Bodily Resurrection and Authority of Scripture
God’s covenant faithfulness guarantees resurrection life.
Mark 12:18–27 (BSB)
18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him:
19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him.
20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children.
21 Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise.
22 In this way, none of the seven left any children. And last of all, the woman died.
23 In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be? For all seven were married to her.”
24 Jesus said to them, “Aren’t you mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?
25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.
26 But concerning the dead rising, have you not read about the burning bush in the Book of Moses, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”
What is the big idea of Mark 12:18–27?
God’s covenant faithfulness guarantees resurrection life.
How does Mark 12:18–27 point to Christ?
The living God raises His people through the death and resurrection of Christ, securing eternal life for all who believe.
How does Mark 12:18–27 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
Sadducees (Σαδδουκαῖοι, Saddoukaioi), who say there is no resurrection (ἀνάστασιν, anastasin, G386, din-G386), come to Jesus with a hypothetical scenario based on levirate marriage (cf. Deuteronomy 25:5–10). They describe seven brothers who marry the same woman, each dying without offspring. They ask, 'In the resurrection (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει, en tē anastasei), whose wife will she be?' Jesus answers, 'Is this not the reason you are mistaken (πλανᾶσθε, planasthe, G4105, din-G4105), because you know neither the Scriptures (τὰς γραφάς, tas graphas, G1124, din-G1124) nor the power of God (δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ, dynamin tou Theou, G1411, din-G1411)?' He explains that in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels (ὡς ἄγγελοι, hōs angeloi). Concerning the dead being raised (ἐγείρονται, egeirontai, G1453, din-G1453), He cites Exodus 3:6: 'I am the God of Abraham... He is not God of the dead but of the living (ζώντων, zōntōn, G2198, din-G2198).' The life of Jesus here reveals His authority over doctrinal error, affirmation of bodily resurrection, and the living covenant relationship between God and His people.
Authorial Intent
To affirm bodily resurrection and expose misunderstanding of Scripture and God’s power.
Literary Context
This is the second trap question in the temple sequence. It continues escalating conflict and focuses on eschatological doctrine.
Historical Context
Sadducees rejected resurrection and emphasized the Pentateuch. Their question was designed to ridicule resurrection belief. Levirate marriage was intended to preserve covenant lineage.
Chapter: Mark 12
The Rejected Son, the Greatest Commandment, the Lord of David, and the Widow’s Offering
Jesus exposes the leaders' rejection of God's beloved Son, answers every trap with divine wisdom, reveals the heart of covenant obedience as love for God and neighbor, deepens the identity of the Messiah as David's Lord, and contrasts religious exploitation with costly devotion.