The Sadducees, who did not believe that a dead person could be raised to life, were trying to trap Jesus about the resurrection (Luke 20:27-40).  The Lord used their question as an opportunity to teach about the nature of eternal life.  Showing that He fully honoured the text of the Old Testament as God's revelation, Jesus referred to Exodus 3:14-15 when God spoke to Moses at the burning bush.  When Moses asked God to reveal His Name, He identified Himself as the ever-present one, "I AM who I AM".  He also described His relationship to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the present tense.  Jesus interpreted this as meaning that God still has a living relationship with the three patriarchs, even though they were physically dead and buried, but awaiting a resurrection.  And so, Jesus explained that Moses believed that the dead will be raised to life.

In showing from the Old Testament that the resurrection of the dead was a normal expectation for those who trusted in God, the Pharisees were delighted and commended His answer.  For the Sadducees (who thought that 'once you are dead there is nothing more'), the potent reality of Christ's resurrection would be undeniable just a few days later.  But that then opens a bigger question. ‘If the Old Testament dead are raised and Christ is raised from the dead, then what about everybody else?’

The Bible is clear that no human being is ever extinguished or annihilated.  Everybody will rise at the Judgement and face their eternal destiny based on how they have responded to the grace of Christ (Daniel 12:2).  Every soul is immortal.  Early writings from the Old Testament made that clear (Job 19:25-27).  The New Testament writers taught that the believing soul is immortal (1 Corinthians 15:38-44), and so is the unbelieving soul (2 Thessalonians1:8-9).  However, it is an uncomfortable teaching for those who have not received God's grace.  Those who resist the love of Jesus may hope for the idea of annihilation or even reincarnation: but Jesus eliminates both false ideas.

What Jesus says here, is a powerful spur to believers to share the gospel message so that the lost may be found (2 Corinthians 5:11).  We know that nobody can escape the eye of the ever-present God or a final encounter with Him on the last day.  Only if we are sheltered by Christ’s precious blood, are we safe from the Judgement (1 Peter 1:18-19).  Without Him, there is no hope of peace, love or joy in eternity.  With Him, there is fullness of joy and eternal satisfaction (Psalm 16:11).  That is why it is so important to place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, and to encourage our friends and family to believe in Him (www.crosscheck.org.uk).