Questions From Readers

Jesus told the Sadducees that resurrected ones "neither marry not are given in marriage." (Luke 20:34-36) Was he talking about the resurrection on earth?

This is an important question, especially if your marriage mate has died. You may have a strong desire to be reunited in marriage with your resurrected mate in the new world.  One brother said: "My wife and I do not choose to end our marriage. It was our heartfelt desire to remain  united in worship as husband and wife forever.  These feelings have changed for me."  Is there any reason to believe that those who are resurrected on earth will be able to marry? We cannot say.

For many years, our publications have said that Jesus' words about the resurrection and getting married likely refer to the resurrection on earth. Also, our publications have said that in the new world, resurrected ones will  most likely not marry.   (Matthew 22:29, 30; Mark 12:24, 25; Luke 20:34-36) However,  is it possible that Jesus' words refer to  heaven? Without being definite about this matter, let us examine what Jesus said.

To whom was Jesus talking when he made that statement about the resurrection?  (Read Luke 20:27-33) He was talking to the Sadducees.  This religious group did not believe in the resurrection and tried to trick Jesus with a question about the resurrection and brother-in-law marriage.  Jesus told them:  "The children of the system of things  marry and are given in marriage, but those  who have counted worthy of gaining that system of things and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.  In fact, neither can they die anymore, for they are  like angels and they are God's children by being children of the resurrection." - LUKE 20:34-36.

Why have our publications said that Jesus was probably talking about a resurrection on earth?  There are mainly two reasons. First, it is likely that the Sadducees were deferring to the resurrection on  earth when they spoke to Jesus. So it seemed logical that Jesus would have answered them by speaking about a resurrection on earth. Second, Jesus ended his answer by referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  These faithful men  will receive a resurrection to life on earth. - Luke  20:37, 38.

However, It seems possible that Jesus was referring to a resurrection to heaven. What reasons do we have for saying this?  Let us examine two statements in Jesus' reply to the Sadducees. 

Next time: Questions From Readers - Continue with  Jesus told the Sadducees that resurrected ones "neither marry nor are given in marriage." (Luke 20:34-46) Was he talking about the resurrection on earth? 

From the jw.org publications


















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