The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 19:1-15

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus on Marriage 19:1-12• Jesus Questioned About Divorce

• Context of the Question

• “I Say to You…”

• Eunuchs for the Kingdom’s Sake

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus On Marriage 19:1-12• Pharisees Question Jesus (vs 3).

– Divorce for “any reason.”

• Context of the Question– Issue of debate among Jews – Deut 24:1-4– School of Shammai – only for fornication.– School of Hillel – for any cause.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus On Marriage 19:1-12• Meaning of Deuteronomy 24:1-4

– “Uncleanness” Heb. ‛ervah - nakedness, lit. referred to female private parts, fig. shame.

– This seems to refer to some type of sexual indecency or immodesty short of adultery.– Adultery required capital punishment (Deut 22:13-30).

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus On Marriage 19:1-12• Jesus’ First Answer.

– “At the beginning” (vs 4-5; Gen 2:24)– Two become one (no polygamy).– “God has joined” (cf. Mal 2:13-16).– “Let not man separate” (cf. I Cor 7:5)

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus On Marriage 19:1-12• Pharisees retort (vs 7)• Jesus’ second answer (vs 8-9)

– “The hardness of your hearts.” – Mosaic Law restrained cruelty.

– “From the beginning” - One Man, One Woman for Life!

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus On Marriage 19:1-12• Disciples’ reaction (vs. 10)

– Better not to marry!

• Jesus’ answer (vs. 11-12)– Eunuchs for the kingdom.– Jesus’ statement acknowledges that some will have to live without marriage in Christ.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus On Marriage 19:1-12• “I say to you” (vs 9)

– “Divorce” – lit. “put away” – This is an act committed against another.

– Remarriage of the one “put away” is always adultery (Luke 16:18; Mark 10:1-12; Mt 5:31-32).– “Fornication” Gr. porneia – sexual immorality in general. Sole cause for putting away.

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus Blesses the Children 19:13-15

• Children Brought to Jesus

• Disciples Rebuke the People

• “Of Such is the Kingdom”

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Jesus Blesses the Children 19:10-35

• Children brought to Jesus (vs. 13a).• Disciples rebuke them (vs. 13b).• Jesus rebukes the disciples (vs. 14).

– Of such is the kingdom (cf. Matt 18:1-5).

The Gospel of MatthewThe Gospel of Matthew

Next Week:

Matthew 19:16-30