A Whole New World

Cutting the Gordian Knot

 Jesus said to them, 

“Those who belong to this age 

marry and are given in marriage, 

but those who are considered worthy

 of a place in that age 

and in the resurrection from the dead

 neither marry nor are given in marriage.

(From Luke 20:27-38) 

King Gordius tied a famously complex knot that legend claimed only the future ruler of Asia could undo.

When Alexander tried but failed to untie the knot, he solved the puzzle by cutting through it with his sword.

That is pretty much what was going on when Jesus was confronted by some Sadducees.

The Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection, so their question is really about the how unrealistic the whole concept is.

The Sadducees' beliefs stemmed from their reverence for scripture and their focus on legacy.

According to the Law of Moses, marriage and children keep a man’s name alive here on earth therefore a widow marrying her husband’s brother does that.

But if you don’t believe in the afterlife, your existence and time now are all that matters.

Jesus warns the Sadducees, giving advice that applies to everyone about the future.

 He points out that a whole new world is coming and will be different from today and won't follow our present traditions or habits.

Looking for clarity and assurance on their views, they have not seen the truth God has revealed

Responding to Jesus's invitation to see a whole new world enables us to interpret well-known Scriptures from a renewed perspective, recognizing God as the God of the living and increasing our knowledge of legacy and heritage.

By accepting our place in God’s story, we discover true fulfillment comes from living according to God’s purpose.

In this new world, instead of focusing on achievements or symbols, lasting meaning is found in growing through faith and hope.

Our legacy is not only what we leave behind, but how we become who God intends us to be.