Mark 12:26
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Mark 12:26
26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Chapter Context
Mark 12 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, prayer. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 12:26
26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Analysis
Answering Sadducees' question about resurrection, Jesus said: 'as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?' (περὶ δὲ τῶν νεκρῶν ὅτι ἐγείρονται, οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε ἐν τῇ βίβλῳ Μωϋσέως ἐπὶ τοῦ βάτου πῶς εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεός λέγων, Ἐγὼ ὁ θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ καὶ ὁ θεὸς Ἰσαὰκ καὶ ὁ θεὸς Ἰακώβ;). Jesus cited Exodus 3:6, using present tense ('I am,' not 'I was') to prove resurrection. God identifies Himself as God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries after their deaths. If they no longer existed, He'd say 'I was their God.' The present tense indicates they live—God is 'not the God of the dead, but of the living' (v. 27). This brilliant argument proves resurrection from Pentateuch, which Sadducees accepted (unlike Prophets/Writings which they questioned).
Historical Context
Sadducees were aristocratic priestly party accepting only Pentateuch (first five books) as authoritative, rejecting Prophets and Writings. They denied resurrection, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8), unlike Pharisees who affirmed these. Their test case about woman with seven husbands (vv. 18-23) aimed to show resurrection's absurdity. Jesus answered from Exodus, their accepted text. The burning bush incident (Exodus 3:1-6) occurred around 1446 BC, centuries after patriarchs died. Yet God said 'I am' (present tense) their God, indicating ongoing relationship. Jesus' logic: God wouldn't identify with dead people—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob must be alive, awaiting resurrection. Paul similarly argued for resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). Early Christians proclaimed resurrection as central doctrine distinguishing them from Greek philosophy (which taught immortal soul, not bodily resurrection).
Reflection
- How does Jesus' use of the present tense 'I am the God of Abraham' prove the reality of life after death and resurrection?
- What does God's ongoing relationship with deceased believers teach about personal continuity and identity beyond death?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Luke 20:37
- References God: Genesis 26:24, 31:42, 32:9, Exodus 3:16
- Parallel theme: Genesis 33:20