Matthew 19

Matthew 19 begins with a question from the Pharisees about divorce. Jesus puts the correct interpretation on Moses certificate for divorce. It was not God’s original plan for man and woman to divorce, but because of our sin that caused it. Jesus did give one reason for divorce and that was marital unfaithfulness. If one really takes a deeper look at this passage they will find that Jesus is more of a pro-marriage advocate than being so anti-divorce. Jesus always holds his disciples to high standards. Living in a faithful marriage is the standard God desired from the beginning. Unfortunately, our sin sometimes keeps us from attaining this high standard. It is good to know that Jesus forgives us of our sins, but we should never cease from attempting to live holy lives. I do find it interesting that Jesus gives an exception clause to us if we are married to a spouse who is unfaithful. In my 30 plus years of being a pastor I have unfortunately seen many of my parishioners divorce. When it all shakes out 9 out of 10 of the time there was an affair or a want to be affair. Usually when couples are struggling if both parties want to work it out and no outside party is involved then the couple can work it out. A few times I have seen an abusive spouse who just would not change and those folks made marriage impossible, but most are not that severe.

Jesus then had children come to him and the disciples tried to send them away, but Jesus welcomed them. Jesus said, “… do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus spoke in the present tense. I smile every time someone says “youth are the future of our church.” Or, “children are our future.” Jesus made it plain that children and youth are our present.

Then Matthew records a rich young man coming up to Jesus and wanting to follow him. Jesus asked him to give away all his possessions and come follow him. The rich man could not do it. Then Jesus said those famous words, “… 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.” Some have pointed out that there actually was a gate that was referred to as the eye of the needle in which one could possibly squeeze a bended camel through. Whether that is what Jesus is referring to or not, I don’t know, but whatever it was with man it was impossible. The disciples were astonished that Jesus would refer to the rich like this because the common theology of the day was that the rich were blessed. Jesus made it plain that salvation was impossible without God. Humanity cannot save themselves.