Luke 20:27

¶ Then came to [him] certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Then {G1161} came {G4334} to him certain {G5100} of the Sadducees {G4523}, which {G3588} deny {G483} that there is {G1511} any {G3361} resurrection {G386}; and they asked {G1905} him {G846},

Some Tz’dukim, who say there is no resurrection, came to Yeshua

Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him.

And there came to him certain of the Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection;

Commentary

Luke 20:27 introduces a significant encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees, a prominent Jewish sect known for their unique theological stance. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' profound teachings on the resurrection.

Context

This passage immediately follows Jesus' clever responses to the Pharisees and scribes regarding paying taxes to Caesar and the parable of the wicked husbandmen (Luke 20:9-19). Having silenced His previous interrogators, Jesus is now approached by a different group with a new challenge. The Sadducees, unlike the Pharisees, were primarily aristocratic, priestly, and politically influential, often controlling the Temple. Their primary theological distinction, crucial to understanding this verse, was their explicit denial of the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits, a belief also noted in Acts 23:8.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Theological Opposition: The Sadducees represent a distinct form of opposition to Jesus, not primarily concerned with His Messianic claims but with His (and the Pharisees') belief in the resurrection. They sought to trap Him with a question that would expose what they considered a logical absurdity.
  • The Doctrine of Resurrection: The verse highlights the fundamental disagreement over the resurrection, a core doctrine of Christianity and a debated topic in Judaism of that era. The Sadducees' denial stemmed from their rigid adherence only to the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) as authoritative, believing the concept of resurrection was not explicitly taught there.
  • Jesus' Authority: By approaching Jesus, the Sadducees implicitly acknowledge His growing influence and the need to challenge His teaching, particularly on such a vital theological point. This encounter underscores Jesus' divine authority to speak on matters of life, death, and eternity.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Sadducees" (Greek: Saddoukaios) likely derives from Zadok, a high priest in the time of King David and Solomon, reflecting their priestly lineage and aristocratic status. The word "resurrection" (Greek: anastasis) literally means "a standing up again," referring to the belief that the dead will physically rise again, a concept central to Jesus' teachings and His own future triumph over death (Luke 24:6).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that throughout history, there have been those who deny fundamental truths of faith. The Sadducees' skepticism about the afterlife challenges believers to firmly grasp the hope of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith. It encourages us to understand and articulate why we believe in the resurrection, not just as a historical event but as a transformative promise for eternal life. Just as Jesus skillfully addressed their challenge in the subsequent verses (Luke 20:34-38), we are called to be prepared to defend our faith with wisdom and grace.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 4:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

  • Acts 4:2 (8 votes)

    Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:12 (7 votes)

    ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

  • Mark 12:18 (6 votes)

    ¶ Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

  • Mark 12:27 (6 votes)

    He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

  • Matthew 22:23 (6 votes)

    ¶ The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

  • Matthew 22:33 (6 votes)

    And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.