Jesus dealt with Pharisees who heaped up an abusive yoke on people. That is, the teaching they prescribed for God’s people was difficult to follow. Pharisees then, are described as hypocrites, because even they are incapable of following their own teaching.

The Sadducees, on the other hand, failed to live by the Scriptures and had a small view of the power of God. So much so, that Jesus rebukes them with condemning words, “You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” Ouch.

Jesus arrives at this conclusion because of their view of the resurrection. They didn’t believe in it. In fairness, their scriptures didn’t have mention of any resurrection.

But the problem is, they knew about Abraham and God’s covenant with the Israelites. Consider also, they knew the God who created the heavens and the earth. They held to these teachings, Scriptures dearly.

One might think that with a little imagination, a God who delivered his people from captivity in slavery, who created all things, might have the power to overcome the grave as well.

Part of the victory Christians hope for in Jesus is the simple, yet profound hope that God is powerful enough to overcome the grave through the power of the Word made flesh. Do you believe in God’s Word and the Power of God? Do you believe that the God who created the heavens and the earth has the power to do so again?

The Church ought not find itself in the same camp as the Sadducees. Not reading the scriptures accurately and failing to believe in the power of God. Are we ignorant of God’s Word and God’s Power?

What would happen in the Church if we lived according to the Scriptures and had faith in the Power of God?

That question gets my heart and mind wandering into great places, where I see revival of the Church and a bold witness for Christ and His Kingdom.

Come, believe in God’s Word and God’s mighty power!