Matthew 19:1-15
Q.1. What was Jesus doing in Judea and beyond the Jordan? What was behind the question by the Pharisees on divorce? What authority did Jesus use to answer the question? – (Mt.19:1-6 c.f. Mk.10:1)
Jesus left the region of Galilee and travelled south to the region of Judea and Perea (i.e. beyond Jordan), on His way to His final visit to Jerusalem. Large crowds soon gathered – and He healed them there (Mt.19:2). Soon the Pharisees re-engaged with Him, this time on the controversial subject of divorce. The Jewish Rabbis of the day, Shammai and Hillel, differed sharply regarding divorce. The Shammaites interpreted the law rigidly and permitted a man to divorce his wife, only if she was guilty of sexual immorality. The Hillelites took a wholly pragmatic approach and permitted a man to divorce his wife indiscriminately. They were testing Jesus. He bypassed their interpretive debates by using the authority of the Scriptures to speak about marriage and divorce. He reinforced that: (i) Marriage is between a man and a woman … Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female (Mt.19:4). Same Sex Marriage cannot be supported on Biblical grounds. (ii) Marriage is about Oneness between a man and a woman – …For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ (Mt.19:5). (iii) Marriage is meant to be permanent – So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let no man separate (Mt.19:6).
Q.2. Is divorce advisable? Did God make provision for divorce? Why did the Law allow for divorce? Under what circumstances may re-marriage be permissible? – (Mt.19:6-9 c.f. Mt.5:31-32; 1 Cor.7:15)
Jesus was clear that marriage was intended to be permanent, and that divorce was not part of God’s original plan for marriage (Mt.19:6 c.f. Gen.2:18 & 24). The Pharisees then pointed out about the provision for divorce written in the law of Moses (Mt.19:7 c.f. Dt.24:1-4). God designed marriage at the beginning, before the Fall (c.f. Gen.2:18 & 24). The Fall brought sin and death. This means that it is possible for people who promised to love each other ‘till death do us part’, to end up trying to destroy the one whom they once loved. Jesus explained that God included the provision – because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way (Mt.19:8). Here as in Matthew 5:32, Jesus included what is termed – the Exception Clause, permitting the innocent party in such a divorce to remarry without being accused of committing adultery – (Mt.19:9).
Q.3. How did the disciples react to the teaching of Jesus on divorce? What makes the decision to marry intensely personal? Why do some never marry? – (Mt.19:10-12 c.f. 1 Cor.7:7-9,17,25-28,39)
The teaching of Jesus on marriage was more exacting than what was practiced in society. The disciples reacted accordingly – … If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry (Mt.19:10). However, Jesus made it plain that He was not advocating celibacy. In fact – … Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given (Mt.19:11). He then explained that a few remain in a single state (‘eunuchs’) for various reasons: (i) Some are born with difficulties that prevent them from marrying. (ii) Some cannot marry because they have been made eunuchs or injured so as to make marriage impossible. (iii) Some choose to stay single – for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Mt.19:12). The fact that there is something worse than never experiencing marriage, is confirmed by the high divorce rate. Those who heed the call of Scripture to not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, will doubtless be granted blessings in the life to come, way beyond any blessings of marriage (c.f. 2 Cor.6:14 c.f. 1 Cor.7:32-35).
Crown 1 – Crown Of Righteousness – Loved the Lord’s appearing – 2 Tim.4:8
Crown 2 – Incorruptible Crown – Disciplined in service – 1 Cor.9:25-27
Crown 3 – Patiently enduring Trials – Jms.1:12, Rev.2:10
Crown 4 – Crown Of Glory – Leaders who feed the Flock – 1 Pet.5:2-4
Crown 5 – Crown Of Rejoicing – Soul Winners Crown – 1 Thes.2:19, Dan.12:3
Q.4. Why were people bringing children to Jesus? How did the disciples react? Did Jesus share their perspective on children? What was His view of children? How did He treat them? – (Mt.19:13-15)
Luke recorded the time when the children were brought to Jesus. He described them as babies (Mt.19:13 c.f. Lk.18:15). Their parents believed that their little ones would be welcomed by Jesus. However, the disciples had gained little insight from His teaching on children – and the disciples rebuked them (Mt.19:13 c.f. Mt.18:1-2). Jesus told them – … Leave the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Mt.19:14 c.f. Mt.18:6 & 10). We need to love little ones and not send them away. Jesus – took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them (Mk.10:16 c.f. Mt.19:15). The conclusion? No child should ever feel unwanted or unwelcome by Jesus.