Matthew 19
Exploring Matthew 19: Jesus on Divorce, Singleness, and God's Design
In Matthew 19, Jesus is asked about the topic of divorce, a subject that resonates with many of us, whether personally or through those close to us. As we dive into the first part of this chapter, we are challenged not only by the specifics of divorce but also by how Jesus calls us to understand relationships in light of God's creation and intent. So, let’s spend some time reflecting on this passage and what stands out to us.
Jesus Redefines the Question on Divorce
In verses 3-6, the Pharisees ask Jesus, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" This question reflects the division among different Jewish teachers at the time, who debated the grounds for divorce. Some, like Rabbi Hillel, allowed divorce for almost any reason, while others were stricter. However, Jesus doesn't simply pick a side. Instead, He goes back to the creation account, quoting Genesis 2:24, where God establishes the covenant of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
This brings us to a crucial point: Jesus isn't just concerned with the legalities of divorce; He points to the bigger picture—the original design for marriage. God's heart for marriage, according to Jesus, is one of permanence and unity. In our world, where divorce is unfortunately all too common, this reminder of God’s intention for marriage is both encouraging and convicting.
When Is Divorce Permissible?
While Jesus upholds the original creation design, He acknowledges that there are real and painful situations where divorce is permissible. As we explore His words, it becomes clear that the two primary reasons for divorce are adultery and abandonment in 1 Corinthians 7:15. These are difficult realities, and Jesus does not take them lightly. He recognizes that these betrayals break the sacred trust and covenant of marriage.
That said, the conversation around abuse is often brought up when discussing divorce, though it’s not explicitly mentioned in this passage. While it is not explicit in scripture, some argue that certain forms of abuse may fit the biblical grounds for divorce by violating the essence of the marriage covenant. This is a sensitive issue, and it’s important for us to approach it with compassion, understanding, and wisdom.
Embracing Singleness and Celibacy
In verses 10-12, Jesus expands the conversation to include eunuchs—those who choose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. This is a challenging and perplexing teaching, especially in a culture that elevates marriage as the ultimate goal. But Jesus emphasizes that both singleness and marriage are valuable and necessary for the kingdom of God. Singleness, like marriage, can be a gift, a calling, and a way to serve God more fully. In 1 Corinthians 7:38 Paul says it is better to remain single!
In this passage, Jesus reminds us that God's kingdom requires both married couples and single individuals. He calls us to a life that honors Him, whether through the commitment of marriage or the dedication of singleness. This broadens our understanding of relationships and invites us to embrace both statuses as part of God's redemptive plan for the world.
A Call to Seek Truth with Humility
As we reflect on this passage, one key lesson stands out: we are called to approach Scripture with humility. The Pharisees sought to trap Jesus with their questions, trying to find a loophole or a way to justify their own agendas. However, Jesus' response invites us to dig deeper into God's Word, not with a desire to prove a point or justify ourselves, but with the intent to understand God's heart and align our lives with His will.
This is not always an easy task, especially when we are dealing with hurt or difficult circumstances, like the pain of divorce or the confusion around singleness. But as we seek the face of God through Scripture, we are invited to trust that He will guide us to truth and healing.
As we move forward into discussions on relationships, sexuality, and marriage in the coming months, we are encouraged to lean into these conversations with openness, not shying away from hard truths, but seeking God’s wisdom and grace to live in a way that reflects His heart. Whether you're navigating the complexities of marriage, singleness, or another aspect of God's design for relationships, remember that we are all called to live out His truth, empowered by His love.
Let’s continue this journey together, trusting that as we engage with Scripture and one another, we will grow in our understanding of God’s plan for our lives and His kingdom.
The Rich Young Man: A Call to Give Our Whole Hearts to Jesus
This young man approaches Jesus with an earnest question: "What good thing must I do to get eternal life?" He’s already following many of the commandments, yet he feels there’s something missing. When Jesus invites him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him, the young man walks away sad. His wealth has a hold on his heart, and it prevents him from fully embracing the call to follow Jesus.
The Heart of the Matter: What Do We Lack?
When we pause to reflect on this interaction, we can’t help but see ourselves in the rich young man. Like him, we may ask, "What do I lack?" This question is a moment of personal honesty—an opportunity to open our hearts before God and ask Him to show us the areas where we fall short, where we are holding back. Jesus, in His grace, doesn't simply answer with a list of do's and don'ts; He invites us into a relationship where He helps us surrender our hearts to Him fully.
In this passage, we see the young man’s inability to let go of his wealth. Jesus doesn't condemn him for his possessions but reveals that his wealth has become an idol in his heart. His material possessions are in the wrong place—hindering his ability to experience the fullness of life that comes from following Jesus. This is where we can ask ourselves: what do we hold onto that stands in the way of following Jesus with our whole hearts? Is it money, status, or something deeper—like a comfort zone that keeps us from stepping out in faith?
Following Jesus: A Whole-Hearted Commitment
Jesus calls us to give our entire hearts to Him. He doesn’t want just a part of us; He desires everything. This isn’t about perfection, but about surrender—choosing to trust that His way is the best way. Whether it’s our relationships, work, finances, or even our hobbies, Jesus wants to be the Lord of all of it. This is where we are challenged. It’s easy to hold on to pieces of our lives that bring us comfort or security, but Jesus calls us to release them into His hands, trusting that He knows what's best.
The rich young man’s response shows us that it’s hard to let go. There’s sadness, grief even, when we realize what we must give up to fully follow Jesus. But just like the story of Beckett Cook—a man who found freedom and joy in following Jesus after a season of resistance—we too can experience the abundant life Jesus promises when we let go of the things that hold us back.
Jesus Makes the Impossible Possible
When the disciples ask, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus responds, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” This is the good news: while it may feel impossible to give up the things we hold most dear, God is with us, empowering us to make the hard choices and to follow Him fully. As we look to Jesus—the One who gave His life for us—we are reminded that He is capable of transforming our hearts. Our job is simply to follow Him, trusting that He will give us the strength and joy to do so.
In this season of reflection, let us ask ourselves: are we holding back from Jesus in any area of our lives? What would it look like if we truly gave Him our whole hearts? May we each respond to His invitation to follow Him with everything we have, knowing that in doing so, we will find freedom, joy, and eternal life.
