Easter Continued: Statements in Matthew related to resurrection and more
It is important to note: The two main religious divisions of Judaism in Jesus' time were the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Sadducees did NOT believe in resurrection and life after death. They also did not believe in spirits or souls. The Pharisees believed in resurrection and spirits. They believed a final resurrection would occur "at the end of days", apparently not at your death or in the near-time. Resurrection is not something new and not just associated with Jesus. In addition to the Pharisees the concept is rooted in various theologies in different ways. One well known reference is to the Phoenix rising from the ashes. The Phoenix story is found in Egyptian and Greek AND JEWISH stories. This post will key on references in Matthew regarding resurrection and the relation to spirits. Chap 9: v18: "...he said, 'Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.'...and the girl got up.' " Chap 16: v21: "...and be killed, and on the third day be...