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Jesus responds to the Sadducees about the resurrection, offering insight into marriage and citing Moses before God in the burning bush. (Lectionary #502) November 22, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Luke 20:27-40 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her." Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called 'Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Some of the scribes said in reply, "Teacher, you have answered well." And they no longer dared to ask him anything. Reflection One of the things that Jesus brought into consciousness in his story as it unfolds in the New Testament, is how we have to go beyond the logical, beyond the ordinary, enter the world of mysticism and mystery. And in this particular passage, it seems to me that the Sadducees are using their minds, and Jesus inviting people to live not so much in your mind, but in a heart relationship with God, an intimacy with him. Where the promise is, nothing will harm you and you will always live. Nothing can destroy you. Closing Prayer Father, bless us with the confidence that comes from knowing who you really are. Help us not to ever doubt that your plan for us is that we grow, we evolve, we become more who we are and we ultimately live with you forever. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why did the Sadducees reject the invisible world? - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.How is God encouraging you to choose him and his vision over other predominant worldviews? What provides you with encouragement to choose Christ's view for your life?
Fr. Mike highlights the boldness of Peter and John in our reading from Acts as they stand before the council of church leaders and defend the name of Jesus. He also addresses Paul's writings on God's grace given to us in our sinfulness and the war between good and evil present within ourselves. Today's readings are Acts 4, Romans 6-7, and Proverbs 27:4-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Read Online“That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Luke 20:37–38Jesus gives this response to some of the Sadducees who question Him about the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the body, whereas the Pharisees did. Thus, the Sadducees asked Jesus about the resurrection of the body using an almost unheard of example. They refer to the levirate law found in Deuteronomy 25:5ff which states that if a married man dies before having children, the brother of that man must marry his wife and provide descendants for his brother. Thus, the Sadducees present the scenario where seven brothers die, each one subsequently taking the same wife. The question they posed was, “Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus answers by explaining that marriage is for this life, not the life to come at the resurrection. Therefore, none of the brothers will be married to her when they rise.Some spouses have a hard time with this teaching, in that they love their spouse and desire to remain married in Heaven and at the time of the final resurrection. For those who feel this way, rest assured that the bonds of love we form on earth will remain and even be strengthened in Heaven. And when the end of the world comes and all of our bodies rise and are reunited with our souls, those bonds of love will remain stronger than ever. However, marriage, in the earthly sense, will be no more. It will be replaced by the pure love of the new life to come.This teaching gives us reason to ponder further the beautiful teaching of our Lord about His return in glory and, as we say in the Creed, “the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” We profess this belief every Sunday at Mass. But for many, it can be hard to understand. So what do we actually believe? Simply put, we believe that when we die, our body is “laid to rest,” but our soul enters a moment of particular judgment. Those who remain in mortal sin are eternally separated from God. But those who die in a state of grace will eternally live with God. Most people who die will most likely die with some lasting venial sins on their soul. Thus, Purgatory is the grace of final purification that the person's soul encounters upon death. Purgatory is simply the purifying love of God which has the effect of eliminating every last sin and imperfection, and every attachment to sin, so that the purified soul can see God face-to-face in Heaven. But it doesn't stop there. We also believe that at some definitive time in world history, Jesus will return to earth and transform it. This is His Final Judgment. At that time, every body will rise, and we will live eternally as we were intended to live: body and soul united as one. Those souls who are in mortal sin will also be reunited with their bodies, but their body and soul will live separated from God forever. Thankfully, those who are in a state of grace and have endured their final purification will be resurrected and share in the new Heavens and new Earth forever, body and soul as God intended. Reflect, today, upon this glorious teaching of our Lord that you profess faith in every time you pray the Creed. Keeping your eyes on Heaven and, especially, on the final and glorious resurrected state in which you will live in the new Heaven and Earth must become your daily practice. The more we live with this holy expectation, the more we will live here and now as a time of preparation for this final existence. Build treasure now in anticipation of this glorious day and believe that it is the eternity to which you are called. My resurrected Lord, You now reign in Heaven, body and soul, in anticipation of the final and glorious resurrection of all the dead. May I always keep my eyes on this final goal of human life and do all that I can to prepare for this eternity of glory and love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
On one side are gangs of priests, Sadducees, rulers, and elders. They're backed by the authority of their office, and they wield the power of intimidation and imprisonment. On the other side are Peter and John. They're backed by the authority of God's word, and they wield the power of the Holy Spirit. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111
Jesus proves to the Sadducees today in the gospel that God is a God of the living. Let us follow how he tries to convince them that there will be a resurrection.
La Porta | Renungan Harian Katolik - Daily Meditation according to Catholic Church liturgy
Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo-Flores Barat, Indonesia. 1 Maccabees 6: 1-13; Rs psalm 9: 2-3.4.6.16b.19; Luke 20: 27-40.CURIOUS ABOUTLIFE AFTER DEATH The title for our meditation today is: Curious AboutLife After Death. A teenager has just become an orphan. His father and motherpassed away consecutively last year and in the middle of this year. When manypeople came to mourn his mother, they expressed their sadness and criedemotionally. But the teenager remained calm and welcomed everyonewho came. Many people asked why he didn't look sad and moved with emotion. Hereplied that he only cried in the early moments of his mother's death. Afterthat, he felt peaceful and full of hope. He believed his mother would meet hisfather in heaven. This young man's belief that his mother and father arealive in heaven must not have been accepted and believed by the Sadducees asshown in today's Gospel reading. They do not believe in the resurrection of thebody, nor in the existence of heaven. Therefore they also do not believe in theexistence of angels. They only believe that heaven is the joy and contentmentof this world. Is the notion that there is no bodily resurrection andno heaven still around us? We who follow this meditation daily and are committedto the authentic faith in Jesus Christ certainly do not fall into thatcategory. We also do not want to risk forcing ourselves into the group ofpeople who do not believe in bodily resurrection and eternal life. Behind that risk is a situation like a person whomeets a dead end after going through the twists and turns of life in thisworld. The end of it all is death and nothing else. If the end or ultimate goalis death, the spirit of life and the focus of the people in this world is onlyto enjoy this world in all ways and situations. For them, after death there isnothing else to acquire and enjoy. Let us think for example on marriage and family life. OurChristian faith does not teach us to accept death as the end of life in thisworld, but it teaches us to accept and believe in the new life in theresurrection of the body and everlasting life. In that new life all people arespirits who see one another as brothers and sisters and as children of God. Theyno longer need a life like before death. The spirit cannot marry, the one whomarries is the body. We just need to prepare ourselves to welcome death andthen resurrection. Each of us must first be convinced, then we need to convinceothers of this very important element of our faith. If anyone is curious about what life after death willbe like, the only one who has sure answer is Jesus, because only He has raisedfrom the dead. We just need to listen and follow him. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O merciful Lord,strengthen our faith in the resurrection of the body and eternal life that wealways long and pray for. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the HolySpirit... In the name of the Father ...
In this episode of the Jesus Everyday Podcast, Ethan Callison, Andrew McPheron, and Ken Nienke unpack John 7:37–52, where Jesus stands up on the climactic final day of the Feast of Booths and cries out:“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”This is one of the most powerful scenes in John's Gospel — rich with Old Testament symbolism, dramatic tension, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
The confrontations continue as the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a ridiculous question about a woman with seven husbands. Jesus silences them, proving the resurrection from the books of Moses (the only Scripture they obey). A lawyer then tests Jesus, asking for the "greatest commandment." Jesus responds with the Shema and the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Finally, Jesus turns the tables, asking the Pharisees how David's Son can also be David's Lord, which pressures them into considering His own divine identity. The Rev. William Cwirla, pastor emeritus and president emeritus of Higher Things, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 22:23-46. The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Matthew 16:1-4 Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees see Jesus as a THREAT so they devise a plan to TEST Jesus. Matthew 16:5-12 Sometimes we just don't GET it. “The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees…” There are those who claim to know the SCRIPTURES, yet might lead you astray. There are those who have […]
This exploration of the Beatitudes takes us deep into Jesus' radical vision of peacemaking in a world torn by conflict. Drawing from Matthew 5:9-12, we discover that biblical peace isn't simply the absence of conflict—it's the active presence of harmony that we must intentionally cultivate. The sermon brilliantly sets the historical stage, placing us in first-century occupied Israel where Jesus spoke to a crowd containing Sadducees who compromised with Rome, Pharisees focused on religious law, Essenes who withdrew to the desert, and Zealots ready for violent revolt. Each group had their own version of 'peace,' yet Jesus calls us to something entirely different: stepping into arenas of conflict as peacemakers who reflect God's character. This isn't easy work—it requires us to move toward both neighbors and enemies with generous mercy and pure motives. The transformation from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, promised in Ezekiel 36:26, enables us to become 'peace doers' who actively create harmony. We're challenged to examine whether we're truly making peace or simply bulldozing through relationships with our version of 'truth.' The message calls us beyond misplaced zeal—beyond screaming condemnation—to genuine relationship-building that reflects Christ's sacrificial love. This is the good life Jesus promises: not comfort, but the deep fulfillment of living as children of God who bear His family resemblance through authentic peacemaking.
Why in the world does Jesus reference Exodus 3 to debate the resurrection with Sadducees? How do I effectively speak God's Word to someone who disagrees with me or doesn't value God's Word like I do?Exodus 3:1-1422nd Sunday after Pentecost proper 27c
Daily Study Are you living from paycheck to paycheck? No matter how much money you make, is it still not enough? If so, you may be living under the curse: working merely to survive but never having enough. This should not be because Jesus has paid the price to free us from the curse, so that we may live under God's blessing. Genesis 3:17-19 KJV [17] And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; [18] Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [19] In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art , and unto dust shalt thou return. Genesis 1:28-30 NLT [28] Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." [29] Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. [30] And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground-everything that has life." And that is what happened. Romans 5:12,17-19 NLT [12] When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. [17] For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. [18] Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. [19] Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Matthew 16:6-11 KJV [6] Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [7] And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. [8] Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? [9] Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? [10] Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? [11] How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Mark 6:7-10 KJV [7] And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; [8] And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: [9] But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. [10] And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT [31] "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Ecclesiastes 10:7 KJV [7] I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. Luke 15:29-31 KJV [29] And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: [30] But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. [31] And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com
Luke 20:27-38 The Resurrection and Marriage 27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
#LifeAfterDeath #Resurrection #Grief #Requiem Discover what Jesus really teaches about life after death through a deeply personal story about loss and hope. In this moving All Souls Day sermon from Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, Dean Malcolm Clemens Young shares the story of his beloved dog Poppy's peaceful death and explores Jesus' profound answer to the Sadducees' question about resurrection. What You'll Discover: ✅ The story of Poppy's last walk and what it teaches about grief and loss ✅ Why the Sadducees tried to trap Jesus with their question about marriage and resurrection ✅ What "Levirate marriage" reveals about ancient strategies for dealing with death ✅ Jesus' response: why human conventions don't apply in the age to come ✅ The meaning of being "like the angels" and "children of God" ✅ How God's kingdom is already here, even amid our grief ✅ A beautiful vision of what awaits those we love (including our pets) This message offers comfort for anyone grieving a loss or wondering what happens after we die. About This Sermon: Preached: November 9, 2025 Location: Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California Service: All Souls Requiem, 11 am. Eucharist with Mozart Requiem Series: Proper 27C Scripture: Job 19:23-27a, Luke 20:27-38 Preacher: Malcolm Clemens Young, Dean Related Topics: Life after death, resurrection, grief and loss, pet loss, do dogs go to heaven, All Souls Day, Sadducees and Pharisees, Levirate marriage, Luke Gospel, children of God, Christian hope, Mozart Requiem, comfort in grief, eternal life, Grace Cathedral sermons
Sermon Summary: “The Resurrection Life” (Mark 12:18–27) Preached by Coleton Segars Introduction: You Can Learn a Lot from an Argument Coleton began with a story about a moment of conflict in his front yard—when someone yelled at his wife, and he immediately stepped in to defend her. His point was simple but powerful: you can learn a lot from an argument. That's true in life, and it's true in Scripture. The argument between Jesus and the Sadducees in Mark 12 shows us a lot—not just about them, but about how our own beliefs about the resurrection shape the way we live today. In this passage, the Sadducees—religious leaders who didn't believe in resurrection—try to trap Jesus with a clever theological puzzle. They present an absurd story of a woman who marries seven brothers (following the Levirate law in Deuteronomy). Each brother dies without leaving children, and then they ask: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” (Mark 12:23) They aren't sincerely curious. They're mocking the idea of resurrection. But Jesus' response reveals two deep truths about life after death—and why those truths matter more than we realize. How We View the Resurrection Shapes How We Live “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” — Mark 12:24 Coleton explained that the Sadducees' disbelief in the resurrection shaped everything about their lives. Verse 18 says they were known as “those who say there is no resurrection.” Because they believed this life was all there is, they lived for this life only: chasing after wealth, status, and power. They looked down on others. They thought Jesus was foolish for believing in something beyond the grave. Jesus told them they were badly mistaken—but their mistake wasn't just intellectual. It was moral and spiritual. Their disbelief formed the foundation of how they lived. Coleton showed that this is always true: What we believe about life after death determines how we live this life. He illustrated it with examples from history and world religions: Vikings believed dying bravely in battle led to glory in Valhalla—so they lived without fear. Certain Islamic traditions taught that dying in holy war brought heavenly rewards. Hinduism believe reincarnation depends on one's karma—so kindness and duty matter deeply in this life. Even for us, our view of the afterlife quietly directs how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. Coleton then described four common ways people misunderstand or misbelieve the resurrection today: “Never think about it” – Like the Sadducees, we live as if this world is all there is. “You only live once,” so grab what you can. “Think about it too much” – Some see this world as disposable and stop caring about God's purposes to renew it. “It won't be better” – Fear of the unknown or of death keeps us from living courageously like Paul, who said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” “Everyone goes to the same afterlife” – This leads to apathy about the gospel and the Great Commission. Coleton's conclusion was sobering: “Our current life is shaped by how we view the life to come.” So how should we view it? Life After Death Is True for Everyone—Whether They Believe It or Not “‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” — Mark 12:26–27 The Sadducees didn't believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits. They only accepted the first five books of Moses as authoritative. So Jesus met them on their own ground—quoting from Exodus, one of Moses' books—to prove that even there, resurrection is implied. When God said, “I am the God of Abraham…”, He used the present tense. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been dead for centuries—but God said He is their God, not was. That means they are alive to Him even now. Jesus' argument is brilliant—and undeniable: Resurrection life is real, and it's true for everyone, believer or not. Coleton tied this to John 5:24–29, where Jesus says that one day all the dead will rise—some to eternal life, others to judgment. There is no “sleep of nothingness.” Everyone will live again. That truth should stir two responses in us: Urgency to share Jesus. “If you truly believe everyone will rise—either to life or judgment—you'll want to tell people about Jesus.” Coleton asked, “Do you have people in your life who don't know Him?” If we believe in a real resurrection, we can't stay silent. A call to make Jesus compelling. “Is the way you follow Jesus making Him beautiful or unappealing?” He warned that if Christians live joyless, judgmental, bitter lives, our witness turns people away from Jesus. Paul, though suffering, radiated peace and joy that made others want to know his Savior. The question Coleton pressed was: “Is your life a reason people would want to know Jesus—or a reason they'd want to reject Him?” Life After Death Will Be Better Than We Can Imagine “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” — Mark 12:25 The Sadducees mocked the idea of resurrection by pointing out how complicated relationships would become. But Jesus' response essentially says: “You're assuming heaven works like earth—but it doesn't.” Coleton explained that Jesus isn't attacking marriage. He's saying that in the resurrection, all the brokenness and limitations of this life—our relationships, bodies, and systems—will be transformed. He quoted several theologians to help make the point: Mark Strauss: “Jesus does not claim that the intimacy of earthly relationships will be discontinued in eternity. He only says there will be no need for the institution of marriage… all relationships will exist on an even higher plane.” D.A. Carson: “The greatness of the changes at the resurrection will make the wife of seven brothers capable of loving them all… like a mother loves all her children.” Jesus' main point: You think you'll face problems in the life to come—but you won't. It will be better than you can possibly imagine. Coleton addressed the common fears people have about eternity: The fear of forever (apeirophobia) The fear of boredom (thinking heaven will be dull or repetitive) The fear of losing relationships But Jesus says we'll be “like the angels”—not in form, but in fulfillment. Angels are fully satisfied in God. They sing not because they must, but because they want to. They've found the source of joy, meaning, and love—and they never tire of it. Coleton quoted David Guzik: “If it seems that life in the resurrection doesn't include some pleasures of life on earth, it's only because the satisfactions of heaven far surpass what we know here. No one will be disappointed with the arrangements.” And Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” CS Lewis put it beautifully: “This life is only the cover and title page. Now begins Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read, which goes on forever, in which every chapter is better than the one before.” Coleton then told the story of the Christians during the plagues in ancient Rome. While the rich fled the cities, Christians stayed to care for the sick—even though many died doing so. Why? Because they believed in the resurrection. They knew death wasn't the end—it was the doorway. “This belief freed them,” Coleton said. “They didn't pursue death, but they weren't enslaved by fear of it either.” If we lived with that same confidence in the resurrection—believing the next life is better than we can imagine—we would live with joy, courage, and resilience in this one. Conclusion: The Resurrection That Changes Everything Everything Coleton said comes back to this: How you view life after death will shape how you live right now. If you believe there is no resurrection, you'll live for this life only. If you believe there is one—but forget it's better—you'll live in fear. But if you believe in the resurrection Jesus promised—real, physical, glorious, and eternal—you'll live with purpose, peace, and courage. Jesus has accomplished this for us in His death and resurrection. “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless… But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17–23 Because He lives, so will we. Discussion Questions How does your current view of life after death shape the way you live right now—your priorities, goals, and fears? Which of the four modern “views” of the afterlife that Coleton described do you relate to most? Why? How could believing that the resurrection is true for everyone change how you share your faith and how you live before others? When you think about eternity, what fears or doubts arise—and how do Jesus' words in Mark 12:24–27 address them? If you truly believed that the life to come is “better than you can imagine,” what would change in the way you approach suffering, relationships, and daily life?
The Sadducees approach Jesus with a question meant to prove that this life is all there is. We often live the same way—fearing death or filling life with as much as we can before time runs out. But Jesus answers with Scripture and reveals the truth: God “is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” In Christ, death is not the end. Come hear how Jesus confronts our fear of death and replaces it with confidence in the resurrection.Vicar Schroeder's sermon preached at Faith on November 9, 2025. Intro/Outro Music: “Depth of Field” by David Hilowitz
The God of the Living | Luke 20:27–40 | Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection Is this world all there is? That's what the Sadducees thought. They didn't believe in the resurrection. To them, death was the end. But Jesus says otherwise. We confess that we believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting,” yet so often we live like this life is all there is. We chase comfort, success, and pleasure as if heaven were only a dream. But Jesus calls out that lie: “You are wrong.” There is more—more to this life, and more life after this life. This world will end, that is true. But that's not the end. Jesus proved it when He took our “this life is all there is” sins to the cross, died with them, and rose without them. His resurrection is not just His story—it's ours. He gives us a life that not even death can end, a life grounded in forgiveness, hope, and eternity. In Christ, you can live now like there is a tomorrow—because there is. Not just one tomorrow, but an eternity of them, in Him. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService
The God of the Living | Luke 20:27–40 | Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection Is this world all there is? That's what the Sadducees thought. They didn't believe in the resurrection. To them, death was the end. But Jesus says otherwise. We confess that we believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting,” yet so often we live like this life is all there is. We chase comfort, success, and pleasure as if heaven were only a dream. But Jesus calls out that lie: “You are wrong.” There is more—more to this life, and more life after this life. This world will end, that is true. But that's not the end. Jesus proved it when He took our “this life is all there is” sins to the cross, died with them, and rose without them. His resurrection is not just His story—it's ours. He gives us a life that not even death can end, a life grounded in forgiveness, hope, and eternity. In Christ, you can live now like there is a tomorrow—because there is. Not just one tomorrow, but an eternity of them, in Him. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService
A woman marries seven brothers. They all die. The Sadducees think they've created the perfect trap: whose wife will she be in the resurrection? Checkmate, Jesus. Except Jesus isn't playing games. His answer flips everything and invites us to live as children of the resurrection, free from fear's grip. Wrong questions. Right answer. Readings: Job 19:23-27a | Luke 20:27-38
Rev. Dawn Douglas Flowersfalse
In this morning's gospel lesson, Jesus teaches the Sadducees that the labels we put on people in this world - in this case, "wife" - do not exist in heaven. Pastor Michelle expands this idea to explain that, in the Resurrection, everyone is a child of God. No additional assignments are necessary. We bring the Resurrection closer to this world by remembering that everyone is a child of God. When we share that God loves us all, the Resurrection comes closer to this world.
A Walk in The Word : A Journey through the Sunday Mass Readings with Hector Molina
Join Catholic evangelist and bible teacher, Hector Molina as he explores the Mass Readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (C).Mass Readings:2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15Luke 20;27-38 "A Walk in The Word" podcast is a weekly bible study and reflection on the Sunday Mass readings led by International Catholic evangelist and bible teacher, Hector Molina.PODCAST HOMEPAGE: https://awalkintheword.buzzsprout.comYOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/hectormolinacatholicevangelistSupport: Are you enjoying these videos? Become a Patron and partner with me in spreading the Good News! www.patreon.com/hectormolina/You can also show your support for the podcast by visiting: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hectormolina#thirtysecondsundayinordinarytime #32ndsundayinordinarytime #sadducees #theresurrectionofthedead #sundaymassreadings #catholiclectionary #catholic #sundaygospel #sundaygospelreflection #catholicbiblestudy #awalkintheword#catholicpodcast #bibleinayear #wordonfire #sundayhomily #hectormolina
The Sadducees, who were convinced that they knew the Scriptures better than Jesus, came to Him with a trick question. Actually, it was more like inviting Him to a game of chess. They thought they could corner Jesus into an unwinnable position and, at the same time, prove their own beliefs. But they learned that day that you don't play chess with the King. Join Pastor Chris for a look at one of the most breathtaking examples of Jesus' teaching-- and yet another glimpse of His kingly authority.
If you're anything like me, hearing this passage may make you feel confused and stressed out. It may make you feel confused because the question the Sadducees ask Jesus feels like the longest, most convoluted, “what if” scenario they could have possibly come up with. And it may make you feel stressed because it seems like Jesus responds to their question by saying that marriage doesn't exist in the resurrection, which can be a scary proposition to those who are married, or those who have lost their partners and hope to be reunited with them... The post First Sunday of Advent appeared first on Wicker Park Lutheran Church.
In the gospel of Luke, Jesus' response to the Sadducees turns a “gotcha” question into a vision of freedom. Resurrection, he says, isn't about escaping this world—it's about transforming it. It's the great reset where hierarchies crumble, oppression ends, and love has the final word. We are invited to see resurrection not just as a future hope, but as a present call to live differently here and now. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/V8Dh2kDJ JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch YouTube: @storiedchurch921
When Jesus is confronted by the Sadducees about the resurrection, His answer is more than a clever response. It is a revelation of who God is. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. His covenant promises do not end at death. They are fulfilled and deepened through the resurrection.In this sermon, The Rev. Trent Pettit explores what it means that God draws life from death and that His faithfulness outlasts ours. Resurrection is not an escape from creation but God's commitment to redeem it. This is the hope that frees us to live patiently, humbly, and joyfully in Christ, here and now.
In this episode, I explore why Scripture tells us so little about heaven and why our limited minds couldn't grasp it anyway. Jesus gives us a small glimpse when He tells the Sadducees that life in the resurrection will be entirely new—no longer divided into many families, but united as one family in Christ. We recall Moses at the burning bush, meeting the eternal God who stands outside of time, and we hear Jesus affirm that the resurrection is real and that God is the God of the living. Until that day comes, Paul urges us to stand firm in truth and good works, even as the world burns with doubt and sin. Though we don't yet understand what eternal life will be like, we know Christ will bring us there. And until then, He prepares us at His table, where heaven and earth briefly meet.
Your Faith Journey - Finding God Through Words, Song and Praise
Year C – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost; Lectionary 32 – November 9, 2025 Pastor Megan Floyd Job 19:23-27a Psalm 17:1-9 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Luke 20:27-38 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, in whose promise of eternal life we trust. Amen. *** A mailbox… should not leak. And while this is true, it was not my first thought on a certain day, many years ago, when our mail carrier brought our outgoing mail back into the church. The mail was soaking wet… dripping water everywhere. He'd brought it back to us because he couldn't mail it in such a water-logged state. It seemed that there was a hole at the top of the mailbox, and during the long, torrential rainstorm we'd just had, the water had dripped into the box from the top, but had no way of exiting the otherwise secure box… So, when the mail carrier opened the box… the water poured out… along with our letters. Most of the mail just needed to be laid out to dry… but included in the stack was a letter that I'd written to a member whose husband had just died. It was a consoling letter… one that I had written from my heart… acknowledging her sorrow and sharing that space with her, so she wouldn't feel so alone. She was important to me, and I shared her grief. Except now… my letter was no longer a letter, but an abstract puddle of blue ink… like a watercolor painting… with only the hint that there had once been words on that page. I was upset. Understandably, I think. But then… a man who happened to observe this exchange, and my now-erased letter, started criticizing my choice of pens. Clearly, I should have used a ball-point pen because then it would only need to dry out… obviously, I hadn't thought this through when I'd written in a gel pen, or whatever it was I used. He carried on like that… on and on… and I just stared at him… because… like my now soggy letter… I had no words. Until I did… Mailboxes should not leak. …he stopped talking after that. We could have debated all day about the best pens for writing, but the pen was not the point… that thinking was too small… mailboxes should not leak. I admit, I was annoyed… but I know I have fallen into the trap of narrow thinking before. It's human. And in our gospel today, that kind of narrow thinking is what has the Sadducees stuck. Now, of course, they don't think they are stuck… they think they've landed Jesus in the perfect rhetorical trap. They are angry at Jesus, and probably a little afraid of him… I mean… he showed up at the temple and started flipping tables and driving out the merchants, causing a huge disruption… and then every day he was teaching there… and every day, they were looking for a way to kill him… but they knew they needed to be cautious because the people were so spellbound by his teaching. So, they kept trying to trap him… to trick him into saying something that would turn the people against him… and today, we heard their attempt to trap him with a debate on the resurrection. You see, the Sadducees only acknowledge the Torah as authoritative – that's the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures… Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – and they don't believe in resurrection. So, their example of the childless woman being married to each of the seven brothers, and still dying childless, for them, proves that the idea of resurrection is ridiculous… Because if resurrection were really a thing… then whose wife would she be? To which man would she belong? Which man in the afterlife gets to claim her as his property? The practice of a widow marrying the next brother was an ancient patriarchal custom known as levirate marriage. If a man died childless, his brother would marry his widow and have children with her, and the firstborn son would be counted as the dead man's child and carry on his name. It is true… that in a culture where a woman had almost no rights, this practice helped to ensure her protection and future… but it did so by effectively treating her as property, passed from brother to brother. The Sadducees think they've trapped Jesus… because, if resurrection is a thing, then which man gets to claim this woman as his property? When they all have an equal claim, whose wife will she be? Jesus shuts down their narrow thinking… she won't belong to any man… because she already belongs to God… for she is already, and always has been, claimed as a beloved child of the one who created her in love. Unlike her earthly life… her vulnerable, earthly life that is dependent on men… her resurrection does not rely on who she is to others… it's only about who she is to God. So, Jesus responds to the Sadducees using the Torah as his evidence… that Moses himself experienced evidence of the resurrection… when God said I AM the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" …not I WAS, but I AM… "…for to God, all of them are alive." …alive in the presence of God. Resurrection is not about a continuation of earthly life… It's not just… more life in the same roles we played on earth… that is narrow thinking… it's too restrictive… and it misses the point. Resurrection is ultimately a promise… that after we die, we will rest in the presence of God. And the truth is… the finer details of our resurrection will remain a mystery until we get there… but the promise of God with us… is assured. From Job, we hear… for I know that my redeemer lives… and after I am gone, I know that I will again see God. (paraphrased) And from 2 Thessalonians, we hear that God chose you… and called to you through our gospel so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord. (paraphrased) God chose you… you are already God's beloved. And from our Psalm, we hear this language of being known by God… "Show me your marvelous lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand… Keep me as the apple of your eye, and hide me under the shadow of your wings…" You are fully known by God, who loves you just as you are… and God's promise to us is that we will eternally rest in that love, because… God is love. Even so… as I think about the resurrection, and about God's incredible and wondrous love… I think about the people here on Earth, in my life, whom I love. I am very fortunate to live thousands of years after the time of levirate marriage, and I am certain that my husband does not consider me his property… Without getting too mushy, we might say we belong to each other… a belonging that has grown through decades of mutual love and respect. And so, because God is love… and God is very clear throughout scriptures that God is on the side of love… then I anticipate that, of all the emotions… the love we have shared on earth will be with us in our eternal life. This is my hope… of course… and I know I share that hope with so many others. And given the larger picture of God's relationship with us, and what we know of God, I don't think we'll be disappointed. I think love will persist. But I also suspect that being in God's loving presence when all else of my earthly life has fallen away… will be even more than I can imagine with my limited, human perspective. And… I'm ok with letting that be a surprise. But truthfully, we know that God is with us now… so thinking about the resurrection, and of the promise that we will be in God's presence after we die, is still thinking too narrowly. Resurrection is something that we can only know through hope and faith in the living God… and the living God… is the one who meets us in the baptismal waters… and in the shared meal of bread and wine. The living God is the one who is faithful and true… and is continually inviting us back into a shared relationship. The living God meets us in our joy and celebrates with us… and the living God meets us in our sorrow, and ministers to us through the consolation and compassion of our community. Our living God… is not waiting until after we die to be with us! We are in God's loving presence now, just as we will rest eternally in God's loving presence in the resurrection. And yes, the promise of resurrection matters because it reveals and reminds us of our primary identity as God's beloved children… and that God will never let us go. But the afterlife is not the point… because the heart of resurrection is the same now as it is in our eternal life with God. The heart of resurrection… is God's promise to be with us always… now and forever… no matter where we are or what we are going through. For our God is not God of the dead, but of the living, and to God, we are and always will be… alive. Amen.
November 9, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 20:27-40Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 22:1-23; Matthew 25:1-13“Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” (Luke 20:38)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dead men don't rise. That's what common sense will tell you. Dead is dead! That's what the Sadducees would have told you. Even though they were a Jewish sect, they did not believe in the afterlife and certainly not in the resurrection of the dead. As a matter of fact, they limited the authority of the Scriptures to the first five books of Moses; no resurrection there, so they thought. Ironically, they ask a riddle-like question about the resurrection to the one who is “the Resurrection.” Jesus takes the Sadducees right to the book of Exodus, where God declares to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Jesus masterfully demonstrated that God is the God of the living, not of the dead! It is passages like this one that Jesus had in mind when he taught his disciples on the evening of his resurrection, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures that “the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise again from the dead” (Luke 24:44-46). Jesus' resurrection made the impossible now possible; the dead do rise again to life. Jesus is “the Life” for the dead that they may live! Jesus' resurrection conquered the grave for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and for you!The tomb is still empty. Christ has been raised from the dead, and his resurrection means life for you. If Jesus is the “firstfruits of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20), that means there are more fruits to follow. If Jesus is the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), that means there are more sons and daughters to follow. It is actually God's will that you who look to Jesus with eyes of faith shall have eternal life and be raised on the Last Day (John 16:40). Upon Jesus' answer to their question, the Jewish scholars said, “‘Teacher, you have spoken well,' and they no longer dared to ask him any questions.” Jesus has the last word, not death, not your sin, not your grave, nor your reason. Our Lord's cross declares to you that your sins are forgiven. His empty grave and resurrection proclaim to you that you, too, will one day rise and live with him forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Then by your resurrection you won for us reprieve – you opened heaven's kingdom to all who would believe (LSB 941:3)Author: Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.
Jesus is asked an absurd question by the Sadducees about the resurrection. Instead of answering their question, he redirects them because they have a false understanding of what the resurrection is actually like. When we don't understand the reality of continuity and discontinuity of the resurrected and glorified state, we miss the opportunity to grow in our faith and grow in the virtuous life we have been called to through the transforming work of Jesus in us.Image: Death and Ascension of Saint Francis, Giotto, photo by Frans Vandewalle, license: CC BY-NC 2.0 (no changes made). Image location: https://www.flickr.com/photos/snarfel/5189845942/in/photostream/
27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” 39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions. Scripture Reference: Luke 20: 27-40 11/9/25
Saturday, 8 November 2025 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 14:5 “And desiring to kill him, he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet” (CG). In the previous verse, it was noted that John had told King Herod that having his brother Philip's wife was unlawful. Therefore, Matthew continues with words concerning Herod's attitude toward John, saying, “And desiring to kill him.” In Mark, it notes that Herodias wanted to kill him, but she couldn't because Herod feared John “knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him” (Mark 6:20). No contradiction should be considered between the two. It should be obvious to anyone who has been accused by another that Herod was certainly miffed at John when he was confronted with his wrongdoing and scolded for it. Being king, he probably thought, “I'll just have this guy killed... problem solved!” However, after thinking about it, he would have then reconsidered, something Herodias was unwilling to do. As for Herod, the account next says, “he feared the multitude for they held him as a prophet.” These words align with the thought given in Mark and match the suggested state of Herod just noted. Herod was confronted with his sin. He didn't like it, and Herod wanted him killed. However, after thinking it through and realizing this would not be a popular course of action, he renounced that thought. The prophets were often hated by everyone. They called out sin in the people, and depending on the overall attitude of the populace, they could go from being popular with the commoners to being hated by them as well. In John's case, he not only called out for people to turn to the Lord, but he also proclaimed the immediate coming of the Messiah. This would have been very popular with the commoners who had to suffer under the rule of the dirty priests, the oppressive kings, and the even more oppressive hand of Rome, to whom even these lesser positions were responsible. Add in the arrogant and controlling attitude of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes, and they would have been elated at the thought of a new rule under the Messiah. On the other hand, these people in positions of power and authority would openly claim they were happy about the coming of the Messiah, but only so far as He would continue to allow them to retain their exalted positions. Regardless of what the leaders thought, the people were happy with John as a prophet and could have thrown the nation into turmoil if Herod executed him, especially when it was Herod who was violating the law and which brought about John's words of rebuke. Life application: It should come as no surprise when a Bible preacher is not liked by people in general. His job is to preach the whole counsel of God. In doing so, the general population will not like his message because it highlights sin in humanity. This is not something people want exposed in their lives, even if nobody else is aware of it. Scripture exposes each individual's sinful state in relation to God. People would rather hate the messenger than acknowledge their sin. People in the church will also get miffed at preachers. If someone believes people can lose their salvation, but the preacher rightly explains why this is incorrect, the preacher will be mocked and spoken against by those who disagree with him. The safest way to avoid such things is not to address them at all. Hence, some preachers have churches that fill stadiums because they give easy messages that the masses won't feel intimidated by. Those who may have personal views on particular doctrines are never challenged on them. For the preacher, it is a safe and often effective walk on a path of mediocrity that keeps money coming in, people content in their weekly church experience, and nobody is seemingly harmed by it. But this is incorrect. People must be made aware of what the Bible expects and approves of and disapproves of. If not, they will not be properly prepared for the true challenges of a close walk with the Lord in a fallen world of choices that must be made to stay in line with what He expects from His people. Consider what it is that you want when you select a church. If you are wise, you will desire to attend where the Bible is fully explained, even from those sections that can cause division and animosity. After all, they too are a part of God's word. Lord God, be with us as we pursue a right understanding of Your word. Open the eyes of our pastors and teachers to rightly understand and properly teach Your word so that we will know what is correct. Amen.
Acts 23 tells of Paul before the Sanhedrin. In a similar way to when our Lord Jesus Christ appears before them, the hearing commences with an illegality from the High Priest, Ananias. That corrupt priest commands that the Apostle be smitten on the cheek - this is contrary to the Law of Moses. Paul reacts to this violation by saying that God would in His time smite the high priest. For this answer Paul is rebuked by those of the Council. The Apostle says he had not recognised the high priest. This seems unusual as in Acts 9 this high priest had given letters to Paul authorising the persecution at Damascus. Some such as Ramsay have suggested Paul's eyesight was poor, due to malaria possibly contracted on his first missionary journey. Others suggest that this is in fact a rebuttal of the high priest's right to hold that office. Paul undoubtedly had poor eyesight as many of his letters attest e.g. Galatians 6verses11. The Apostle sees the impossibility of him getting a fair trial and so he divides the Council on the question of the teaching of the Scriptures regarding the raising of the dead. Verse 8 tells us of the difference in teaching between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Verse 10 informs us that the disagreement became violent. Paul is once again rescued. Paul's sister's son learns of a plot to assassinate Paul and informs the chief captain. The chief captain immediately responds by sending Paul to Felix the Roman Governor in Caesarea with a heavily armed escort - a journey of two days. This heavily armed company carry with them a letter explaining why the Chief Captain has taken these measures. Chapter 24 speaks of Paul before Felix and of the flattering orator the Jews hired to prosecute the Apostle. The Apostle defends each charge magnificently. Paul points out that he came to Jerusalem for worship and to bring charitable gifts for his nation. The aged Apostle also is a Pharisee. The Pharisaic teachings were an allowable teaching among the Jews. Felix finds himself in a difficult place having some understanding of the teachings of the Way (an early name for believers in Christ Jesus). Felix detains Paul not wanting to fall out of favour with the Jews. Paul is provided with protection and liberty. Having heard of Paul's bringing charity to his fellow Jews Felix hopes to secure a bribe. Felix becomes very disturbed knowing that since he understands the reality of the coming judgment and that he would be subject to the judgment of God. Felix's life makes it certain that he will be rejected when that judgment comes. After two years Rome replaces Governor Felix with Governor Festus. Festus maintains Paul's imprisonment to please the Jews.
The God of the Living | Luke 20:27–40 | Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection Is this world all there is? That's what the Sadducees thought. They didn't believe in the resurrection. To them, death was the end. But Jesus says otherwise. We confess that we believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting,” yet so often we live like this life is all there is. We chase comfort, success, and pleasure as if heaven were only a dream. But Jesus calls out that lie: “You are wrong.” There is more—more to this life, and more life after this life. This world will end, that is true. But that's not the end. Jesus proved it when He took our “this life is all there is” sins to the cross, died with them, and rose without them. His resurrection is not just His story—it's ours. He gives us a life that not even death can end, a life grounded in forgiveness, hope, and eternity. In Christ, you can live now like there is a tomorrow—because there is. Not just one tomorrow, but an eternity of them, in Him. ----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService
Luke 20:27-40 - There came to Him [Jesus] some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, and they asked Him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. And the second and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. Afterward the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.” And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to Him.” Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” For they no longer dared to ask Him any question.
This week, the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a hypothetical question about the resurrection. If a woman was married to seven brothers in life, which is she married to in the resurrection? Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy examine what N.T. Wright calls "the most important passage about resurrection" and discuss biblical understandings of death, what happens to the loved ones we lose, and the anxiety many of us have around dying.Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org
Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com When you read the gospels it is so clear that Jesus is just going to do what he is called to do: Promote himself as the messiah, teach, heal, deliver, feed and challenge the religious elite. And he is only going to do what God the father tells him to do… in a sense what I say all the time MGLG make God look Good. And the disciples are going to tag along… they are going to doubt, argue, question, become arrogant, act confused… because they are. How did this relationship dynamic work exactly. God seems to expect a lot from the disciples… who continue to underwhelm in their attempts to be disciples. At what point do the disciples see their 92nd miracle and think “you know… he might actually be the Messiah”. How many times did the religious elite come to trap Jesus… the disciples know all about these guys.. they are not to be messed with- they are smart, well connected and large and in charge… and Jesus continue to make them look like fools, even chastising them. Do you think the disciples ever said… well if he can handle pharisees, the Sadducees and the temple priests… maybe he is the Messiah. When he wakes up from the bottom of the boat and wipes the sleep from his eyes in the middle of a tempest and almost acts annoyed… he commands the waves and the sea to calm IMMEDIATELY, and it does. Do you think the disciples finally looked at each other in the boat and whispered “this guy's gotta be the Messiah”. NOPE, they look at each other and actually ask “who is this guy”. **I find great comfort in the disciples actions. How many times I have seen God at work in my life and in the lives of others and seconds later I doubt God. I think it is human nature and yes we can mature out of it to some degree… but here is what I think the secret is to the disciples. THEY HAD ALL THESE QUESTIONS, ALL THESE GUESSES, ALL THESE HOPES, ALL THESE UNSPOKEN THOUGHTS… But they kept following him. A disciple follows Christ - not up until a question can't be answered… they follow at all times. They may not understand all there is to know about Jesus… but they keep following. In Mark 6:6 It says Jesus was amazed at the peoples lack of faith. These were the people in Jesus city that he grew up with… The CEV version says he was appalled at their unbelief. That actual word there - many translate it “amazed” actually has the connotation of “Wonder” - as in after them watching miracles and they doubt him… he says “really, even after all that… you still disbelieve…hmmm wow - amazing”. But he never says that about the disciples… he chastises them for their little faith, their lack of faith… but never for their disbelief. So what's the distinction I am trying to make? Well disbelief does not continue to follow God. But a lack of faith can still follow God. A little bit of faith can still follow God… we may fail, we may be confused, we may feel like we are the worst disciples ever… but the promise is in not giving up. Continue to follow him… what Does Jesus say in Matthew 24:10 - many will turn away. Be encouraged today… you don't have to be perfect, you don't have to have all the answers, you don't have to have massive faith… all that will come as long as you don't quit following Jesus.
The Sadducees try to pose an impossible question in the law to Jesus: if seven brothers marry the same woman, whose wife is she in heaven? Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us how Jesus schools them in their understanding of the law and the resurrection: in eternal life, there is no law. Plus, he teaches us the Lutheran understanding of vocation being what God gives you to do for the purpose of being in this old creation. Marriage, kids, work, food, home, friends. CARE OF SOULS - ADDICTIONIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those struggling with life's challenging situations: addiction, death, family disharmony, and more. Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the broken places of addiction not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about fixing people—it's about preaching the Gospel.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls - AddictionCONFIRMATION Does your church have a confirmation class? Luther House of Study is excited to present a comprehensive online confirmation curriculum. The curriculum includes interactive digital lessons and supplemental teacher guides featuring custom videos, quizzes, drag and drop tasks, discussion questions, scripture passages, and prayers about the Apostles' Creed, the 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments. Visit lutherhouseofstudy.org/confirmation to dive into the curriculum and share it with your church or your pastor. GOSPEL Luke 20:27-3827 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate
What does a theology look like that has "good bones?" What does a theology rooted in care and concern for people look like? What are its hallmarks? How is it lived? In this week's lectionary text, the Sadducees ask questions about the resurrection. Jesus, however, speaks about resurrection as a way of life so that their question about multiple husbands is moot. Jonathan and Seth discuss this idea of a resurrection faith that takes seriously questions about heaven, but then tries to bring that ideal down to earth. They attempt to find the "good bones" in the Sadducees quiz. We're glad you're with us! Be on the lookout for a backlog of episodes that are going to post this week. We understand life's busy, and you might not have time to listen to them all, but we wanted to make them available. And they'll be here for years, so you can always listen next time Year C rolls around!
Kingdom Culture- Week 1November 02, 2025Teacher: Pastor Dave BrownCulture eats strategy for breakfast.— Peter DruckerFrom that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”— Matthew 4:17In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near…People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.— Matthew 3:1-2, 5-9Repentance was what Israel must do if her exile is to come to an end.— N.T. WrightIf repentance carries the tone of ‘what Israel must do if her fortunes are to be returned', it can also have a much more down-to-earth ring: to abandon revolutionary zeal.— N.T. WrightThe repentance for which Jesus called, then, was not at all like the regular repentance of individual sinners when they recognized their sin and underwent the normal Jewish practices for restitution. That could take place, in principle, at any time in Israel's history…Jesus' summons was more radical by far…Jesus was urging his compatriots to abandon a whole way of life, and to trust him for a different one.— N.T. WrightHe is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.— Leviticus 16:21-22At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,' and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for[a] their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself. “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”— Ezekiel 3:17-21From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”— Matthew 4:17The good news is about the living God overcoming all the powers of the world to establish his rule of justice and peace, on earth as in heaven, Not in heaven later on. And that victory is won not by superior power of the same kind but by a different sort of power altogether…The kingdoms of the world run on violence. The kingdom of God, Jesus declared, runs on love.— N.T. WrightStop trying to bring about the promises of God through your own effort and worldly means.“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.— Matthew 5:3-12
Jesus shuts up the Sadducees with His responses to their quiz.
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (November 9, 2025). This episode dives deep into Luke 20:27-38, where the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a seemingly absurd question about resurrection and marriage. Is there such a thing as a stupid question? The hosts discuss what it means to live without fear of death, how to sit in the promise of resurrection rather than our own expectations, and why the urgency of worship matters. They also explore Job 19:23-27a (including the famous "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"), Haggai 1:15b-2:9 (about rebuilding the temple), and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 (the man of lawlessness and eschatology). Highlights include: * Why the Sadducees' question was a trap (and why it's actually a stupid question) * Understanding resurrection beyond our cultural expectations * The difference between "Redeemer" and "Vindicator" in Job * The urgency of sacred spaces for worship * What we're really hoping for in eschatology * Why we shouldn't confuse resurrection with our personal specifications This conversation offers preachers practical insights and fresh perspectives while keeping pastoral concerns at the forefront. Commentaries for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-32-3/commentary-on-luke-2027-38-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost 01:08 Debating Resurrection: Jesus and the Sadducees 08:05 Understanding the Promise of Resurrection 11:51 Job's Hope and the Nature of God 17:07 The Urgency of Worship in Haggai 22:00 Eschatology and Resurrection in 2 Thessalonians * * * Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3LLc5ez6DwY.
Mark 8:14-21 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin discuss the apostles' misunderstanding of Jesus's leaven parable and what the leaven of the Pharisees and Herodians is.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23246The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
The Sadducees came to test Jesus—but ended up revealing their own blindness to the truth. In Mark 12:18–27, Jesus confronts their unbelief and reveals that resurrection life isn't just a continuation of this one, but a complete transformation. This week, Pastor Korey reminds us that our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living—and because Christ rose, every grave that belongs to Him will one day be empty.
During his time in Jerusalem leading up to the Passover, Jesus has been causing quite a commotion among the people. In addition to teaching God's Word with power and authority, he has insulted the chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees, all of whom were accustomed to being revered as scholars and spiritual leaders. Concerned for their own reputation and for what they considered to be right teaching, they plot to kill Jesus. Christ, however, knows his own fate and has been telling the disciples that he will soon be handed over to be killed. During the Passover meal, he even announces that one of his own disciples will betray him. With zeal, Peter proclaims that he would never fall away from Jesus, but Christ knows that won't be the case. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
In this message, Jordan uses a personal anecdote about pet jealousy to frame the conflict in Acts 5, where the Sadducees arrest the apostles out of envy. After an angel frees them, the apostles' immediate return to the Temple illustrates their commitment to "obey God rather than people."Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com
FROM TODAY'S RECAP: - Article: The Difference Between Pharisees and Sadducees in the Bible - Image: Caesarea Philippi - Article: Caesarea Philippi - Article: Why is Jesus called "Son of Man"? - Article: What is the Rock in Matthew 16:18? - Article: The Exegetical Examination of Matthew 16:18 - Article: Is Peter the Rock? Early Interpretations of Matthew 16:18 - Sign up for PREcap Emails Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our own. SHOW NOTES: - Follow The Bible Recap: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube - Follow Tara-Leigh Cobble: Instagram - Read/listen on the Bible App or Dwell App - Learn more at our Start Page - Become a RECAPtain - Shop the TBR Store - Credits PARTNER MINISTRIES: D-Group International Israelux The God Shot TLC Writing & Speaking DISCLAIMER: The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
Fr. Mike continues to explain the parables Christ recites in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the dangers of preaching God's Word without practicing it in our lives. Jesus goes on to speak against the Scribes and Pharisees, reminding us that he's not only the Prince of Peace, but the Way and the Truth. Today's readings are Matthew 22-24 and Proverbs 19:17-20. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.