Matthew 19:1-12 - Divorce or Not to Divorce
Again the Pharisees came to Jesus to test Him on the controversial subject of divorce. They ask, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" - Matt. 19:3. Jesus answered, "What God has joined together, let not man separate." - Matt. 19:6. Jesus always turned to the Scriptures. He said from the beginning, God created man and woman in His own image (Gen. 1:17-28; 2:23-25). Then they asked, "Why did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" - Matt. 19:7. Jesus answered, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." -Matt. 19:8-9.
Notice He said Moses permitted it, not commanded it. Actually it was God who permitted it, but Moses wrote down what he received from God. In Moses' time women were considered property and when a man was tired of his wife or she became old and not as attractive, he would put her out and she had no way to support herself. God mercifully protected women by permitting divorce. Then she would not be discarded without provision.
God defined marriage as a holy joining of one man and one woman. This was to be an eternal commitment, but God knew mankind was human and He provided a way out for people who are stuck in an unhealthy marriage. Jesus said divorce was only permitted for adultery. Today our laws allow divorce for any reason. People think they know better than God and even play God thinking His laws are outdated in today's society. God is very clear about this issue of marriage and divorce. God said, "I hate divorce." - Mal. 2:16.
What has caused your heart to be hard?
Today Christians are pressured to drift away from the biblical view of marriage. There is divorce everywhere, in every family, and for every reason. Today couples don’t even get married. They just live together. There is sex outside marriage and even gay marriage. It is viewed as the norm. Society is influenced by seeing this practiced in movies and on TV. We are told to be tolerant and non-judgmental and that times have changed. What do you think God would say about that? I guess we will find out when He returns. If it was wrong hundreds of years ago, it's wrong now.
We can strengthen ourselves and influence others by knowing what the Scriptures say on these matters. Jesus always turned to the Scriptures. Biblical knowledge is power. It's a weapon against Satan and his evil. The more you know the stronger you are. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Heb. 4:12.
Are you considering divorce?
Then the disciples asked if it was better to not marry. Jesus replied that marriage is not for everyone. "For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven." - Matt. 19:12. (Eunuchs were usually castrated males or those with reproductive birth defects. It was also common practice for rulers to castrate their servants for those who tended to the royal harem.) He said marriage may not be for those who wish to devote themselves totally to God for marriage may be a distraction. However, if they cannot control their lust, then it is best to marry and remain with that person. This is also taught by Paul in 1 Cor. 7.
The Bible does not teach that it is best to marry. There are those who are called to devote themselves to God's work. Paul is a great example. Whether you are married or not, the only life that brings joy, fulfillment and purpose if one that does the will of God.
Eph. 5:21-33 tells us to be loving and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Husbands and wives are meant to be one flesh and work in unity. Paul compared marriage for a man and woman as that of Christ and the church. We are to love our spouse as Christ loved the church. He loved it enough to die for it.
If you have been divorced outside of God's loop hole of adultery and have remarried, stay in the marriage or you will commit another sin if you leave. Because of Jesus if you repent, you are forgiven and cleansed. Do not dwell on it. It's in the past and we all have past sins. Just live your life knowing God still loves you and that you are forgiven. Then prayerfully commit to make God the center of your married life.
Do you live with the guilt of divorce?
Will you then live a life of forgiveness without guilt?
Principle: God hates divorce and meant for marriage to be permanent.
Matthew 19:13-15 – Jesus and Children
Jesus and the disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Along the way parents brought their little children to Jesus for Him to touch them, bless them, and to pray over them. The disciples disapproved of this probably thinking children were not important and Jesus was busy and had more important business to attend to. They were only trying to protect Jesus, because they knew He was tired and thought the children would interrupt his work. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matt. 19:14.
Children are very open and honest. They have a simple humble faith. This is how we should approach Jesus - completely honest, open, and with a humble faith like a little child. This story of Jesus welcoming little children is reassuring for both parents and children that children are important to God!
Christians today fail to bring children to Jesus. We think children are too young to understand. We ignore them thinking they are not worthy of attention. We forget that they have feelings, too and that they are important. Parents leave the teaching of Jesus to the Sunday school teacher. We can bring them to Jesus by setting a good example, blessing our meals, treating them with respect, reading stories of Jesus, praying for them and with them, giving God the glory openly in front of them, and talking about God and Jesus often. – Prov. 22:6 tell us “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
What can you do to help bring children to Jesus?
Principle: Jesus welcomes little children.
Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler
A rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked what good thing must he do to have eternal life. He didn't recognize Jesus as Lord or the Son of God. He called Him teacher. Jesus answered, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." - Matt. 19:17. The ruler was young, wealthy, powerful, religious, and a good moral man. When he asked his question, he was putting himself in God's position and using his own values to make judgments. He was also focusing on his works and what he could do instead of having the heart of God. Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, which he was unwilling to do. The man left and was sorrowful, but not sorrowful enough to repent and trust Jesus. He lost the joy of being filled with the Holy Spirit and having purpose for his life.
To have eternal life is not about what you can do. Jesus exposed his sin showing him that his heart was prideful and that he loved money more than God. Money and possessions were his idols. This doesn't mean you have to give everything up to follow Jesus to have eternal life. It does mean you must give up your idols. An idol is anything that you put before God. It's where you spend most of your energy, time, and money. Your idol can be your children, spouse, love of your talents, social position, career, or anything you love more than Jesus Christ.
Because of their wealth, rich people may not feel that they need God. It’s their money that makes them feel safe and they think it can rescue them from any problem. It’s easier for the rich to forget that life on earth doesn’t last forever.
There are people like the rich young ruler today, even in our churches. They obey all God's laws, come to church each week, and probably even serve as an elder or Sunday school teacher - but they put their love of their idols before their love of God. Salvation is through faith in Christ alone, but there are certain things like money that can keep us from putting our faith in Him. Jesus didn’t say it was impossible for rich people to get to heaven. He was saying the man should give up his possessions because it was keeping him from exercising his faith in Christ.
Principle: To have eternal life
you must be willing to give up everything.
Matthew 19:23-30 – Disciples’ Rewards
Jesus said “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” – Matt. 19:23-24. He knew that wealth and success are big influences for the rich. They are self-reliant and it becomes much harder humbling themselves and admitting their need for God. He is saying we should be aware of the love of money.
Peter asked, “Who then can be saved?” – Matt. 19:25. Jesus answered, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matt. 19:26. Salvation doesn’t depend on our status or ability, but on God’s generous grace.
Peter knew he and the other disciples were different from the rich man. They had given up homes, families and possession to follow Jesus. He asked Jesus what rewards they would have. Jesus told them that God would make everything new. They had given up their families, but would become part of God’s much larger family. Christians have brothers and sisters everywhere in the world. They will have life that lasts forever.
Some may think someone deserves a reward, but it’s what God thinks that matters. God knows what a person in thinking and He understands their actions. People who are humble on earth may become important in heaven and those who are important on earth may become not important in heaven.
Principle: With God all things are possible.
Join me here next week as we continue our study of Matthew -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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