The Sadducees had asked Jesus' opinion on a story they had made up (Matthew 22:23-30). After all, if He could tell them parables with a meaning, surely, they could do the same. Their intention was to trap Him into agreeing with them that a bodily resurrection is impossible. Their ruse failed as Jesus plainly told them that they did not understand the Scriptures or the nature of His eternal Kingdom.

So Jesus began to teach them what the Scriptures meant. He pointed to the occasion when God met Moses by the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6). The Lord described Himself as ‘I Am’ … He always ‘is’; He never changes; He is still the living God of the patriarchs. Even though they died a long time ago, God is still their God. They still exist and are still in relationship with God. Indeed, God continues to have a living relationship with all those who have died in faith. They are not extinguished from God's presence ... they are right in the middle of it!

God only has a relationship with living people. Yes, He knew us before we were born because he is our Life-giver; and He knows us after we die, if we belong to Him (Psalm 139:13-18). What a joyful reassurance that is. But the most terrible thing is to be either the living-dead, while they are alive – those who have a physical existence but no relationship with God through Jesus, or who become the dead-dead, when they die, because we have refused a life-giving relationship with Him (John 8:24).

The Sadducees were right about one thing, though. The resurrection is a pivotal doctrine. If God cannot raise the dead, then the whole of our faith is mere delusion (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). But Jesus proved that God does raise the dead and that He will raise all those who believe in Him (John 6:39-40). This is such a wonderful part of the gospel message, and it spurred the apostles on to keep preaching Christ (Acts 4:33). Have you ever had a discussion with friends or colleagues about what happens after death? Tell them about Jesus and encourage them to see that resurrection to eternal life is through Christ alone.