Matt5-4

Note first in this passage, that Jesus moved from the security of the north to a place further south, nearer to Jerusalem , nearer to possible conflict with the religious establishment. Immediately he does this some of the Pharisees come and try to put him in an awkward position. Jesus must have known that the further south he went, the more likely it was that opposition would come. See 16:21again.

The Pharisees choose the subject of divorce. Their test of Jesus' knowledge seems simple. They ask what are the grounds for divorce (“for any and every reason”). By way of an answer Jesus doesn't give reasons but first of all simply refers them back to the Scriptures - “Haven't you read?”. When God made human beings He made them of two sexes, so that they could come together in physical oneness and procreate.

However, says Jesus, this coming together physically is more that just physical, it is a complete coming together in oneness in every way. That is how God designed it to be. Anything less than that is distortion of the Creator's design. Not only that, by implication, that oneness is a continuing oneness. That is also part of the design, so if that is how God designed it to be then we should not go seeking to do anything different. God's design is for life-long oneness when a couple come together. Very different from western life-styles!

D. Application:

1. God's design is for only man and woman to come together.

2. That design includes for it to be life-long coming together.

Chapter: Matthew 19

Passage: Matthew 19:7-9

A. Find Out:

1. What did the Pharisees ask about Moses? v.7

"Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"

2. Why had Moses permitted divorce? v.8a

Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.

3. What appears Jesus' one ground for divorce? v.9a

I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness

4. What happens for any other ground? v.9b

and marries another woman commits adultery."

B. Think:

1. How do Jesus' words change what the Pharisees said about Moses?

2. Read Deut 24:1-4

3. Why did Jesus say Moses had allowed divorce?

C. Comment:

We now come to the heart of the question about divorce. The Pharisees said Moses had commanded a certificate but that is far from saying that Moses commanded divorce, far from it. No where is there any Law instituting divorce; it was simply a practice already in existence, but NOT by the command of God. As we saw yesterday, God intended life-long committed relationships. So, says Jesus, Moses permitted (allowed) divorce simply because of people's hard hearted attitudes and it was better to order or regulate something that people had set their hearts on doing, but that does not make it pleasing to God, in fact He hates divorce (Mal 2:16).

We sometimes look at marriages breaking down and say it is better that they be ended, but God says no, it is better that the people in the failing marriage change and restore the relationship. It is only when people are so stubborn or hard hearted and refuse counsel and help to change, refuse the grace of God, that divorce was accepted, but it is always second best. Jesus is quite realistic and acknowledges that where one party has gone off and joined themselves to another person that is breakdown, but if that hasn't happened and you instigate divorce, your ongoing relationship is adulterous because it is not recognised by God. No hope? Oh yes, this is why Jesus died on the Cross, to take our sins and bring redemption to our situations if we will let him.

D. Application:

1. Divorce is always God's second best.

2. God's grace is always there to help bring change.

Chapter: Matthew 19

Passage: Matthew 19:10-12

A. Find Out:

1. What was the disciples' conclusion? v.10

The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."

2. What was Jesus' reply to that? v.11

Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.

3. What three alternatives are given here? v.12

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. The one who can accept this should accept it."

B. Think:

1. What were the disciples reacting against?

2. Why do you think they were feeling that?

3. What is Jesus really saying?

C. Comment:

With only a casual glance we may be tempted to write these verses off as unimportant, but in fact they are very important.

Note first, the disciples concern. They have heard Jesus making stern pronouncements about the sanctity of marriage and their tendency is to say, well it's better not get into a place of potential sin, it's better not get married at all, then you won't be in a position to suffer a marriage breakdown. Ah, says Jesus, but not everyone can cope with that course or that life-style. There are those born with physical deformity who have to abstain from sexual relations, and there are who are made that way by other men, who then similarly have to abstain, and there are even those who will abstain for the sake of serving God in His kingdom (see Paul's comments in 1 Cor 7), but not everyone can cope with that possibility.

In considering these things, note next, the disciples tendency to think negatively. We so often do. Instead of saying, well I expect God's grace will help us, we instead opt out. Marriage is a relationship that does need God's grace again and again. It is no surprise that marriages break up when God is not present in them. Self-centredness tends to cause tension and without God's help, we are in trouble!

Finally, note that singleness is a perfectly legitimate state, but so is marriage. The key question is what does God want for us as individuals. Not a self-centred choice but a God-blessed choice.

D. Application:

1. Marriage can be stressful and needs God's grace. Receive it.

2. Singleness can be lonely and also needs God's grace. Receive it.

Chapter: Matthew 19

Passage: Matthew 19:13-15

A. Find Out:

1. Who were then brought to Jesus? v.13a

Then little children were brought to Jesus

2. For what purpose? v.13b

for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.

3. But what was the response of the disciples? v.13c

But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

4. What did Jesus instruct? v.14a

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them

5. Why? v.14b

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

6. What did Jesus then do? v.15

When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

B. Think:

1. Why do you think parents were bringing their children?

2. Why do you think the disciples rebuked the parents?

3. Why was Jesus pleased to bless the children?

C. Comment:

Jesus is still in a large crowd situation and had been healing many people (v.2), and now parents (presumably) started bringing their children forward for Jesus to bless them. First of all note therefore, that these parents believed that something good would be conveyed to their children by Jesus praying over them. Oh that Christian parents today would always seek Jesus' blessing on their children. Job was an example of a good parent who was concerned for his children (Job 1:5).

But as the parents started bringing their children forward, the disciples, who were presumably managing the crowd, started to tell them off. Why? Perhaps because they thought they were wasting Jesus' time when there were much greater needs around. It is so easy to start categorising need but Jesus is concerned for all.

Jesus in turn, chides the disciples. He didn't want the children stopped from coming. They were important. Look, he says, the kingdom of God belongs to people like these little children who are innocent and simple in faith; we shouldn't turn them away. With that he placed his hands on them and blessed them in prayer.

D. Application:

1. Do you daily pray for your children if you are a parent? Do you lay

hands on them regularly and bless them?

2. All needs are important and Jesus wants us to bless and minister to

whoever comes.

Chapter: Matthew 19

Passage: Matthew 19:16-22

A. Find Out:

1. About what did the young man ask? v.16

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

2. What did Jesus instruct him to do? v.17

"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

3. How did he clarify that? v.18,19

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " `Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and `love your neighbor as yourself.'"

4. What was the young man's response to that? v.20

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

5. What did Jesus then suggest he did? v.21

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

6. How did he feel about that and why? v.22

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

B. Think:

1. How did the young man consider you obtained eternal life?

2. How had doing that so far failed to reassure him?

3. How did Jesus' instructions take him beyond that?

C. Comment:

A young man comes, an apparently sincere young man who is seeking. Yes, let's note that first, he is a SINCERE SEEKER. He comes to Jesus recognising he is a teacher and asks to be taught. He wants to know what he ought to be “doing”. He wants to be doing to receive eternal life, so he comes to Jesus for direction.

But note also he is a RIGHTEOUS sincere seeker. He has kept the commandments that Jesus puts before him. It is interesting that Jesus uses the “person to person” commands from the Ten Commandments (see Exo 20:12 -16) and the summary of them from Lev 19:18 . This man has been seeking to “do good” and therefore Jesus meets him here.

But observe also he is a LACKING righteous sincere seeker. There is still something missing. He has kept the commands and yet there is still something missing. Jesus first of all gives him a clue to what is lacking when he observes that only God is good, the inference being that it is only God who can make you good. But then he gives the young man a task to do that will throw him completely on God. He doesn't say here sell everything , but he does say “sell and give away”. That is the young man's stumbling block. he trusts possession more than God. To sell means to trust God. That is the issue for him.

D. Application:

1. Simply “doing good” isn't enough, it can be just building up self.

2. Christianity is about relying on God. Do we really do that?

Chapter: Matthew 19

Passage: Matthew 19:22-26

A. Find Out:

1. How had the young man responded? v.22

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

2. What observation did Jesus make as he went? v.23

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

3. What picture did he give to illustrate this? v.24

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 ."

4. How did the disciples respond? v.25

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"

5. What was Jesus' answer? v.26

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

B. Think:

1. What was the central truth that Jesus was teaching here?

2. Why do you think that is so?

3. Does that make it an impossible situation? Why?

C. Comment:

The young man who was very wealthy walked away, wrestling with what Jesus had said to him. He is probably the epitome of so many of us in the West. He had much and relied upon it ! Jesus had challenged him to let go of that reliance. Jesus uses a graphic picture to emphasise just how difficult it is for a wealthy person (and if we live in the West we ARE affluent, at least in comparison to a very large part of the rest of the world) to enter God's kingdom.

Some have suggested the “eye of a needle” was a narrow gate in the walls of the city that a camel could only get through on its knees. The disciples' response seems to indicate that that understanding is probably not correct, for they understand it as an impossibility. The eye of a needle is very small and the camel by comparison is very, very large. A rich man relying on his wealth CANNOT enter God's kingdom because it means dying to the old life (Rom 6:6) and relying completely on Jesus for salvation. (see also 1 Cor 1:26-31)

Wealth and possessions are not wrong (for God enabled Solomon to be the richest man in the world), but the reliance on them to the exclusion of reliance on God is wrong. But, implies Jesus, don't despair, God can still bring rich men to Himself!

D. Application:

1. Being poor is not a virtue, only poor in Spirit (Mt 5:3) as a means of

entering the kingdom. Riches can be a distinct hindrance.

2. Don't write off wealthy people. Pray for them.

Chapter: Matthew 19

Passage: Matthew 19:27-30

A. Find Out:

1. What was Peter's query? v.27

Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"

2. Of when did Jesus speak? v.28a

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne

3. What did he say they would do? v.28b

you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel .

4. Of then who did he speak? v.29a

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake

5. What did he say they will receive? v.29b

will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

6. What principle did he then state? v.30

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

B. Think:

1. When does is appear these rewards will come?

2. Compare Luke 18:29,30

3. What is the promise to us all?

C. Comment:

Practical Peter blurts out a question that is basically “What's in it for us?” Jesus doesn't chide him for his attitude but simply and graciously explains. For the disciples, will come a time when they will reign together with Jesus. It seems that time will be after Jesus returns and has restored all things. Reference to the tribes of Israel probably means all the redeemed of God.

Then Jesus makes an even greater promise that covers every person who has ever given up anything to follow him. They will receive a hundred times as much as they have every given up. Luke inserts the words “in this age” meaning they will get it now. Now although the Bible promises prosperity or success for those who are righteous, it doesn't necessarily mean material success. For some it may be material but for others it won't.

Never-the-less the promise IS there; when you get to heaven you will never be ale to look back with regrets, for you will see that you have always been a receiver of all of God's goodness. This is basically what Jesus is saying: Peter, don't worry about it, your future reward is assured and the blessings of my Father will far outweigh anything you think you've given up to follow me.

D. Application:

1. Jesus is no man's debtor.

2. Pause and think of all the goodness that has come into your life so far

from God. Thank Him for it.

RECAP: Questions and Answers - Matthew 19

SUMMARY :

In this fourth group of 7 studies we have seen :

- Pharisees asking Jesus about divorce, to test him

- Jesus reply: look back to Genesis chapter 2

- Pharisees asking why Moses permitted divorce

- Jesus reply: because of their hard-heartedness

- the disciples asking if it's better not to marry

- Jesus reply: not everyone could cope with that

- Jesus blessing the children

- rich young ruler asking Jesus about eternal life

- Jesus reply: his one problem - trust in affluence

- the disciples asking who can be saved & what about them

- Jesus reply: it's possible with God, there are eternal rewards

COMMENT :

The Pharisees asked questions in hostility. The disciples asked questions in ignorance. The rich young man asked questions because of his lack of assurance. The Pharisees didn't want answers, the rich young ruler couldn't cope with the answer, and the disciples simply accepted the answers. When we ask questions of Jesus, do we really want answers or are we expressing excuses for our unbelief? If we got answers, would we be willing to accept them?

LESSONS?

1. God's design is one man with one woman for life.

2. Divorce is second best, permitted because of hardness of heart.

3. Marriage and singleness are both good - if God says so for you.

4. Material affluence can make it hard for us to trust God

5. Jesus promises to reward his followers now and in eternity.

PRAY :

Thank the Lord for your station in life.

PART 5 : "Kingdom Values"

In this final Part watch for a parable, an awful announcement, a wrong request, and wonderful healings. Watch for kingdom values.