Slices
Prepare
Reflect on your own faith story. Praise God for all those who have played a part in your story and pray for opportunities to share your personal experience with others.
Bible passage
Marriage at the resurrection
23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?’
29 Jesus replied, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead – have you not read what God said to you, 32 “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.’
33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.
Explore
I wonder if you’ve faced challenging questions about your faith. Although we welcome these opportunities, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, as we address arguments that appear irrelevant to our core beliefs. It’s as though people are trying to catch us out, challenge our integrity, and we suspect they’re not really interested in hearing about Jesus.
In today’s passage, Jesus faces a ridiculous question from the Sadducees, its true purpose hidden within a story (taken to extremes for the purposes of the argument) about seven brothers and the fate of a wife. Against the background of growing conflict, it’s the Sadducees turn to test Jesus. Not believing in the resurrection, the Sadducees highlight the absurdity of this possibility with their even more absurd question. Jesus gets directly to the heart of the matter, pointing them to the story of Moses (Exodus 3:6), challenging them to recognise the truth in Scripture and the power of God, both pointing to the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Facing tricky questions is hard. Occasionally we receive Spirit-led inspiration, but even when a strong counter-argument evades us, we all have a personal faith story to share, a story which has power to touch the life of others.
Respond
Praise the God of salvation: ‘Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation’ (Isaiah 12:2).
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 40,41; John 15
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for young people who are turning to technology instead of people for support. Many are seeking advice from AI rather than trusted relationships. Ask God to lead them into meaningful, life-giving connections, and to equip Christians to listen with care, compassion and patience.
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
