Bible Study Lesson: Matthew 22:23-33
What is a kinsman redeemer?
In this Bible study lesson from Matthew Jesus talks about His resurrection as related to this Jewish custom.
As always, He turns it into a remarkable parable.
Exactly what did Jesus say about the resurrection and the kinsman redeemer?
The lesson for today covers the question about the resurrection and the kinsman redeemer according to Jesus. But, what does all this mean?
Looking at Scripture, neither Genesis nor Deuteronomy teaches about the *resurrection so the Sadducees did not believe in it.
Surprise, Surprise! Another trap thwarted by Jesus.
What Did Jesus Say about the Resurrection? The Sadducees Question Jesus Again
On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, asking, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother as next of kin shall marry his wife, and raise up children for his brother.’
Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh.
Last of all, the woman died.
In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.”
But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. – Matthew 22:23-33 NASB
The Kinsman Redeemer
During the time of Jesus family lineage was of utmost importance to the people of Israel.
Land and property was passed on from father to son and so it was imperative to have an heir; especially a male heir.
If the man had no children and he died, the kinsman redeemer (normally a brother or other family member) was expected to marry the widow to produce children to carry on the family line.
He was expected to take care of the widow and children as his own.
No Government Programs?
There were no social security benefits or welfare systems in place during Jesus’ time.
A widow without a kinsman redeemer was left to fend for herself; either by begging, prostitution, or any other means to get food and shelter.
In verse 32 above Jesus gives the Sadducees an answer they did not expect; as always.
Who is Our Redeemer?
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B000XUSVGC” locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/51YQzKbtzWL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”160″]Did you know that we, as Christians, also have a kinsman redeemer?
You guessed right. Jesus Christ comes into our lives once we accept Him and becomes the redeemer for our sins.
When the judgment of God comes (which it will one day for all of us), Jesus will step in and take care of us. He will redeem us from punishment.
Isn’t that wonderful to know?
Is Christ YOUR kinsman Redeemer? He offers this gift freely to all who believe and accept.
If you haven’t already, there is but one small step you can take to give your life over to Jesus and allow Him to become your redeemer.
Will you take it?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you are ready to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16.
- To learn more about the resurrection read the Easter story here ..