This verse introduces a specific group of Jewish leaders, the Sadducees, who are known for denying the resurrection of the dead, and sets the stage for a debate between them and Jesus about this very topic. Let's break down the key elements:
"On that day": This phrase indicates that the encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees happened on a specific day within the events described in Matthew's Gospel. Often it implies a day full of activity, challenges, and confrontations for Jesus, as religious leaders are frequently trying to trap him.
"Sadducees": The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish sect during Jesus' time. They were typically wealthy, aristocratic, and held significant political power, often associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. Unlike the Pharisees, they only accepted the authority of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and rejected the oral traditions and beliefs in the afterlife, resurrection, angels, and demons.
"(those who say that there is no resurrection)": This parenthetical statement is crucial. Matthew is clarifying for his audience the central belief that distinguishes the Sadducees. Their denial of the resurrection was a significant point of contention between them and other Jewish groups, particularly the Pharisees.
"came to him": The Sadducees approached Jesus, indicating they intended to engage him in a discussion or, more likely, to challenge his teachings.
"They asked him": This shows the Sadducees initiating a question-and-answer session with Jesus. The following verses will reveal the specific question they pose, which is designed to highlight what they see as the absurdity and logical inconsistencies of the belief in the resurrection.
In summary, the verse sets the scene for a confrontation between Jesus and the Sadducees, a group known for their disbelief in the resurrection. The verse introduces the participants, their distinctive belief (or lack thereof), and their intent to challenge Jesus with a question. It's important to recognize that they weren't genuinely seeking understanding but were trying to discredit Jesus and his teachings on the resurrection.
This verse introduces a specific group of Jewish leaders, the Sadducees, who are known for denying the resurrection of the dead, and sets the stage for a debate between them and Jesus about this very topic. Let's break down the key elements:
"On that day": This phrase indicates that the encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees happened on a specific day within the events described in Matthew's Gospel. Often it implies a day full of activity, challenges, and confrontations for Jesus, as religious leaders are frequently trying to trap him.
"Sadducees": The Sadducees were a prominent Jewish sect during Jesus' time. They were typically wealthy, aristocratic, and held significant political power, often associated with the Temple in Jerusalem. Unlike the Pharisees, they only accepted the authority of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and rejected the oral traditions and beliefs in the afterlife, resurrection, angels, and demons.
"(those who say that there is no resurrection)": This parenthetical statement is crucial. Matthew is clarifying for his audience the central belief that distinguishes the Sadducees. Their denial of the resurrection was a significant point of contention between them and other Jewish groups, particularly the Pharisees.
"came to him": The Sadducees approached Jesus, indicating they intended to engage him in a discussion or, more likely, to challenge his teachings.
"They asked him": This shows the Sadducees initiating a question-and-answer session with Jesus. The following verses will reveal the specific question they pose, which is designed to highlight what they see as the absurdity and logical inconsistencies of the belief in the resurrection.
In summary, the verse sets the scene for a confrontation between Jesus and the Sadducees, a group known for their disbelief in the resurrection. The verse introduces the participants, their distinctive belief (or lack thereof), and their intent to challenge Jesus with a question. It's important to recognize that they weren't genuinely seeking understanding but were trying to discredit Jesus and his teachings on the resurrection.