DIVORCE
10 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
10 Jesus is moving south down the kings highway into Judea and then to the crossing at Jerico. He and his disciples will make the 17 mile journey from Jerico up to Jerusalem.
Why would asking Jesus about divorce be a temptation?
Then as now there was more than one opinion of what the Law of Moses meant. Rabbi Shammai and Hillel differed on acceptable reasons for divorce. The following statement is from the Mishnah.
Giṭ. 9:10 The House of Shammai say, “A man should divorce his wife only because he has found grounds for it in unchastity, “since it is said, Because he has found in her indecency in anything (Dt. 24:).” And the House of Hillel say, “Even if she spoiled his dish, “since it is said, Because he has found in her indecency in anything. R. Aqiba says, “Even if he found someone else prettier than she, “since it is said, and it shall be if she find no favor in his eyes (Dt. 24:1).”
If Jesus seems to take a side, He could alienate those with the opposing opinion.
He answers a question with a question. Thus requiring the most learned of Moses law to come up with an answer to their own question.
Their answer is technically correct, however the intent of the law was yet to be clarified.
Selfless Love is the answer. The technically correct answer is always self-serving, we twist the wording of the law to serve our purpose. Marriage was always meant to be the foundation of a loving society that would populate Gods world. Divorce was allowed because of our inability to love selflessly. To expound on this, if we loved our spouse, not only would we not break any of the commandments of God, in regards to them, we would put them first in all things. In a marriage this must be done by both parties, otherwise one will bear the burden of both, and perhaps feel abandoned by the other.
Therefore what "God hath joined together", means that if we enter into this Holy union, blessed of God. we must take it as seriously as our relationship with Him.
P.S. There are always exceptions to Gods law. They will always be based in love and His mercy.
I believe that a spouse that regularly breaks the commandments of God, in regards to their spouse, has not committed wholly to the relationship. Thou shalt not Murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, or covet thy neighbor's anything, would all be grounds for abandonment. This is my personal opinion, concluded through common sense review of scripture.
Then as now there was more than one opinion of what the Law of Moses meant. Rabbi Shammai and Hillel differed on acceptable reasons for divorce. The following statement is from the Mishnah.
Giṭ. 9:10 The House of Shammai say, “A man should divorce his wife only because he has found grounds for it in unchastity, “since it is said, Because he has found in her indecency in anything (Dt. 24:).” And the House of Hillel say, “Even if she spoiled his dish, “since it is said, Because he has found in her indecency in anything. R. Aqiba says, “Even if he found someone else prettier than she, “since it is said, and it shall be if she find no favor in his eyes (Dt. 24:1).”
If Jesus seems to take a side, He could alienate those with the opposing opinion.
He answers a question with a question. Thus requiring the most learned of Moses law to come up with an answer to their own question.
Their answer is technically correct, however the intent of the law was yet to be clarified.
Selfless Love is the answer. The technically correct answer is always self-serving, we twist the wording of the law to serve our purpose. Marriage was always meant to be the foundation of a loving society that would populate Gods world. Divorce was allowed because of our inability to love selflessly. To expound on this, if we loved our spouse, not only would we not break any of the commandments of God, in regards to them, we would put them first in all things. In a marriage this must be done by both parties, otherwise one will bear the burden of both, and perhaps feel abandoned by the other.
Therefore what "God hath joined together", means that if we enter into this Holy union, blessed of God. we must take it as seriously as our relationship with Him.
P.S. There are always exceptions to Gods law. They will always be based in love and His mercy.
I believe that a spouse that regularly breaks the commandments of God, in regards to their spouse, has not committed wholly to the relationship. Thou shalt not Murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, or covet thy neighbor's anything, would all be grounds for abandonment. This is my personal opinion, concluded through common sense review of scripture.
DIVORCE PRIVATE TEACHING
10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Truly I do not think Jesus is speaking to those that have suffered in a bad marriage. Gods commands, in regards to our relationships, tend to protect the vulnerable from abuse and oppression, male or female.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE LITTLE CHILDREN
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
In an adult setting, we can view children as a distraction. Jesus affirmed that children are an example of how to receive the kingdom of God. Trust, that knows no bounds.
WEALTHY YOUNG MAN
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Everything Jesus teaches seems to be upside down. This young man has kept the commandments, and has great wealth, yet he knows he does not have eternal life, the Holy spirit would be the one to convict him of this .(Gods grace is at work here.) We can keep the law and not know the savior. Wealth is not the issue, relationship to God is. I believe this can be a metaphor for the religious leaders, they will claim to have a relationship with God, yet they cling to the world of possessions and traditions, which allows them to break the commandments, and deny Jesus is the Messiah.
HOW HARD FOR RICH TO ENTER HEAVEN
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Jesus is using hyperbole. The security and sense of self reliance that wealth give us can be a stumbling block in our relationship with God. Wealth can be a useful tool when used to further the Kingdom of God.
Proverbs 30:8-9 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Proverbs 30:8-9 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
WHAT ABOUT US?
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
THIRD TIME JESUS ANNOUNCES HIS MISSION
32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
vs 32: They are making their way up the 17 mile road from Jericho (700 feet below sea level) to Jerusalem (2575 feet above sea level). Jesus led them and set the pace of the ascent. Knowing what awaited Him in Jerusalem, He did not consider a change in His mission. Contrast the disciples, who have now been told three times what will happen, and yet still refuse to believe.
vs 33: Chief priests and scribes made up the Sanhedrin , the leading Jewish council. They do not capital punishment authority under Roman rule, so they will have to hand Him over to the Gentiles.
vs 34: He will be humiliated and killed, but on the third day he shall rise victorious from the grave.
This retelling of the events to come, is still so contrary to the narrative the disciples have learned, they continue to deny the reality of it.
vs 33: Chief priests and scribes made up the Sanhedrin , the leading Jewish council. They do not capital punishment authority under Roman rule, so they will have to hand Him over to the Gentiles.
vs 34: He will be humiliated and killed, but on the third day he shall rise victorious from the grave.
This retelling of the events to come, is still so contrary to the narrative the disciples have learned, they continue to deny the reality of it.
This map shows the main north, south routes. The Via Maris is along the coastal plain and the Kings Highway is along the eastern mountain range. We can also see the 4 major linking roads from East to West that join the two.
JAMES AND JOHN TO SIT ON RIGHT AND LEFT
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
This request is perfectly situated after Jesus declares His mission.
vs 35: In Matthews gospel, James and Johns mother makes the request for them. Here we see our ability to continue to believe what we will, even when it contradicts the words of Jesus.
vs 36: Jesus is gracious.
vs 37: The seats of power.
vs 38: The cup of sacrifice for all our sins. The baptism of Gods wrath as a substitution for us.
vs 39: Each will in their own way drink the cup and be baptized with the baptism. James will be the first Martyr and John will be the last living Apostle.
vs 40: Jesus will not be the one to grant these seats of honor.
vs 35: In Matthews gospel, James and Johns mother makes the request for them. Here we see our ability to continue to believe what we will, even when it contradicts the words of Jesus.
vs 36: Jesus is gracious.
vs 37: The seats of power.
vs 38: The cup of sacrifice for all our sins. The baptism of Gods wrath as a substitution for us.
vs 39: Each will in their own way drink the cup and be baptized with the baptism. James will be the first Martyr and John will be the last living Apostle.
vs 40: Jesus will not be the one to grant these seats of honor.
THE GREATEST WILL BE THE SERVANT
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
vs 41: The ten were displeased. They hadn't thought to ask first.
vs 42-44: These verses sum up the change that Jesus came to implement on earth. The current understanding of ruling is no longer going to be what governs the disciples. They will need to change how they see leadership through servanthood. This will be the method of how the gospel will spread throughout the first and second centuries.
vs 42-44: These verses sum up the change that Jesus came to implement on earth. The current understanding of ruling is no longer going to be what governs the disciples. They will need to change how they see leadership through servanthood. This will be the method of how the gospel will spread throughout the first and second centuries.
HEALING BLIND BARTIMAEUS
46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.