How do Jehovah's Witnesses interpret Matthew 22?

Question

In Matthew 22, the Pharisees ask Jesus what happens in the resurrection if woman has been widowed and remarried several times.
The New World Translation reads in Matthew 22:29-30 that " In reply Jesus said to them: “YOU are mistaken, because YOU know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God; for in the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven."
It seems here, then, that these connections are removed in the resurrection.

However, the Watchtower tells us that at the resurrection, "Great will be the joy earth wide when group after group of dead persons come back to life to join their loved ones!" (http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?art...
By anyone's definition, "loved ones" include spouses.

So, how do we reconcile the idea that we will retain the connections we had during lives, with the idea that there is no such thing as marriage in the resurrection?

Answer 1

This question seems remarkably tunnel-visioned. Did that Watchtower say that a resurrected person would join EVERY ONE of his loved ones?

What about those who had not yet been resurrected themselves? What about those who had been destroyed at Armageddon? It seems rather obvious that Jehovah's Witnesses have fairly represented the emotions involved in an earthly resurrection, without contradicting the Scriptures.

Ironically, reconsider this question and then immediately read Jesus' words:
...(Matthew 22:29-30) “You are mistaken, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God; for in the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven.


Interestingly, thousands of heavenly resurrections occur during the present "this system of things". Thus, Luke demonstrates that Jesus was plainly talking about an earthly resurrection, which MUST take place in the NEW system of things (which was and is still future).
...(Luke 20:34-36) Jesus said to them: “The children of this system of things marry and are given in marriage, but those who have been counted worthy of gaining that system of things and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. In fact, neither can they die anymore, for they are like the angels, and they are God’s children by being children of the resurrection.


But what of a married couple, who both die faithful to God and Christ? It is relatively easy to imagine that they would eagerly greet one another and remain connected for an eternity, yet as friends rather than as a married couple. Even in this old system of things, there are thousands of divorced couples who both continue to serve God and Christ. If imperfect humans can remain friendly and cordial after the dissolution of their marriage, then surely PERFECT humans can do the same, especially in a restored paradise earth free from the influence of Satan and Satanic agents.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_08.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_10.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/we/index.htm?article=article_05.htm

Answer 2

What some omit to mention here is that there is a clear distinction being made between soul an body. Imo the WT teaching about the soul being the same as the person is already in contradiction with the point made by Jesus. Consider Heb 4:12 where Paul explains that the Word of God is sharp to the point to divide soul from spirit. Here again we have the soul as a standalone part of ourselves. These two verses allow the conclusion that the body, the soul and the spirit are 3 distinct parts that can be, but are not necessarily separated. Now if the dead are nonexistent, Mt 10:28 would not make sense. As JW's believe this, they run into many stories in the bible that contradict their beliefs. Take Mt 22:38 where it is stated in the context of the resurrection that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are alive and not dead. Paul indicates this as he describes the faithful of ancient times in Heb 11 and 12, where it is stated that they were looking forward to a heavenly city that God has build for them(v16)and that the prophets were looking out for a resurrection to a better life(V35). They are called to be "the spirits of just men made perfect". It makes no wonder that in Mt 8:11 Jesus taught : They will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven. They will sit with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And there is so much more.

Answer 3

In order to answer your Question, it would be beneficial to consider the setting of Jesus’ words. Matthew 22:23-33 could be read with profit. In an attempt to outwit Jesus the Sadducees posed a problem: A Jewish Woman lost her husband before producing any children. In accord with the law of brother-in-law marriage given at Deuteronomy 25:5-10, she married her deceased husband’s brother and progressed through seven brothers without producing children, each of the husbands dying. The Sadducees asked whose wife she would be in the resurrection.

The Jews had knowledge and hope of an earthly resurrection, even though these opposing Sadducees did not accept the resurrection hope plainly set out in the Hebrew Scriptures. (Isa. 25:8; Job 14:13; Dan. 12:13) In his reply Jesus did not avoid answering their question by speaking about the resurrection to heavenly life. They had presented a problem involving Jews under the Mosaic law who died before Jesus opened the way to heavenly life, and Christ logically replied on this basis: “In the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven.”—Matt. 22:30.

Further showing that Jesus had in mind an earthly resurrection, as recorded at Matthew 22:31, 32 and Luke 20:37, 38, he referred to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and proved by the information that Moses was given at the burning bush that these patriarchs would be resurrected from the dead. Well, what Scriptural hope is there for these men? They will have an earthly resurrection, having died before Jesus opened the way to heavenly life or held out that hope for a small number of mankind. (Matt. 11:11; Acts 2:34; Heb. 10:19, 20) So the entire discussion here is about an earthly resurrection and not about a resurrection that results in life in heaven with the angels there.
Hope that Clears things Up.

Answer 4

where did you get that quote, i cant find it on that link-page you gave.

resurrection could be referring to during the 1000 year reign. or after it.
i'm not too up on what the JW believe.

at any rate.. according to what i believe... (methodist) at that time there will be people of flesh living their lives getting married and having children.

only those of heaven with glorified bodies will not.

Jesus didnt say that your position of life is removed. He said that it remains the same in heaven.

if you are married, have children. if you and your children get saved, then you all continue that relationship in heaven.
it would be odd, not to mention terrible if you had that relationship removed when your living in a place that favors relationships lasting forever.

but if you do not get married while on the earth. then you will be unmarried in heaven.

to the Jewish customs, marriage was more for having children.. than to have that perfect mate. any wonder why the parents decided who their child married?

Answer 5

That is why this book (The Bible) overthrew the Catholic order in Europe by way of the reformation. And that is why those that truly believe it wouldn't fall for or at least remain in these cults long.

Answer 6

This is a great question for mormons too. They believe you will be married in the afterlife too. In fact if you are good enough you and your wives can get your own planet to rule.

Answer 7

Well conundrum & achtung_heiss
both gave scriptual & informative answers.
That I really can't elaborate on....Sooo....
Ditto & Ditto again.

Answer 8

...more correctly, JW's believe that only 144,000 will obtain heaven. They say the rest will live on paradise earth.

I wonder if any of those 144,000 are still living today?