Matthew 22:28 - Verse Explanation
Verse Spotlight
Imagine a group of people throwing a tricky question your way, trying to catch you off guard. That's exactly what's happening here! This verse captures a moment of confusion and debate, as someone asks Jesus about a woman who has been married multiple times. They want to know, when everyone is brought back to life, whose wife she will be. It’s almost like a riddle! The underlying emotion here is one of curiosity and a bit of skepticism, as they try to challenge the idea of life after death. This question shows how deep the misunderstandings about the afterlife were, and you can feel the tension rising as they try to stump Jesus.
Who Wrote It
The book of Matthew was written by Matthew himself, who was one of Jesus' 12 closest followers. He was a tax collector before becoming a disciple, so he had a unique perspective on life—seeing how people were often judged or misunderstood. Matthew included this detail about the woman and her husbands to highlight how people were confused about the afterlife. He wanted to show that Jesus wasn't just a teacher, but someone who brought clarity to these deep questions, showing that life after death is way more than just earthly relationships.
What It Means
Imagine a group of people throwing a tricky question your way, trying to catch you off guard. That's exactly what's happening here! This verse captures a moment of confusion and debate, as someone asks Jesus about a woman who has been married multiple times. They want to know, when everyone is brought back to life, whose wife she will be. It’s almost like a riddle! The underlying emotion here is one of curiosity and a bit of skepticism, as they try to challenge the idea of life after death. This question shows how deep the misunderstandings about the afterlife were, and you can feel the tension rising as they try to stump Jesus.
Where and When
This was written during a time when the Jewish people were under Roman rule, and they were grappling with many questions about their faith and identity. The culture was rich with debates about the law and what happens after we die. This context is crucial because it helps you understand why people were so focused on tricking Jesus with tough questions—they were desperate for answers in a confusing world. The hope of resurrection was a powerful topic, and this discussion was happening in the midst of that yearning for understanding.
Why It Matters
This verse is significant for you today because it addresses the core of human curiosity about life after death. You might wonder what happens when we die or how relationships change in the afterlife. This moment shows that Jesus is ready to engage with these questions and offer a fresh perspective. It's a reminder that you don't have to have all the answers; it's okay to ask tough questions about life, love, and what comes next. This verse encourages you to explore those questions in your own journey of faith.
How to Apply
This week, think about a question or concern you have about life, death, or relationships. Instead of avoiding it, dive into it! Talk to someone you trust about your thoughts or write them down in a journal. Consider how Jesus responds to tough questions and let that inspire you to seek understanding rather than fear. You could even explore a book or resource that discusses life after death in a thoughtful way, making it a personal journey.
Chapter Context
Leading up to this moment, Jesus is surrounded by people who are trying to outsmart him with tricky questions about the law and the afterlife. They're testing his wisdom, hoping to expose contradictions in his teachings. This question about the woman with seven husbands is just one more attempt to catch him off guard. But instead of getting tangled in their tricky scenario, Jesus uses this moment to clarify the truth about resurrection and life beyond this world. After this question, he delivers a powerful answer that shifts the focus away from earthly concerns and into the reality of eternal life, which is a game-changer for everyone listening.