Date: 13 April 2023
Preacher: Senior Pastor Xolani Mntambo
Editor: Mrs Nthabiseng Motubatse
Principal Scripture Reading: Mark 3:6, Matthew 22:23, Deuteronomy 25:5
When Jesus was nearing His death on the cross, He was interrogated by the Pharisees Mark 3:6: “Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.” Now these two parties Pharisees and Herodians were rivals and naturally not on speaking terms, but in this case, they had a common goal which was to destroy Jesus. We then learn about a different group which was called the Aristocrat nation, this nation was privileged by their economic fortune. This group did not believe in the existence of the spiritual dimension. They refuted any claims about angels, demons, heaven, and any notion of life after death. Their belief was life is here and now and no more hereafter.
The concept of life after death has fascinated humans for centuries, leading to various beliefs and speculations. One aspect that often raises questions is the idea of marriage in heaven. In Matthew 22:23-28, the Sadducees pose this question to Jesus, to which he responds with a clarification of the resurrection and a transformation into a new mode of bodily life. This highlights the newness of life that comes with accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and the assurance of overcoming limitations. As Christians, we must understand our spiritual dimension and recognize that our true home is in Heaven.
The Question of Marriage in Heaven
Matthew 22:23 to 28 “The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. Likewise, the second also, and the third, even the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.” The question was posed who’s spouse would this woman be in heaven? Verse 29 we see Jesus reply: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels of God in heaven. Jesus was clarifying the misconception about marriage in Heaven.
Jesus' Response: Resurrection and Transformation
That in heaven we shall be like angels, Jesus explains that resurrection is a transformation into a new mode of bodily life. Jesus highlights that in the book of Exodus chapter three God introduced himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. All these people God spoke of had already departed from the world, this suggests and proves that physically people might have left this world, but they are transferred and relocated to exist somewhere else in their present tense. It must therefore be understood that when Jesus Christ resurrected, he introduced us to the newness of life, for us to walk in it now. We are ordained to be in the likeness of His resurrection.
The tomb could not hinder His movement, Jesus still made it out! Children of God this is the assurance that we have in Christ that nothing can hinder our advancement. Romans 6:4 “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life.” Every restriction that held you bound is removed in the name of Jesus. Any force of limitation that was there in your life has been removed in the name of Jesus.
The Newness of Life in Christ
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become new creations, and we must walk in the newness of life. Our old ways of thinking and living must be put to death, and we must live according to God's will. This is why Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life."
Death is not the end, but rather a transformation into a new mode of life. As Christians, we believe that we will be raised from the dead, just as Jesus was. This gives us hope and confidence, as we know that even death cannot stop us. Romans tells us that we have been buried with Christ in baptism, and just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too should walk in newness of life. This newness of life is the transformation that occurs after death, and it is available to us now, while we are still living.
The Assurance of Overcoming Limitations
So what does this mean for us as Christians? It means that we should not fear death, as it is simply a transition into a new mode of life. It means that we should live our lives with confidence and hope, knowing that even death cannot stop us. It means that we should strive to live our lives in a way that honors God and leaves a legacy that will continue after we are gone. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is proof that nothing can hinder our advancement in life. Just as Jesus overcame death and the tomb, we too can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. This is the assurance that we have in Christ, that there is no force of limitation that can hold us back. As children of God, we are ordained to be in the likeness of His resurrection.
Our Spiritual Dimension and True Home
In conclusion, we are more than just physical beings. We have a spiritual dimension that we must nurture and develop. Our true home is in heaven, and we will have eternal life if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Comments