Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Luke 20:28 (BSB)
“Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him.
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him.” — Luke 20:28
Imagine a group of people challenging a teacher they respect. They throw a tough question his way—it's about a law from Moses that says if a man dies without kids, his brother should marry his widow to keep the family line going. You can feel the tension in the air! They’re not just asking for knowledge; they want to trap him in a tricky situation. This moment is packed with emotion, tradition, and a bit of suspense as they test this teacher's wisdom.
Luke, the author of this book, was a doctor and a close friend of the Apostle Paul. He was meticulous in his writing, wanting to present an accurate account of Jesus's life. By including this detail about the law of Moses, Luke highlights the cultural tensions of the time. He wants readers to understand not just the rules but the heart behind them. His perspective is all about showing how Jesus redefined these laws with love and compassion.
When Luke wrote this, the Jewish culture was steeped in tradition, and laws like the one mentioned were deeply rooted in their society. It was a time when family lineage was everything, and a widow’s future could be bleak without a husband. This context helps you see why the question posed was so significant. They were not just discussing legalities; they were touching on real-life struggles people faced in a world that often felt unforgiving.
This verse matters today because it speaks to the importance of family and legacy. It challenges you to think about how we treat the people around us, especially those who are vulnerable. It reminds you that our actions have a ripple effect, and caring for one another is essential. In a world where relationships can be complicated, this ancient law still resonates with the need for compassion and responsibility towards each other.
This week, think about ways you can support someone who might be feeling alone or overlooked. It could be as simple as reaching out to a friend who’s going through a tough time or getting involved in your community to help those in need. Just like the law aimed to protect the widow, you can take small steps to uplift those around you and create a sense of belonging.
This moment is part of a larger scene where people are trying to pin down Jesus with tricky questions. They’re not just curious; they want to undermine his authority. Just before this, he had been teaching and gaining followers, so these groups are on the attack, using the law to challenge him. After this question, Jesus answers in a way that flips the whole discussion on its head, showing the deeper meaning of life after death. This moment is crucial because it not only reveals their intentions but also sets the stage for Jesus to share profound truths about life and relationships.
How do you think the concept of caring for family and community, as shown in this verse, applies to your life today?
Keep reading the full Luke 20:28 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free