Matthew 22:33

Matthew closed his account of this encounter by recording the reaction of the multitude, not the reaction of the Sadducees. Probably few of the Sadducees changed their theology as a result of this conversation since they continued to oppose Jesus. However the reaction of the crowd shows that Jesus’ teaching had a powerful impact. To the unprejudiced observer, Jesus’ arguments, authority, and understanding of the Old Testament were astonishing. Matthew undoubtedly hoped this would be the reaction of his readers too.

This pericope reveals the intensity of the opposition to Jesus that existed among Israel’s leaders. This was the third group to try to trap Him in one day. It also shows the guilt of Israel’s leaders since they did not understand either the Scriptures or God’s power. Jesus had spoken of people entering the kingdom after death (Matthew 22:10). To do so there would have to be a resurrection. Jesus also confirmed belief that the patriarchs would live in the kingdom by what He said. Thus Jesus’ teaching about resurrection answered questions about participation in the kingdom because of its postponement. Not many in Jesus’ immediate audience may have understood this, but Matthew’s readers could.