State ImperfectChristian World PulpitMark 12:18-27
Progressive Knowledge of the BibleNorman Macleod, D. D.Mark 12:18-27
Question of the Sadducees Touching the ResurrectionJ.J. Given Mark 12:18-27
Sadducean ErrorE. Johnson Mark 12:18-27
The Error of the SadduceesF. Wagstaff.Mark 12:18-27
The Puzzle of the SadduceesA.F. Muir Mark 12:18-27
The ResurrectionS. S. Teacher.Mark 12:18-27
The Resurrection from the DeadR. Green Mark 12:18-27
People
David, Herodians, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Behind, Child, Death, Died, Family, Leave, Leaving, Likewise, Manner, Married, Offspring, Seed, Third, Widow
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 12:18-23

     7388   kinsman-redeemer

Mark 12:18-25

     5661   brothers
     9315   resurrection, of believers

Mark 12:18-27

     5681   family, nature of
     7555   Sadducees

Mark 12:19-22

     5711   marriage, restrictions

Library
God's Last Arrow
'Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them.'--Mark xii. 6. Reference to Isaiah v. There are differences in detail here which need not trouble us. Isaiah's parable is a review of the theocratic history of Israel, and clearly the messengers are the prophets; here Christ speaks of Himself and His own mission to Israel, and goes on to tell of His death as already accomplished. I. The Son who follows and surpasses the servants. (a) Our Lord here places Himself in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dishonest Tenants
'And He began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 2. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. 3. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Not Far and not In
'Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.'--Mark xii. 34, 'A bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench.' Here is Christ's recognition of the low beginnings of goodness and faith. This is a special case of a man who appears to have fully discerned the spirituality and inwardness of law, and to have felt that the one bond between God and man was love. He needed only to have followed out the former thought to have been smitten by the conviction of his own sinfulness, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed Defended. --Miracles vindicated.
Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God. ON a certain occasion, the Son of Man was asked what was thought a hard question by those who, in His day, professed "the negative Theology [588] ." There was a moral and there was physical marvel to be solved. Both difficulties were met by a single sentence. The Sadducean judgment had gone astray from the Truth, (planasthe our Saviour said,) from a twofold cause: (1) The men did not understand those very Scriptures
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
"When Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God."--Mark xii. 34. The answer of the scribe, which our blessed Lord here commends, was occasioned by Christ's setting before him the two great commandments of the Law. When He had declared the love of God and of man to comprehend our whole duty, the scribe said, "Master, Thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: and to love Him with all the heart, and with
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Unity of the Divine Being
"There is one God." Mark 12:32. 1. And as there is one God, so there is one religion and one happiness for all men. God never intended there should be any more; and it is not possible there should. Indeed, in another sense, as the Apostle observes, "there are gods many, and lords many." All the heathen nations had their gods; and many, whole shoals of them. And generally, the more polished they were, the more gods they heaped up to themselves. But to us, to all that are favoured with the Christian
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

For the Candid and Thoughtful
It strikes me that this scribe was half-hearted in the work of tempting our Lord, even at the first. I should imagine him to have been a very superior man amongst his fellows, a man of greater light and discernment than the rest, and of greater ability in statement and discussion. Possibly for this cause his brother scribes selected him, and put him forward to ask the testing questions. Now, it will sometimes happen that a man is thrust forward by others to do what he would never have thought of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880

The First and Great Commandment
It is "the first commandment," again, not only for antiquity, but for dignity. This command, which deals with God the Almighty must ever take precedence of every other. Other commandments deal with man and man, but this with man and his Creator. Other commands of a ceremonial kind, when disobeyed, may involve but slight consequences upon the person who may happen to offend, but this disobeyed provokes the wrath of God, and brings his ire at once upon the sinner's head. He that stealeth committeth
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Observing the Offerings and Widow's Mites.
(in the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^B Mark XII. 41-44; ^C Luke XXI. 1-4. ^b 41 And he sat down over against the treasury [It is said that in the court of the women there were cloisters or porticos, and under the shelter of these were placed thirteen chests with trumpet-shaped mouths into which offerings might be dropped. The money cast in was for the benefit of the Temple. An inscription on each chest showed to which one of the thirteen special items of cost or expenditure the contents would
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A Serious Persuasive to Such a Method of Spending Our Days as is Represented in the Former Chapter.
1, 2. Christians fix their views too low, and indulge too indolent a disposition, which makes it more necessary to urge such a life as that under consideration.--3. It is therefore enforced, from its being apparently reasonable, considering ourselves as the creatures of God, and as redeemed by the blond of Christ.--4. From its evident tendency to conduce to our comfort in life.--5. From the influence it will have to promote our usefulness to others.--6. From its efficacy to make afflictions lighter.--7.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Cross as a Social Principle
Social Redemption is Wrought by Vicarious Suffering DAILY READINGS First Day: The Prophetic Succession And he began to speak unto them in parables. A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged a pit for the winepress, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into another country. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruits of the vineyard. And they took him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Whether to the Words, "Thou Shalt Love the Lord Thy God with Thy Whole Heart," it was Fitting to Add "And with Thy Whole Soul, and with Thy Whole Strength"?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was unfitting to the words, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart," to add, "and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole strength" (Dt. 6:5). For heart does not mean here a part of the body, since to love God is not a bodily action: and therefore heart is to be taken here in a spiritual sense. Now the heart understood spiritually is either the soul itself or part of the soul. Therefore it is superfluous to mention both heart and soul. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Tribute Money
"And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch Him in talk. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest not for any one: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye Me? bring Me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Christ and the Sadduccees
"And there come unto Him Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection: and they asked Him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave a wife behind him, and leave no child, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed; and the second took her, and died, leaving no seed behind him; and the third likewise: and the seven left no seed. Last of all the woman also
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Discerning Scribe
"And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that He had answered them well, asked Him, What commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

David's Lord
"And Jesus answered and said, as He taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the Son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit,-- The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, Till I make Thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet. David himself calleth Him Lord; and whence is He his son? And the common people heard Him gladly. And in His teaching He said, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and to have salutations in the marketplaces, and chief
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Widow's Mite
"And He sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they which are casting into the treasury; for they all did cast in of their superfluity; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." MARK
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Talks with Bohler
I asked P. Bohler again whether I ought not to refrain from teaching others. He said, "No; do not hide in the earth the talent God hath given you." Accordingly, on Tuesday, 25, I spoke clearly and fully at Blendon to Mr. Delamotte's family of the nature and fruits of faith. Mr. Broughton and my brother were there. Mr. Broughton's great objection was he could never think that I had not faith, who had done and suffered such things. My brother was very angry and told me I did not know what mischief
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Room was Like and Oven
Sunday, 8.--We were at the minster [21] in the morning and at our parish church in the afternoon. The same gentleman preached at both; but though I saw him at the church, I did not know I had ever seen him before. In the morning he was all life and motion; in the afternoon he was as quiet as a post. At five in the evening, the rain constrained me to preach in the oven again. The patience of the congregation surprised me. They seemed not to feel the extreme heat or to be offended at the close application
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Morality of the Gospel.
Is stating the morality of the Gospel as an argument of its truth, I am willing to admit two points; first, that the teaching of morality was not the primary design of the mission; secondly, that morality, neither in the Gospel, nor in any other book, can be a subject, properly speaking, of discovery. If I were to describe in a very few words the scope of Christianity as a revelation, [49] I should say that it was to influence the conduct of human life, by establishing the proof of a future state
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ^A Matt. XXI. 33-46; ^B Mark XII. 1-12; ^C Luke XX. 9-19. ^b 1 And he began to speak unto them ^c the people [not the rulers] ^b in parables. { ^c this parable:} ^a 33 Hear another parable: There was a man that was a householder [this party represents God], who planted a vineyard [this represents the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the ^a winepress in it
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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