Matthew 19:1-15 “Home at Christmas”

“Home at Christmas”

The iconic image of Christmas is the crèche manger scenes of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. God gave us this picture to highlight His plan for marriage and for children. Yet Jesus is also mindful of those such as Himself who are not called to marriage but live a life as a single person.

I. A Trap –

A. The Pharisees did not want to gain wisdom from Jesus

1. Two popular views of divorce in Jesus’ day – Rabbi Shammai only allowed divorce for adultery

2. Rabbi Hillel believed divorce was allowed for “indecency.”

3. Indecency could be anything that the husband found lacking in his wife Rabbi Akiva allowed for divorce if the man found someone who was “prettier.”

4. However Jesus answered he would offend one side or the other

B. The Pharisees’ goal was to discredit Jesus (other examples are ; )

II. Wisdom –

A. Understanding the heart of man –

1. Jesus did not trust these men as desiring an answer, but only to fulfill their lust to study ways to get out of their marriages. Questions regarding divorce are divisive.

2. Jesus focuses on the proper purpose of marriage –

B. Some assert Jesus never addressed same sex marriage, yet He clearly taught and . This is history, not myth or symbol, as Jesus taught.

C. Misinterpretation of Scripture has tragic results –

1. The Pharisees thought Moses commanded divorce

2. Jesus corrects them –

3. God through Moses permits divorce in certain circumstances but God never commands divorce

D. The disciples then believe marriage is impossible –

1. We have a large number of young adults frightened by the high rate of divorce in our society

2. They are fearful of getting married

3. This teaching of our Savior’s follows

4. How many times must I forgive?

5. Marriage requires the work of Christ –

III. Singleness–

A. God calls some to singleness

1. Be content if you are married or single –

2. Marriage is a calling – not for personal satisfaction or fulfillment but in order to glorify God

3. Long, enduring marriages are a testimony today – your light shines brightly in a dark world of broken vows

B. Singleness does allow for great freedom in serving the Lord –

1. As single, seek fellowship with others – Jesus was part of the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus –

2. Jesus always had people around Him –

3. Paul always had many with him – Timothy, Luke, Sosthenes and others

IV. Little Children –

A. Disciples resisted having children around

B. Jesus welcomed the children – they were the models for His people –

May this Christmas season be the best for you as you give thanks for your situation in life and for the blessings of the children who are models of those who are in Christ’s kingdom