Jesus encountered questions designed to challenge His authority, posed by religious factions such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees accepted the concept of resurrection, unlike the Sadducees. The disunity between these groups contributed to their inability to unanimously condemn Jesus prematurely. At one point, the Sadducees asked a question they believed would undermine Jesus’ legitimacy, crafted to cast doubt on the plausibility of resurrection.
That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, asked him a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. 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. The same thing happened to the second and third brothers down to the seventh.
“Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, “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” (Matthew 22:23-34 NIV).
Masculinity and femininity are concepts associated with physical beings and do not apply to the spiritual nature of God’s children. A person’s true essence is not bound by these constructs, provided they are devoted to serving God. Humans tend to emphasize the physical, resulting in the unequal valuation of individuals based on their looks. Women are often undervalued compared to men. In certain cultures, women who voice their opinions face disapproval and are primarily viewed as child-bearers.
Historically, Jesus has been portrayed as masculine, mirroring the societal standards of the era. Women were often valued chiefly for their ability to bear children, while men were regarded as progenitors. This viewpoint diminished women’s worth to merely their reproductive functions, a concept prevalent in nature and observable in the animal kingdom. In the material world, as opposed to the spiritual, the union of male and female is essential for procreation.
Jesus’ teachings indeed challenge the traditional emphasis on procreation. According to these beliefs, in the spiritual realm, God’s progeny are not limited by physical constraints. Divine essence surpasses the physical, capable of existing beyond natural reproduction. Interestingly, despite the numerous inquiries made to Jesus, none explored His personal stance on sexuality. It is speculated that, if questioned, He might have suggested that celestial beings are not confined to sexual identities or behaviours.
Women are biologically endowed with the ability to conceive children, but this is a function exclusive to the corporeal world, rather than God’s Kingdom. The gift of childbirth ensures the perpetuation of human life on Earth. Every person born has the opportunity to make significant choices, to live secularly or to become a child of God. As children of God, individuals move beyond gender distinctions. Paul’s epistles also echo this sentiment.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29 NIV).
Some Christians, even after becoming children of God, continue to experience strong sexual desires. This is understandable given the physical nature and residual effects of past experiences. Christians are on a journey to fully embody their identity as children of God. If not managed properly, sexual desires can hinder their entry into God’s Kingdom. Jesus taught that His disciples should renounce everything, including their spouses and children, to follow Him. Yet, Scripture indicates that marriage is not completely excluded in Christianity. This demonstrates that God exercises patience towards humanity, taking into account their earthly conditions.
The concept of grace is broader than commonly understood. Worldly pursuits, such as marriage, are insignificant in God’s Kingdom. Marriage will continue during the millennium mentioned in Revelation 20:3-6. Jesus will rule, yet this will not completely embody God’s Kingdom. While Jesus and the co-rulers will possess celestial bodies, the governed will remain terrestrial. This period is merely a progression towards the ultimate Kingdom.
Communicating the ephemeral aspect of physical existence to those deeply engaged in it can be difficult. Most people are hesitant to acknowledge their own mortality. Death, although as certain as the sunrise of the next day, is frequently met with denial. In certain cultures, the mere mention of death is considered taboo. Nevertheless, hope endures among those who resist accepting the finality of death, even when faced with the terminally ill or those who have lived beyond the average lifespan.
Physical life is often valued without a specific reason for its appreciation. For the enlightened, the sole purpose of valuing physical life is to utilize it as a means to achieve eternal life. The enlightened people dedicate their earthly existence to the pursuit of God’s Kingdom. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching to His disciples that the greatest in God’s Kingdom would be the servant of all. Without this spiritual perspective, mere physical survival may seem futile.
Many individuals may reach the age of one hundred and twenty or beyond. Methuselah is historically recognized as the longest-living human, having reached 969 years. However, the pivotal question persists: what does one truly achieve after such an extended lifespan? Those with a materialistic perspective often gauge success by the accumulation of wealth, which frequently earns them admiration. Yet, in the absence of a meaningful spiritual influence on others, such accomplishments are ultimately devoid of value, and their renown is likely to diminish swiftly.
Without Christ, the death of a person at twenty holds no difference from one passing at a hundred years. Jesus, who died at thirty-three and a half, achieved unparalleled feats in this world. This underscores the truth that a person’s worth is anchored in the impact they have on others, not necessarily in the span of their life. Jesus’ ministry, lasting about three and a half years, exemplifies this. Similarly, a woman known as Tabitha, or Dorcas, left a significant mark on the lives of those around her.
In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ….Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up (Acts 9:36-40 NIV).
There’s no reason to question the actions of the men while Tabitha committed herself to aiding the poor around her. The act of service is universal and not limited by the gender of the individuals involved. Tabitha, a child of God, was not confined by earthly consideration of her femininity. Although often perceived as feminine, she went beyond gender labels. The children of God are not categorized by gender. What truly defined Tabitha as a child of God was her dedication to serving those in need.
A defining trait of God’s children is their absence of envy for others’ successes. Instead, they celebrate the laudable achievements of their peers. Their actions stem not from competition or a desire for recognition but from love, guided by the spiritual gifts bestowed upon them by God. In contrast, worldly individuals often reserve honour for those who reach esteemed accomplishments, which results in their discomfort when someone they regard poorly surpasses the expected level of success.
God’s children draw on God for spiritual fortitude, not seeking to impress others. Their actions are credited to God, who empowers them. In divine endeavours, the focus isn’t on who does what; such tasks are undertaken by both young and old. Women are equally called to engage in God’s work. We live in a world where honour and fame are considered to be the purpose of living in this world, where the greatest honour is often reserved for men, rather than women.
Devotees often commit themselves to serving humanity, transcending the physical boundaries associated with gender. Excuses tend to be the easiest route to forsaking sacred duties. The world is replete with reasons for evading spiritual obligations. For the faithful, neither femininity nor masculinity justifies mediocre efforts. Jesus taught that faith as small as a mustard seed can overcome any barrier, a truth for all believers, free from self-importance.
Jesus indicated that those acknowledged as His own will not be identified by gender, skin colour, social class, or education level. They embody a new creation, surpassing gender and physical form. Their hallmark is an infinite ability to accomplish their heavenly tasks, as effectively as God desires, without being hindered by earthly limitations. Oblivious to this truth, even those deemed respectable in this world are often unsettled by the achievements of those they scorn.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:4-8 NIV).
Anyone who feels intimidated by incorporating aspects of femininity or other considerations into God’s work cannot be from God. God’s children are no different from Jesus. If Jesus was not intimidated by worldly individuals, the same holds true for those who are God’s children. In their conviction, they radiate the spiritual essence of Jesus. One should not identify as a Christian if they are unable to confront evil in the manner that Jesus did. Christianity is considered God’s domain, free from human constraints..
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and him in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:15-19 NIV).
To grasp the essence of Jesus’ teachings, one must understand the distinction between the spirit and the flesh. The spirit is non-physical, while the flesh is physical. A spiritual individual cannot live as though they are merely physical. Conversely, a person of the flesh cannot live as though they are purely spiritual. It is crucial to clearly differentiate between these two states of existence.
The primary purpose of physical existence is to devote oneself to the service of others over self-interest. Jesus exemplified this selfless service through His sacrifice on the cross. Every Christian is granted a distinct role by God, which may seem more significant than Jesus’ deeds to some, yet it still mirrors His power. This is the reason Jesus declared equality with His disciples. It is a grave mistake to judge or categorize God’s instruments, regardless of their function.
Nevertheless, John elucidated this phenomenon by stating: “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood” (1 John 4:6). People often limit themselves by focusing on the vessel through which God works, rather than appreciating the power of God within that vessel. True understanding is reserved for those whom God recognizes as His children. These children do not concern themselves with whether the chosen person is female or male; they perceive God’s voice and presence in that person.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression, into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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