Definition: The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 22:23. It’s a really important moment in Jesus’ teachings about death and resurrection. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is talking to his disciples – specifically, one of them, who is likely a young man named Simon (often called Peter). He’s responding to a group of Sadducees – a specific group of Jewish leaders and scribes – who are posing a question about the resurrection. Let's unpack it: “The same day…” : This tells us this is happening right then and there . It’s not a story from a long time ago; it’s an immediate conversation. “…the Sadducees…” : The Sadducees were a group of influential religious leaders who held a particular view about the afterlife. They believed that Jesus' death wasn't significant – that he hadn’t risen from the dead. They didn’t believe in the possibility of resurrection. “…which say that there is no resurrection…” : This is their core belief. They think the idea of Jesus rising again is false and doesn't have any real meaning. “asked him” : This is the crucial part. The Sadducees are asking a question to Jesus . What’s the question? The Sadducees are essentially challenging Jesus' teaching about resurrection. They are asking, "Why did he die?" and they are essentially arguing that it doesn't matter because he didn’t rise. They are trying to dismiss the significance of his death. So, what’s the point of this? Jesus is responding by pointing out that the Sadducees’ questioning highlights a crucial difference between them and him. He's subtly challenging their view and asserting that his teaching – that he rose from the dead – is central to understanding life and death. Why is this important? This passage sets the stage for Jesus' later teachings about the resurrection. It’s a foundational part of his argument that death was overcome, and that through faith in him, we can be reunited with God after death. It also shows Jesus isn't just concerned with what happened, but how it matters – because it’s connected to eternal life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further? Give you a more detailed explanation of the context surrounding this conversation?