Bishop Noel Jones - DON'T LET GO - July 5, 2026

Main message: Jesus answers cynical, trap questions in Matthew 22 to teach that resurrection is real and transformative (not a mere resuscitation), and that knowing Scripture is essential to understanding God's power and facing death without fear. Believers should live steadfastly, trusting that death has been defeated and their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Key points:

• The Herodians/Pharisees tax question (render unto Caesar) shows a distinction between social/political obligations and spiritual allegiance.
• The Sadducees' levirate-marriage trick (seven brothers) assumes resuscitation; Jesus rejects that and explains in the resurrection there is no marriage—people are transformed like angels.
• Jesus appeals to Scripture ("I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob") to show God is God of the living and to argue for resurrection as divine power, not merely restored earthly relationships.
• Ignorance of Scripture leads to being led astray; faith and experience of God's power come through reverent hearing of the Word.
• Death is not the end—Christ's resurrection guarantees transformation (incorruption, immortality), comfort for believers, and grounds for perseverance in faithful service.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 22, Matthew 22:21, Deuteronomy 25 (levirate law), Genesis 38 (Onan/Tamar), Exodus 3:6 ("I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob"), John 11 (Lazarus), Luke 16 (rich man and Lazarus), Acts 8 and 23 (Sadducees' denial), 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4 (comfort one another)