Matthew 22:23-33 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The resurrection of the dead.

When Jesus had disposed of the Pharisees and Herodians, the Sadducees approached him. They were the physicists—the materialists—of their time, who did not believe in angels or spirits, and accounted as a thing incredible the resurrection of the dead. They urged a ease which they deemed conclusive against the latter, which is recorded here ( Matthew 22:23-28 ). We are chiefly concerned with our Lord's reply ( Matthew 22:29-32 ). Hence we learn—

I. THAT THE HUMAN SPIRIT HAS ITS TRUE LIFE IN UNION WITH GOD .

1 . Covenant relationship is expressed in the term " God of. "

2 . The covenant relationship implies purification from sin.

3 . The life of the covenant is more than existence.

II. THAT THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT SURVIVES THE DEATH OF THE BODY .

1 . God ' s covenant remains with his disembodied saints.

2 . The existence of the sinner is an abiding death.

III. THAT GOD IS PLEDGED TO RAISE FROM THE DEAD THE BODIES OF HIS SAINTS .

1 . He is pledged to raise the Hebrew patriarchs.

2 . The promise extends to all believers.