Mark 12, Matthew 22
November 12, 2014


I learned today (from a study guide note on Matthew 22) that when the Pharisees sent their disciples to confront Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, they sent along with them some Herodians.   The Herodians were Jews who approved of Roman rule.  The Pharisees hated the Romans, as they were fierce nationalists.   Why then did the two sides join together to see Jesus?  Because if Jesus answered that we should not pay taxes, then the Herodians would run right back to the Roman officers and have Jesus executed.  If Jesus said that we should pay taxes, then the Pharisees could go back and say that Jesus supported Rome, and not Israel.   Jesus answers wisely, and avoids the trap.   This reminds me that there are those in the community who are opposed to Christianity, who will deliberately try to trip us up.   We should pray for wisdom on how to answer.

The passages on marriage in heaven are tantalizing, aren't they?   Of course it stands to reason that we won't marry in heaven.  Maybe because marriage is above all else an intimate sexual relationship (which won't be in heaven) and a deeply personal communal relationship (which will be even deeper than marriage among everyone in heaven).
It seems that marriage will be outmoded in heaven.  We will have deeper and more intimate relationships than were possible on earth.  For now, marriage is the most personal, but there it will be but a memory of how shallow we used to be.     Some would say that they don't want to go to heaven if there isn't a sexual component.   Here's the deal:  I doubt that there will be sex in hell, and even if there was, it would be deviant, painful and something to be afraid of.   So by my way of thinking, we will be mentally and emotionally advanced beyond the desire for it.   Perhaps God gives that gift to a few souls here on earth even now, who live celibate lives as a tribute to God.

PR