Thoughts determine destiny and if we base our thinking on what contradicts the Truth, we never come away with a good outcome. Instead, we should seek to correct the wrong assertions as Jesus demonstrates in today’s reading of Mark 12:18-27 when the Sadducees questioned Him about marriage at the resurrection.

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The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the notion of spirits or angels. There question was a hypothetical one in which there were seven brothers. The first one died without children so the law from Moses in Deut. 25:5-10 was that a brother must marry the widow and raise offspring for his brother. Each brother died without children until the widow died. The question was which brother would she be the wife of in the resurrection (v. 23)?

They hoped to trick Jesus by asking this question but Jesus embarrasses them by pointing out how meaningless their question was and that they didn’t know the Scriptures or the power of God (v. 24). He explained that there will not be marriage in the resurrection. He also pointed out in the Scriptures (Ex. 3:6) where God calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 26) so these patriarchs were still alive.

A lesson Jesus gives us in this passage is to make sure the question being asked is based on the right premise. If we accept the premise others have, we give credence to their way of thinking which may be way off base. Instead, correct the wrong assertion and explain why the question is meaningless.

This day with You Lord, we pray for better guidelines to our living and the best ones are found in Your word. Today, we read the Scriptures and listen to the words of Jesus. We trust in the Holy Spirit for guidance and are constantly growing in faith. The principles taught by Christ will help meet adversity, put things in perspective, and lead us to a brighter future. Amen.