Sermon 146

📖 Sermon 146 – God of the Living

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 20:27–40

Introduction

The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, challenge Jesus with a hypothetical puzzle meant to make the doctrine appear absurd. Christ exposes their ignorance of Scripture and reveals the true nature of life after death, declaring that God “is not a God of the dead, but of the living.”

I. The Sadducees’ Question

A. Their denial of resurrection
They accepted only the Pentateuch and rejected supernatural truths.

B. The contrived scenario
Seven brothers marry the same woman in succession, each dying childless.

C. Their trap
“Whose wife shall she be in the resurrection?” They think they have disproved the doctrine.

II. Christ’s Answer

A. “The children of this world marry…”
Earthly institutions such as marriage belong to the present age.

B. “But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world…”
A different order reigns in the resurrection.

C. “Neither marry, nor are given in marriage”
The relationships of glory surpass earthly bonds.

D. “Neither can they die any more”
Immortal, perfected existence.

E. “They are equal unto the angels”
Holy, deathless, serving God forever.

F. “And are the children of God”
Adopted fully into His family in resurrection glory.

III. Proof of Resurrection From Scripture

A. Jesus quotes Moses
The burning bush passage — accepted even by the Sadducees.

B. “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”
He is still their God — thus they are still living.

C. “For all live unto Him”
Death does not end the believer’s existence.

IV. The Response of the Scribes

A. “Master, Thou hast well said”
Even Christ’s opponents recognize His wisdom.

B. No man durst ask Him any question
His teaching silences every adversary.

Conclusion

This passage reveals the certainty of resurrection life, the transformation awaiting God’s people, and the glory of belonging to the God of the living. Let us trust His Word, look beyond the present age, and live in hope of the world to come.