Matthew 22:25

Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother.

Study Bible

Now there were seven brothers among us
This phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees to Jesus. The number "seven" is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. In this context, it sets the stage for a complete cycle of events that the Sadducees use to challenge Jesus. The mention of "brothers" reflects the Jewish practice of levirate marriage, where a brother is obligated to marry the widow of his deceased brother to produce offspring in his name, as outlined in Deuteronomy 25:5-6. This practice underscores the importance of family lineage and inheritance in Jewish culture.

The first one married and died
The phrase "the first one married" indicates the beginning of the levirate marriage cycle. Marriage in Jewish tradition was not only a personal union but also a communal and covenantal act, reflecting God's relationship with His people. The mention of death introduces the central issue of the Sadducees' question, which revolves around the resurrection and the afterlife. The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, use this scenario to challenge the concept of life after death.

and since he had no children
The absence of children is crucial in this narrative, as it triggers the levirate marriage obligation. In ancient Israel, having children was seen as a blessing and a means of continuing one's legacy. The lack of offspring not only affected the family line but also had legal and social implications. This detail heightens the tension in the Sadducees' question, as it emphasizes the need for a solution to the problem of inheritance and family continuity.

he left his wife to his brother
This phrase describes the practice of levirate marriage, where the deceased brother's widow is given to the next brother in line. The Greek term used here implies a legal and social duty, reflecting the communal responsibility to care for widows and preserve family lines. This practice highlights the interconnectedness of family and community in Jewish society. The Sadducees use this scenario to question the logistics of resurrection, aiming to trap Jesus in a theological dilemma.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sadducees
A Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits. They approached Jesus with a question to challenge His teachings on the resurrection.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, who is being questioned by the Sadducees in this passage.

3. Moses
The lawgiver of Israel, whose writings the Sadducees reference in their question to Jesus.

4. The Seven Brothers
A hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees, where seven brothers sequentially marry the same woman, each dying without leaving offspring.

5. The Woman
The central figure in the Sadducees' question, who marries each of the seven brothers in turn.

Teaching Points

Understanding Scripture Context
The Sadducees' question highlights the importance of understanding the context and purpose of biblical laws, such as the Levirate marriage, which was meant to preserve family lineage and inheritance.

The Reality of the Resurrection
Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees underscores the reality and importance of the resurrection, a foundational belief in Christian doctrine.

God's Power and Wisdom
Jesus points out the Sadducees' error in underestimating God's power and wisdom, reminding believers to trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises, including the resurrection.

Eternal Perspective
The passage encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective, understanding that earthly relationships and institutions will be transformed in the resurrection.

Engaging with Skeptics
Jesus' response to the Sadducees provides a model for engaging with skeptics, using Scripture and sound reasoning to address doubts and misconceptions.

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 life after death?

2. In what ways does the concept of Levirate marriage, as referenced in Deuteronomy 25:5-6, help us understand the cultural and legal context of the Sadducees' question?

3. How can Jesus' correction of the Sadducees' beliefs in Matthew 22:29-32 encourage us to deepen our understanding of Scripture and God's power?

4. What practical steps can we take to maintain an eternal perspective in our daily lives, especially in light of the resurrection?

5. How can we effectively engage with those who have doubts or misconceptions about Christian beliefs, following Jesus' example in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 25:5-6
The Sadducees' question is based on the Levirate marriage law found in this passage, which required a man to marry his brother's widow to produce offspring for the deceased brother.

Matthew 22:29-32
Jesus' response to the Sadducees, where He corrects their misunderstanding of the resurrection and the power of God.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44
Paul's teaching on the resurrection body, which provides further insight into the nature of life after death.

Acts 23:8
A description of the Sadducees' beliefs, highlighting their denial of the resurrection, which is central to their question to Jesus.