Luke 20:36
“But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.”
In this verse, Jesus is addressing a question posed to Him by the Sadducees, a group of religious leaders who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They were trying to trap Jesus with a hypothetical scenario involving a woman who had been married to seven brothers in succession according to the law of levirate marriage. The Sadducees wanted to know whose wife she would be in the resurrection.
In response, Jesus explains that those who are considered worthy to obtain the world to come and experience resurrection will neither marry nor be given in marriage. This statement indicates that marriage, as we understand it on Earth, will not be the same in the resurrection. This does not mean that there will be no relationships or companionship in the afterlife, but rather that the institution of marriage, as we know it, will no longer exist.
The primary focus of Jesus’ response is to emphasise the reality of the resurrection. He corrects the Sadducees’ misunderstanding by explaining that in the resurrection, people will be like angels and will not experience death or procreation. Instead, they will live in a new state of existence where marriage is no longer necessary.
This verse reminds believers that our ultimate hope lies in the resurrection and the eternal life promised by God. It encourages us to look beyond our earthly relationships and concerns, recognising that there is a greater reality awaiting us in the world to come.
Furthermore, this verse also carries implications for our current lives. It challenges us to prioritise the eternal and focus on spiritual matters rather than being overly preoccupied with earthly relationships and pursuits. While marriage is a sacred institution established by God for this present life, it is temporary and not the ultimate goal. Our primary relationship should be with God, and our ultimate destiny lies in the resurrection and the eternal life He has prepared for us.
