Divorce, Children And Wealth

Do our churches avoid talking about divorce and money because we are embarrassed? Should children be seen and not heard? Let’s examine what Jesus has to say about these important topics in Matthew 19.

Divorce

What was the question that the Pharisees asked?

When Jesus finished saying these things, he left Galilee and came to the area of Judea on the east side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them. Some Pharisees came to him. In order to test him, they said, “Does the Law allow a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:1-3 CEB)

What basic principle did Jesus give?

Jesus answered, “Don't you know in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman? That's why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple God has joined together.” (Matthew 19:4-6 CEV)

Why did Moses allow divorce?

They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:7-9 ESV)

Is it better not to marry?

His disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry!” But He told them, “Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those it has been given to. For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” (Matthew 19:11-12 HCSB)

What if an unbelieving spouse divorces us? Has an abusive spouse also in effect left the marriage?

But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the believing husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace. (1 Corinthians 7:15 NLT)

Divorce is the exception and not the rule. How should we treat divorced people in our churches? Should we err on the side of grace and mercy or judgmental legalism? You decide!

Children

How did Jesus treat little children?

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. (Matthew 19:13-15 KJV)

Wealth

Should we keep the commandments? Which ones? Why does Jesus never command keeping the Sabbath?

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do so that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Then he said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 19:16-19 NASB)

What could the young man not do? Should we also sell everything, and live in poverty, or was this young man being invited to be Jesus’ disciple and later an apostle?

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 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.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:20-22 NIV)

Nicholas of Myra (Saint Nicholas) obeyed this, but did not sell everything at once, rather spending his life giving away an inherited fortune to genuine needs. What principle did Jesus teach about wealth and the kingdom? Is it possible for a rich person to enter?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:23-26 NLT)