Matthew 22:23-33 ~ the Scriptures

Road to Bethlehem by Joseph Brickey

Matthew 22:23-33

23 On that day Sadducees approached him, saying that there is no resurrection. They put this question to him, 24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up descendants for his brother.' 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died and, having no descendants, left his wife to his brother. 26 The same happened with the second and the third, through all seven. 27 Finally the woman died. 28 Now at the resurrection, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had been married to her."

29 Jesus said to them in reply, "You are misled because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven. 31 And concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you 18 by God, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." 33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

At the time of Jesus' birth there was a parallel to the time of Jane Austen, people were fascinated with marriage. And human nature loves to see who can get away with what. Run your mind over Jesus being questioned about divorce, adultery and or stoning, the Samaritan woman at the well with multiple marriages - one not quite & Jesus making wine from water at a wedding.

Jewish betrothal required Joseph to have 3 options. He'd been asked to have Mary stoned. He'd have to complete the marriage ceremony quickly & live with the 500 to 1,500 people in Nazareth. (Where the 3rd century Church reports the Romans putting Jesus' great, great nephews to death in an attempt to kill off the spread of Christianity). Or divorce Mary. Joseph, not being the father, decided for compassionate divorce. This is when Father God spoke to Joseph in a life-changing manner.

Given Mary was great with child when they departed, as family for Bethlehem, Joseph must have considered his options for a time. Maybe one of the reasons Joseph took his time deciding all the options was ostracism. Remember the Samaritan woman at the well was not welcome at the prime times, she would have to go in the heat of the day to avoid the others. Joseph knew the chances for Mary to be given in marriage to another would have been slim.

Joseph would have to offer himself as the "price" for Mary, his intended bride. Mary & Joseph had a year of betrothal, Joseph building their house & Mary preparing for the grooms arrival. The wedding party would begin with a parade as the groom came to the bride's house, not entering the brides house, but the bride came out to meet him. The two, accompanied by their wedding party, returned together to the groom's home for the marriage ceremony.

God offered a "price" for us. We are the bride, the Lamb's wife - the believing community, the church. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, we are the delight of God. We are the apple of His eye - because of Him, we are - perfect, trustworthy, wise, joyful, radiant, pure and precious. He gives us His reward and He raises us up.

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


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