“You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God,” Jesus to the Sadducees in Matthew 21: 29.
"We are dealing with God's thoughts: we are obligated to take the greatest pains to understand them truly and to explain them clearly." (Dr. D.A. Carson, May 2011)
“The journey had begun. And now the fear [was] back again, the fear of the unknown…Deep down the fear of a man who lives in a world not made for him, whose own world is slipping away, dying, being destroyed, beyond any recall…The humble man reached in his pocket for his sacred book, and began to read. It was this world alone that was certain.” (spoken of pastor Stephen Kumalo, the main character in Alan Paton’s book, Cry, the Beloved Country)
As Jesus continues to teach in the temple, some Sadducees came to Jesus and questioned Him (v. 23). Both Sadducees and Pharisees were among the religious elite of Israel even though there were differences between them. The Pharisees were working class, conservative and the protectors of traditional Judaism. The Sadducees, however, were aristocratic and liberal. They denied the supernatural, for the Sadducees believed there is no resurrection (v.23).
And this point the Sadducees were trying to prove. Their argument was rooted in Scripture, at least superficially, as they quote Moses in Deuteronomy 25:5: “If a man dies having no children, his brother…shall marry his wife and raise up [his] children…” The Sadducees then present this wild scenario: A married man has six brothers. He dies and his wife eventually marries each brother consecutively due to the sequential death of each brother. Then she dies (vv. 25-27). The Sadducees ask, “In the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her” (v. 28).
The command quoted here from Deuteronomy was intended to preserve the dead brother’s lineage and to assure that the nation of Israel continued to multiply. This verse was never meant to be a commentary on the after-life; the Sadducees used it out of context. Not only did the Sadducees misuse the Scriptures, they also denied its power (v.29).
God’s Word, when used correctly, is powerful. “God’s Word is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword …able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word “restores the soul,” “makes wise the simple,” “rejoices the heart,” “enlightens the eyes,” “endures forever,” “is more desirable than gold” and “is sweeter than honey.” His servants are “warned” by God’s Word and “in keeping them there is great reward,” (Psalm 19:7-11).
God’s Word “stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8) but in our fallen world the interpretation of Scripture is often twisted, misapplied and taken out of context. When Jesus was in the wilderness, Satan inaccurately quoted the Bible as he tried to tempt Jesus (Matthew 4:6). However, Jesus responded to each temptation by correctly using Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Where Scripture is abused, Satan is empowered; where Scripture is honored; Satan flees (Matthew 4:11).
It was no small condemnation when Jesus responds to the Sadducees here in Matthew 22, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God” (v. 29). Our Lord considers it a terrible thing to misuse Scripture.
In our missionary work in Eastern Europe, our greatest opponents are not atheists or Muslims, but some (certainly not all) from Christian churches. Although they have been entrusted with the Bible, they are not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God (v.29), placing their hope rather in icons, relics, and their own religious efforts and traditions. They see as worthy of condemnation those who preach salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. But may we too be careful and not assume God’s favor merely because we attend the right church or say the right words.
Not surprisingly Paul exhorts Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth,” (2 Timothy 2:15). May Jesus never say to us, “you do not understand the Scripture.” Rather, may we hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21).
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