Matthew 22:24

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

Context:Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Matthew 22:24 (KJV)

In this verse, Jesus is responding to a question posed by the Sadducees, who were a Jewish sect known for their denial of the resurrection. They approached Jesus with a hypothetical scenario involving a woman who had been married to seven brothers in succession, as prescribed by the levirate law (Deuteronomy 25:5-6). Their question was aimed at challenging the concept of the resurrection, which they did not believe in.

In his response, Jesus begins by addressing the Sadducees’ lack of understanding. He states, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Here, Jesus highlights two critical aspects that were crucial for the Sadducees to comprehend.

Firstly, Jesus points out their lack of knowledge regarding the Scriptures. The Sadducees, though well-versed in the religious laws, had a limited understanding of the broader scope of God’s Word. They failed to recognize the numerous prophecies and promises in the Hebrew Scriptures, including those concerning the resurrection. Jesus implies that their lack of understanding of the Scriptures led them to err in their beliefs and teachings.

Secondly, Jesus highlights their ignorance of the power of God. The Sadducees’ disbelief in the resurrection revealed their limited perception of God’s capabilities. Jesus’ response indicates that they had not comprehended the true nature of God’s power to bring about resurrection and life after death.

This verse serves as a reminder to all believers to seek a deep understanding of the Scriptures and to recognise the power of God. It encourages us to study and meditate on God’s Word, so that we may grow in knowledge and faith, and avoid error and misconceptions.