Mark 12:18-27
In this week’s reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 12:18-27 addresses the nature of life after death and the misunderstandings surrounding it, affirming the hope of resurrection in the context of God’s power.
Sadducees' Challenge: The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, approach Jesus with a question about a woman who marries seven brothers, each of whom dies without leaving children.
Hypothetical Scenario: They present a hypothetical situation based on Jewish levirate marriage customs, questioning whose wife she will be in the resurrection.
Jesus’ Response:
Misunderstanding of Scripture: Jesus points out their misunderstanding of both the Scriptures and the power of God.
Resurrection Explained: He explains that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like angels.
God of the Living: Jesus emphasizes that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, affirming that all are alive to Him.
Affirmation of Resurrection: Through His response, Jesus highlights the reality of the resurrection, countering the Sadducees’ beliefs.
Misunderstanding of Scripture is probably one of the greatest issues of the church and has been since Scripture was established. In Mark 12:18-27, the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a question regarding Jewish levirate marriage customs. Although both Jesus and the Sadducees are knowledgeable concerning Scripture, the Sadducees have resorted to selective interpretation. Selective interpretation occurs when individuals or groups focus on specific verses while ignoring the broader context, they develop doctrines that align with personal beliefs rather than the intended message of the text. Jesus points out that if they were to understand Scripture in a broader context they would recognize that marriage does not exist in the resurrection and that levirate marriage customs found in Scripture were established for earthly bodies not spiritual. Their misunderstanding was as result of using scripture to affirm their beliefs rather than develop them. This is an issue of eisegesis vs. exegesis. Eisegesis involves reading one's own biases into the text, while exegesis seeks to draw out the text’s original meaning. When eisegesis prevails, it can foster doctrines that are not biblically sound.
Here are a few other ways that we often misuse Scripture:
Cultural Influence: Cultural backgrounds and personal experiences can shape how Scripture is interpreted. When these influences overshadow the text's meaning, it can result in teachings that deviate from core Christian beliefs.
Misapplication of Language: The original languages of Scripture (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) contain nuances that may be lost in translation. Misunderstanding these nuances can lead to incorrect interpretations.
Ignoring Historical Context: Failing to consider the historical and cultural context in which a passage was written can lead to misunderstandings about its application today.
Cherry-Picking: Isolating verses to support a specific doctrine without considering the whole counsel of Scripture can create misleading teachings that lack theological coherence.
Overemphasis on Experience: Prioritizing personal experiences over biblical teaching can lead to doctrines that are more about feelings than about faithfulness to Scripture.
Scripture is the greatest tool we have to develop our theology, but it is also one that can be easily misused. Take a moment and consider how you have used or even misused scripture.
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give. Amen.
Read: Mark 12:18-27
Questions to guide your thinking:
What is the significance of the Sadducees' question about resurrection, and how does it reflect their beliefs?
Consider what their inquiry reveals about their understanding of scripture and the afterlife.
How does Jesus' response challenge my own beliefs about life after death?
Reflect on how Jesus’ teaching might reshape or affirm your views on resurrection and eternal life.
In what ways do I see the theme of relationships in this passage, both in earthly and heavenly contexts?
Think about how the concept of relationships is portrayed and how it applies to your life.
What does this passage teach me about the authority of Scripture and its interpretation?
Explore how Jesus uses scripture to address the Sadducees and how that influences your understanding of biblical authority.
How can I apply the principles found in this passage to my daily life, especially regarding my faith and hope in the resurrection?
Consider practical steps you can take to deepen your faith in the promises of life after death.
