This teaching the Sadducees were determined to discredit. In seeking a controversy with Jesus, they felt confident of bringing Him into disrepute, even if they could not secure His condemnation. The resurrection was the subject on which they chose to question Him. Should He agree with them, He would give still further offense to the Pharisees. Should He differ with them, they designed to hold His teaching up to ridicule.

Denne lære var saddukæerne besluttede på at undergrave. Da de søgte at komme i ordstrid med Jesus, følte de sig overbeviste om, at de ville kunne bringe ham i vanry, også selv om de ikke kunne opnå hans domfældelse. Opstandelsen var det emne, som de valgte at udspørge ham om. Hvis han skulle vise sig at være enig med dem, ville han forarge farisæerne endnu mere. Hvis han havde en anden anskuelse end de, ville de fremstille hans lære som noget latterligt.