1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”
1. Isn’t this a loaded question? for any and every reason?
There was a significant debate between Pharisaical parties on the correct interpretation of Moses’ divorce regulations (Deut. 24:1), as noted in this excerpt from the Mishnah, Gittin 9.10: “The school of Shammai says: A man may not divorce his wife unless he has found unchastity in her. … And the school of Hillel says: [He may divorce her] even if she spoiled a dish for him. …ESV
The Mosaic Law had permitted divorce on a broad basis: “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house”(Deut. 24:1).
Josephus, the celebrated Jewish historian, in his Life, tells us, with the utmost coolness and indifference, “About this time I put away my wife, who had borne me three children, not being pleased with her manners.”
A writing of divorcement—The following is the common form of such a writing.
“On the day of the week A. in the month B. in the year C. from the beginning of the world, according to the common computation in the province of D., I, N. the son of N. by whatever name I am called, of the city E. with entire consent of mind, and without any compulsion, have divorced, dismissed, and expelled thee—thee, I say, M. the daughter of M. by whatever name thou art called, of the city E. who wast heretofore my wife: but now I have dismissed thee—thee, I say, M. the daughter of M. by whatever name thou art called, of the city E. so as to be free, and at thine own disposal, to marry
whomsoever thou pleasest, without hindrance from any one, from this day for ever. Thou art therefore free for any man. Let this be thy bill of divorce from me, a writing of separation and expulsion, according to the law of Moses and Israel.
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ ? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” 7 “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. 9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
2. How does Jesus clarify this issue?
Jesus answered the question not on the basis of rabbinic custom and the debate over Deut 24:1, but rather from the account of creation and God’s original design. The Jewish term for marriage was Kiddushin. Kiddushin meant sanctification or consecration. It was used to describe something which was dedicated to God as his exclusive and peculiar possession. Anything totally surrendered to God was kiddushin. This meant that in marriage the husband was consecrated to the wife, and the wife to the husband. The one became the exclusive possession of the other, as much as an offering became the exclusive possession of God. That is what Jesus meant when he said that for the sake of marriage a man would leave his father and his mother and cleave to his wife; and that is what he meant when he said that man and wife became so totally one that they could be called one flesh. That was God’s ideal of marriage as the old Genesis story saw it (Gen 2:24), and that is the ideal which Jesus restated. Clearly that idea has certain consequences. BDSN
3. Then why did the Mosaic Law permit divorce?
Their citing Moses (Deut 24:1) and the bill of divorcement in opposition to Jesus showed their misunderstanding of that regulation. For the provision was a protection of wives from men’s caprice, not an authorization for husbands to divorce at will. —WBC
Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts—It is dangerous to tolerate the least evil, though prudence itself may require it: because toleration, in this case, raises itself insensibly into permission, and permission soon sets up for command. Moses perceived that if divorce were not permitted, in many cases, the women would be exposed to great hardships through the cruelty of their husbands: for so the word σκληροκαρδια (sklerokardia (sklay-rok-ar-dee’-ah) n.
1. hard-heartedness2. (specially), destitution of (spiritual) perception), is understood in this place by some learned men.The phrase underscores the truth that divorce is only a last-resort response to hard-hearted sexual immorality (v. 9). The stress is certainly on the word “permitted.” Thus Jesus clearly sides with the Shammai school of interpretation
From the beginning it was not so—The Jews named the books of the law from the first word in each. Genesis they always term Bereshith, בראשית, which is the first word in it, and signifies, In the beginning. It is probable that our Lord speaks in this way here, In Bereshith it was not so, intimating that the account given in Genesis is widely different. There was no divorce between Eve and Adam; nor did he or his family practice polygamy. But our Lord, by the beginning, may mean the original intention or design.—A CC
In our society the word fundamental has a negative connotation. We have a tendency to reinterpret some of the basic doctrines of God and spin them for our own evil purposes. Jesus had a tendency to always go back to the basic foundational principles and bring the critic back to the original intent. This is the issue with regard to our US Constitution. Should law be interpreted in light of the original intent of the founders or should law be interpreted in light of our changing society. Jesus would be viewed as a strict constructionist.
10 The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
4. Maybe we should all remain single and celibate?
For various reason some people can and should remain single and celibate, but Jesus makes it clear that if God gifts us that way then we should pursue that lifestyle, but if gifted with the desire and ability to marry we should do that.
The disciples’ conclusion in v. 10: “it is better not to marry.” This teaching is not meant for everyone. Jesus then gives three examples of persons for whom it is meant in v. 12. born that way. Impotent. made that way. By castration. have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.Those who have voluntarily adopted a celibate lifestyle in order to give themselves more completely to God’s work. Under certain circumstances celibacy is recommended in Scripture (cf. 1Co 7:25–38), but it is never presented as superior to marriage. NIVSN
The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs.4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.6 1 Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life. 2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husbandI say this as a concession, not as a command.7 But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness. 8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am.9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. 1 Cor 7:1-9(NLT)
The Little Children and Jesus
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
5. How can little children who know nothing of theology or the bible possess heaven?
They so easily believe and are not weighed down with false doctrine, skepticism and the care of the world. Children, who are so dependent, instinctively know there is a supreme provider.
“Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.” — St. Augustine of Hippo
Adults are busy trying to satisfy this restlessness with all the things of the world.
The Rich Young Man
16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 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.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
6. Who is this man asking about eternal life?
A man described as rich by all three synoptics, as young by Matthew, and as a ruler by
Luke (18:18), asks Jesus what he must do to inherit “eternal life.” Mark (10:17) also
states that the man “ran up to him” and “fell on his knees before him.”
It should also be noted, that what Jesus says here is to a particular individual under a particular set of circumstances. Therefore, some of Jesus’ statements are not globally applicable to everyone.
7. This man was obviously a Jew, why would he ask such a question?
It is possible that the young man overheard Jesus comment about the little children “for kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” which prompted this question about eternal life.
what good thing.—The man evidently thought that there was some one thing of merit so exalted that by doing it he would secure eternal life. The question presupposes a dissatisfaction and uncertainty in regard to what other teachers have said. The teachers of the Mosaic Law were teaching that entry into Heaven was through personal effort and perfection with regard to the Mosaic Law, which was not what the law was for.
Romans 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Lawcomes the knowledge of sin.
He is far from the humble faith that characterizes all who belong to the kingdom (vv. 13-15) as evidenced by the faith of a little child. In addition, he appears to believe that one great deed will earn God’s favor and gain him eternal life. Apparently, this was a common.
8. Why does Jesus answer his question with a question?
In Mark 10:18 we are told that the young man addressed Jesus as “Good Teacher”. Jesus is probing the young man’s understanding of the concept of “goodness”. Since only God is good, does the young man understand that Jesus is God in the flesh? Does he understand the complete and utter perfection of God and how it compares to the sinful nature of humans?
9. Which of the commandments had the rich young ruler neglected?
Jesus listed all the commandments which referred to our relationships with other people, to which the man replied he has kept. Jesus then goes to the heart of the young man’s problem.
Exodus 20:3 (NASB) “You shall have no other gods before Me.
He had disobeyed the first and most important of the commandments. His priorities were out of order. He had put his relationship with God behind his relationship to possessions.
10. Why did the man go away sad?
He was convicted by the words of Jesus. When faced with the choice as to what was most important in his life the young man knew he was not ready to put God first over his wealth. That he went away sorrowful rather than angry, speaks well for the young man. A man of extreme avarice, or of little
concern for eternal life, or of little faith in Jesus, would have been offended at the extravagance of the demand. His sorrow shows that he had respect for the authority of Jesus, that he really desired to seek eternal life under his guidance, and that it required a struggle to give up his purpose even for the sake of his great possessions. This is an example not of the worst class of rich men, but of that class whose love of their possessions barely preponderates over their desire to serve God with unswerving devotion.
11. Why did the disciples ask “who then can be saved”?
Again they were under the impression that people of wealth were favored of God and naturally would be the most worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The poor were viewed as less favored and less worthy in God’s eyes and now Jesus is telling them that the rich must repudiate their wealth in order to be saved. It didn’t make sense in their culture and worldview.
12. What’s all this about camels and needles and gates?
Jesus is painting a word picture here, illustrating the great difficulty those who have wealth are faced with when it comes to focusing on wealth as opposed to the things of God.
“Greed is good” “you must love money to get money” these are present day expression which most would not see a problem with in today’s society.
shall hardly enter.—Shall with difficulty(δυσκόλως)(duoskawlos) enter; that is, it will be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(The gate in Jerusalem known as “The Needle’s Eye” was built during the middle ages and was not in existence in Jesus’ day.) Jesus was saying rhetorically that it is impossible for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom, unless God (v. 26) intervenes. God must, through the power of the Holy Spirit break through the deception that the wealthy are living under. Like many things in life, wealth, fame, ambition, status, romantic love, education etc. only an intervention from God can turn an impossible situation into one where we see our error and are able to correct it.
13. “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Well, what about it?
Far from being destitute, we have not lost anything which will not be restored multiple time more than it’s worth.
Matthew 10:42 (NET) And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, I tell you the truth, he will not lose his reward.
1 Corinthians 6:3 (NKJV) Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?
1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
· .
ESV………….ESV Study Bible Notes
· MSN…….MacArthur NASB Study Notes
· NIVSN…..NIV Study Notes.
· JVM ….J Vernon McGee,
· ACC …. Adam Clarke’s Commentary
· BN …..Barnes Notes
· WBC…… Wycliffe Bible Commentary
· CN …… Constables Notes
· IC……….Ironside Commentary
· NET………Net Bible Study Notes.
· JFB…………..Jamieson Fausset Brown Commentary
· VWS……………..Vincent Word Studies
· CMM………….Commentary on Matthew and Mark
· BDSN…………..Barclay’s Daily Study Bible (NT)
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