3. The question of the Resurrection (12:18-27)

The Sadducees' question seems designed more to ridicule the idea of resurrection than to trap Jesus, and Jesus' reply strikes at the root of their belief system. Their denial of resurrection on the grounds that it is not mentioned in the first five books of the OT (their “Bible”) betrays their ignorance of the Scriptures and God’s power, according to Jesus. First, he instructs them on the power of God to create a new order of life and relationships in the hereafter. Then, citing a text even they would consider authoritative (Ex 3:6), Jesus argues that God’s covenant is without meaning if it is canceled by death.