Sermon Recap+ Nov 9th 2025

In a world obsessed with being correct, Jesus offers us a different perspective. When religious leaders tried to trap Him with trick questions, His response reveals a profound truth about what truly matters in our faith and relationships.

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What Did the Sadducees Really Want?

The Sadducees weren't genuinely seeking truth when they approached Jesus with their complex question about marriage and resurrection. They presented a scenario about a woman who married seven brothers in succession, each dying childless, and asked whose wife she would be in the resurrection. These religious leaders had one goal: to catch Jesus off guard and prove Him wrong. They represented a pattern we still see today - people more interested in winning arguments than discovering truth or doing what's right.

Why Jesus Didn't Answer Their Question Directly

Jesus did something that might seem frustrating to us - He didn't answer their question directly. Instead, He redirected the conversation entirely, explaining that marriage as we know it doesn't exist in the resurrection because we become "like angels" and are "children of God." Sometimes the right response isn't giving the expected answer, but asking a better question or addressing the real issue at heart. Jesus saw through their trap and chose to teach about God's true nature instead.

What Does This Mean for Our Institutions Today?

We live surrounded by institutions - marriage, government, schools, and yes, even the church. The problem arises when these institutions become more focused on being right than doing what's right. This creates a dangerous shift in priorities. We see it in comment sections online, in political debates, and even in religious discussions. The need to be correct often overshadows the call to be compassionate, just, and loving.

How Do We Challenge Our Own Thinking?

Jesus challenges us to examine the institutions and beliefs we follow. Are we clinging to them because they make us feel right, or because they lead us to do what's right?

This isn't about abandoning our convictions, but about ensuring our convictions lead us toward righteousness rather than self-righteousness. It's about choosing humility over pride, understanding over judgment.

What Is the True Purpose of Resurrection?

The resurrection isn't about getting a second chance at life or continuing what we were doing before. It's not about gaining additional time or having a "do-over." The resurrection represents God's promise of a future where we belong completely to Him. It's about being in right relationship with God, not about proving we had the right answers all along. This eternal perspective should shape how we live today - focusing on relationships, love, and righteousness rather than winning arguments or being proven correct.

How Can We Apply This in Daily Life?

When we encounter disagreements or conflicts, we can ask ourselves: Am I trying to be right, or am I trying to do what's right? This simple question can transform our interactions with family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. It means choosing to listen before speaking, seeking to understand before being understood, and prioritizing love and justice over personal vindication.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to shift from being right to doing what's right. When you find yourself in disagreements or debates, pause and ask: "What would love do in this situation?" Instead of focusing on winning the argument, focus on understanding the other person and responding with grace.

Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:

1. What institutions or beliefs am I holding onto more for being right than for doing right?

2. How can I show love and understanding in my next disagreement instead of trying to prove my point?

3. What would change in my relationships if I prioritized doing what's right over being right?

4. How does understanding the true purpose of resurrection change my daily priorities?

Remember, the goal isn't to have all the right answers, but to live in right relationship with God and others. When we focus on doing what's right rather than being right, we reflect the heart of Jesus and point others toward the hope of resurrection.