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Explore the profound meaning behind Jesus’ words in Luke 20:34-36 concerning the resurrection and marriage. What does the Bible tell us about relationships in the afterlife? Gain insights through an objective, historical-grammatical analysis of the Scriptures.

The Context of the Question: Sadducees and Resurrection

The context in which Jesus made the statement about marriage in the resurrection is important. He was responding to the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that denied the reality of the resurrection of the dead. Their question about a widow who remarries multiple times was designed not just to puzzle but also to mock the concept of resurrection. The fact that they chose the subject of marriage for this question was likely because they viewed it as a very “earthly” concern, and they probably did have an earthly resurrection in mind when formulating their question. However, it’s crucial to understand that Jesus often answered questions in a manner that took the discussion to a higher level. He didn’t always merely address the assumptions behind a question; he used questions as opportunities to teach deeper truths.

Jesus’ Answer: A Deeper Truth

In His reply, Jesus said, “The children of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who have been counted worthy of gaining that system of things and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Luke 20:34-35, ESV). The phrase “counted worthy of gaining that system of things and the resurrection from the dead” could very well refer to the heavenly resurrection. One reason for this interpretation is the differentiation Jesus makes between “the children of this age” and those who have been “counted worthy.”

Being Counted Worthy

The term “counted worthy” resonates with other scriptural themes related to the heavenly calling of Christians. For instance, the Apostle Paul speaks of being “counted worthy of the kingdom of God” (2 Thess. 1:5, ESV). These individuals are not simply those who are resurrected but are those who have been found “worthy” through faith in Christ and are granted eternal life in heaven. This suggests a distinction from those resurrected to life on earth, who include “the unrighteous” (Acts 24:15, ESV).

Immortality and Incorruptibility

Moreover, Jesus says, “Neither can they die anymore” (Luke 20:36, ESV). This is more than just a promise of a long life; it implies a fundamental change in the nature of existence. This resonates with Paul’s words that the resurrected saints will put on “immortality” (1 Cor. 15:53-54, ESV). Death has no dominion over them, not because they are merely protected from death but because they have transcended it.

Addressing the Objections

Why Mention Earthly Patriarchs?

Some might ask, if Jesus was referring to the heavenly resurrection, why did He mention Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are expected to be part of the earthly resurrection? It’s worth noting that Jesus often layered His teachings, addressing multiple audiences and concerns at once. While the mention of the patriarchs served to refute the Sadducees’ disbelief in any form of resurrection, it didn’t necessarily limit His preceding statements to an earthly context.

What About Earthly Resurrection and Marriage?

If we accept that Jesus’ words could refer to the heavenly resurrection, then they don’t provide direct information about whether or not resurrected ones on earth will marry. However, it’s important to remember that the resurrection to earthly life will also be a miraculous event characterized by transformation and renewal. The specifics of relationships and social structures in that state are not detailed in the Scriptures, and it would be speculative to make firm assertions about them.

Conclusions

It is quite plausible, if not likely, that Jesus’ words about those in the resurrection not marrying refer to those with a heavenly hope. This interpretation aligns with the special status of “being counted worthy” and the unique, immortal nature these individuals will possess. While Jesus’ words served to correct the Sadducees and affirm the reality of the resurrection, they also likely offered deeper insights for His disciples—insights into the nature of the heavenly resurrection and the transformation that comes with it.

As we ponder these issues, we should remain content with what has been revealed and live in anticipation of the day when all such questions will be answered, and God will “satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Ps. 145:16, ESV).

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).