Matthew 19

Jesus is now back in more Jewish territory which means he will battle the religious authorities again. They test Jesus with a question about divorce. The religious leaders had been scrupulous in following Moses. The Law let men (not women) simply say, "I divorce you." And they were divorced. The women then had not means of support and were left destitute. Jesus reminds them that marriage is a God institution. God expect marriages to be permanent. Only unfaithfulness was grounds for divorce. Jesus points out that people must accept the seriousness of marriage as well as the power of a lifelong commitment. Even his disciples think he is tough. Jesus tells them that maybe it's better to stay single if it's too hard. He is not saying single is better, just that it may be better for some (maybe himself since his particular mission in life was so all consuming.)

 

Jesus reminds the disciples (do they EVER get it?) that he accepts children and children have an openness and trust that the disciples might try. How often do we dismiss children and try to act "grown up" and effectively close ourselves to God?

 

A rich man approaches Jesus. He is eager for more. He has really practiced his Judaism. Jesus tells him that, if he wants more, to sell his possessions and follow Jesus. The man just couldn't do that. Jesus uses this as a teaching point. Material possession can sure get in the way of spiritual life. We come to depend on them and not on God. Sooner or later the possession will disappear, leaving us without what really will carry us through the day – God. Jesus also goes on to say that God can even overcome this if a person, even with material possessions, will turn to God. God can do anything. Jesus is not saying possessions are bad. He is saying that they get in the way. Most choose possessions over obedience and loving God first. But God can work with those who trust God more than the possessions. Possessions insulate us from depending on God. Jesus calls us to offer EVERYTHING, including possessions in God's service. Nothing is so important that it is worth losing God over.