Mk 12:18-27
Resurrection: The question posed by the Sadducees makes the issue of resurrection rather ridiculous. What Jesus does, however, is to raise the question to a different level. The point, according to him, is not to whom will the woman be married, but that God is the God of the living.
Resurrection: The question posed by the Sadducees makes the issue of resurrection rather ridiculous. What Jesus does, however, is to raise the question to a different level. The point, according to him, is not to whom will the woman be married, but that God is the God of the living.
The Sadducees, who have quoted the Old Testament, are accused of not knowing either the Scriptures or the power of God. The commonly held notion was that those raised from the dead would continue a life much like the one they had before death. Jesus declares that no one knows what the resurrection of the dead is like. However, any sexual relationships of this world will be transcended. Those who rise will be the creative work of the power of God.
God is the God of the patriarchs, who died centuries ago. Since God identifies himself in relationship to them, and because of their relationship to him, they are alive. God is the God of the living. He has the power to give life to all. He is not limited through marriage in sharing life, as are people. God transcends human ways of giving life.
Thus, Mark makes it clear that both Pharisees and Christians agreed on this most critical issue—resurrection. It will be necessary for Mark to distinguish the differences; this will be done through a series of stories about the empty tomb and the resurrection appearances of Jesus.