Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth - Matthew 19

T h e G os p el o f Matthew Jesus the King Controversy: What’s the apparent problem? Controversy: What’s the apparent problem? Misunderstanding: What didn’t they get? Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy: What’s the apparent problem? Misunderstanding: What didn’t they get? Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy: What’s the apparent problem? Misunderstanding: What didn’t they get? Spiritual issue: What’s the real problem? Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #1: The debate about divorce Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #1: The debate about divorce Historical context: Rabbi Shammai - divorce is only justified for a wife’s adultery Rabbi Hillel - divorce is permitted for almost any reason • having physical defects which made her unattractive • not doing enough jobs around the house • going outdoors with her hair down • speaking so loudly in the home that neighbours could overhear • overcooking her husband’s meal • the husband finds another woman who was prettier. Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #1: The debate about divorce Historical context: Rabbi Shammai - divorce is only justified for a wife’s adultery Rabbi Hillel - divorce is permitted for almost any reason • having physical defects which made her unattractive • not doing enough jobs around the house • going outdoors with her hair down • speaking so loudly in the home that neighbours could overhear • overcooking her husband’s meal • the husband finds another woman who was prettier. Prevailing belief: Easy divorce is permissible What does Jesus declare? (19:4-6) What does Jesus declare? (19:4-6) • God created two separate genders: male & female • In marriage, these “two” (male and female), become “one” • God has an active role in this marriage union • No human should break this union What does Jesus declare? (19:4-6) • God created two separate genders: male & female • In marriage, these “two” (male and female), become “one” • God has an active role in this marriage union • No human should break this union What does Jesus clarify? (19:8-9) What does Jesus declare? (19:4-6) • God created two separate genders: male & female • In marriage, these “two” (male and female), become “one” • God has an active role in this marriage union • No human should break this union What does Jesus clarify? (19:8-9) • Moses permitted divorce because of your hardness of heart • Divorce was never God’s original intention • To divorce (except for sexual immorality) then remarry is adultery What does Jesus declare? (19:4-6) • God created two separate genders: male & female • In marriage, these “two” (male and female), become “one” • God has an active role in this marriage union • No human should break this union What does Jesus clarify? (19:8-9) • Moses permitted divorce because of your hardness of heart • Divorce was never God’s original intention • To divorce (except for sexual immorality) then remarry is adultery 1st Misunderstanding: Marriage is a life-long, covenantal relationship. Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #2: Parents of children rebuked Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #2: Parents of children rebuked Historical context: Laying hands upon and praying a blessing over children was a cherished custom in Jewish culture. Prevailing belief: Children are of lesser value than adults Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #2: Parents of children rebuked Historical context: Laying hands upon and praying a blessing over children was a cherished custom in Jewish culture. Prevailing belief: Children are of lesser value than adults What does Jesus declare? (19:14-15) • Children should be welcomed, not rejected • Children’s lives instruct us about God’s kingdom Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #2: Parents of children rebuked Historical context: Laying hands upon and praying a blessing over children was a cherished custom in Jewish culture. Prevailing belief: Children are of lesser value than adults What does Jesus declare? (19:14-15) • Children should be welcomed, not rejected • Children’s lives instruct us about God’s kingdom 2nd Misunderstanding: Children are worthy of our time and attention. Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #3: A wealthy man fails to enter God’s Kingdom Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #3: A wealthy man fails to enter God’s Kingdom What does Jesus reveal to this man? (19:17-21) • His failure to understand Divine goodness • His inflated view of his own goodness • He loved something else more than God Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #3: A wealthy man fails to enter God’s Kingdom What does Jesus reveal to this man? (19:17-21) • His failure to understand Divine goodness • His inflated view of his own goodness • He loved something else more than God Prevailing belief: Wealth was evidence of God’s blessing Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #3: A wealthy man fails to enter God’s Kingdom What does Jesus reveal to this man? (19:17-21) • His failure to understand Divine goodness • His inflated view of his own goodness • He loved something else more than God Prevailing belief: Wealth was evidence of God’s blessing What does Jesus teach the disciples? (19:32-26) • It’s difficult for rich people to enter God’s kingdom Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #3: A wealthy man fails to enter God’s Kingdom What does Jesus reveal to this man? (19:17-21) • His failure to understand Divine goodness • His inflated view of his own goodness • He loved something else more than God Prevailing belief: Wealth was evidence of God’s blessing What does Jesus teach the disciples? (19:32-26) • It’s difficult for rich people to enter God’s kingdom • What’s humanly impossible is possible with God Misunderstandings About Marriage, Children & Wealth Controversy #3: A wealthy man fails to enter God’s Kingdom What does Jesus reveal to this man? (19:17-21) • His failure to understand Divine goodness • His inflated view of his own goodness • He loved something else more than God Prevailing belief: Wealth was evidence of God’s blessing What does Jesus teach the disciples? (19:32-26) • It’s difficult for rich people to enter God’s kingdom • What’s humanly impossible is possible with God 3rd Misunderstanding: You can’t serve God and money