Mark 12:18-34
God describes himself as a deliverer who will rescue Israel from
oppression. And He grounds his ability to deliver in the fact that he is the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had promised these men that he would be their
Savior and Provider (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-18; l7:1-8). However, if these men are not
alive then this reference is a discouragement rather than an encouragement. It
means that God does not have the power to save his people from death. God's
word to Moses is to be taken as a proclamation that he has not forgotten his
relationship with the Patriarchs and that they and the rest of the righteous dead
will yet enjoy his favor. Again, it ought to be apparent that Jesus had not only
answered the Sadducees but that all who were followers of Jesus (ourselves
included) could take comfort and courage from his answer. --Redeemer NYC Study Guide