Learning Jesus | Week 26
Learning Jesus Week 26
First to Fear Last to Grow
Key Word – power & position >> Central Passage – Days 3 & 4
Day 1
In today’s text, Jesus answers a question about divorce. We know that for many of you this may be a difficult passage that surfaces some tension and pain. Please know we are praying for you. This passage may also surface some questions. At the end of this week’s lesson, we have provided a Biblical Position on Divorce and Remarriage that we hope will address your questions.
Background Notes – Jesus has left Galilee and is in the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, the same Herod who had John the Baptizer beheaded at his wife Herodias’ request. Herodias was offended because John rebuked Herod for divorcing his wife to marry Herodias. In this text, the Pharisees ask Jesus if a man can divorce his wife for ANY reason because if His answer displeases Herodias, then Herod may have Jesus beheaded as well. At this time in Israel, the Pharisees were divided on how to interpret Deuteronomy 24:1 and what constituted a legitimate reason for divorce. The school of Hillel taught that a husband could divorce a wife for any reason, but the school of Shammai taught a husband could only divorce his wife if she were guilty of fornication, any form of sexual immorality.
Read Matthew 19:1-12.
1. We know God created us to enjoy a relationship with Him and one another. These relationships are how we bring glory to Him. Review Matthew 19:4-6.
o How does God’s creation of male and female bring glory to God? (v4)
o Why does a husband and wife becoming one flesh bring glory to God? (vs5-6)
2. The fall changed humanity’s relationship to God and other people, including the relationship of a husband and wife. How could a husband and wife fail to bring glory to God? (vs6-9)
Background Notes – When Jesus says, “from the beginning it was not so,” He is referring to God’s design for marriage revealed in Genesis 2. Paul also refers to “the beginning” when he calls God’s will of two becoming one flesh a mystery: “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). A mystery in the New Testament was something that had not been revealed in the Old Testament.
After Christ ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit indwelt believers at Pentecost and the Church was born. In the Old Testament no one knew that marriage would prefigure Christ’s oneness with His Church. Paul describes how a husband should nourish and cherish his wife just as he would his own flesh because they are one. To this he adds “just as Christ does the church.” Christ nourishes and cherishes the church because we are one with Him.
3. If God commands a husband and wife to remain one, can His power enable them to remain one? What would depending upon God look like for both the husband and wife?
Background Notes – Since Matthew is writing to a Jewish audience, he only includes Jesus stating that a man may divorce his wife for sexual immorality; however, Mark is writing for a Roman audience and he includes Jesus stating this: “ and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:12), so Jesus does not support the Jewish stance that gives freedom to men but not to women to seek divorce if their partner violates their marital contract by committing adultery. Note, however, that Jesus is not saying that a person MUST seek divorces when their partner is unfaithful.
Jesus’ disciples decide it is better not to marry if one cannot divorce his wife for any reason. When Jesus states, “Not everyone can receive this saying,” He means not everyone would be able to withstand the temptation to not engage in sexual relations if they remained single all their lives. Paul teaches later that some receive the spiritual gift of singleness and are able to withstand the temptation. These are called to singleness so that they can focus on ministry (1 Corinthians 7:1-7).
Day 2
Read Matthew 19:13-22.
Background Notes – We learn from Luke 15 that this young rich man is a “ruler;” This means he is an influential person in Jewish society, perhaps even a ruler of a synagogue. He calls Jesus “good,” using the word agathos, which means “intrinsically good.” So Jesus answers the ruler’s question with a question by basically asking, “Why do you call me intrinsically good if only God is good?” The ruler, however, remains silent.
But let’s imagine that the rich man said, “You are God; that is why I call you good!” Had he answered this way, then the ruler would have answered his own question correctly. And this answer would show that the ruler trusted Jesus as the Messiah. By faith alone, he would have entered into eternal life, an eternal relationship with the Father as a dependent child through Messiah Jesus. Given his silence, consider why Jesus commands this man to sell his possessions. This is not a command He gave to others who sought to follow Him.
1. The Position of Earthly Children and the Position of Children of God
o How do earthly children’s position compare to the position of rich men?
o Jesus does not command every would-be follower to sell his possessions. Read Matthew 19: 20-21 again. How would this rich man’s earthly position change if he had sold his possession?
o How would the now poor man’s heavenly position change if he had sold his possessions to follow Jesus?
Read Matthew 19:23-30.
Background Notes – Some commentators try to read a whole lot more into Jesus’ simple hyperbole. The safest way to interpret metaphor in any literature is to ask what is the literal meaning first and then move to the figurative meaning. A camel is literally large, the eye of the needle, literally tiny. When the Bible makes clear sense, do not attempt to complicate it unnecessarily. Figurative language is meant to make simple comparisons that reveal deep meanings for those willing to meditate upon simple figures.
2. Think through Jesus’ metaphor by meditating on why it is impossible for a rich person to seek God. Why does Jesus conclude that with God all things are possible?
3. Only the apostles will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
o What are your thoughts on Matthew 19:29? Is this a promise that will be fulfilled in heaven or could it also be fulfilled on earth? What does it teach you about God?
o It seems impossible from our worldly perspective that “the first will be last and the last first.” What about this passage encourages you to trust this paradox is true in Christ?
Day 3 – Luke 18:31-34 and Matthew 20:20-29
Background Notes – Last lesson we learned the Sanhedrin began to plot Jesus’ death after He raised Lazurus from the dead. Although Jesus is still on the east side of the Jordan so that He can safely instruct His disciples, everyone knows He is determined to go to Jerusalem, which is inside the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrin. And they are afraid (Mark 10:32). As Jesus makes His LAST trip to Jerusalem, He teaches for the third time and with the most vivid detail about God’s plan for His atoning death and victorious resurrection.
1. Power, Position, and Panic
o What details regarding Jesus’ suffering contrast with what the world teaches about power? (Luke 18:31-34)
o What kind of power do James and John (and Mama Salome) want? (Matthew 20:20-22)
o How does James and John’s ambition affect the other disciples? (v24) Why do you think that is?
o How is our desire for power connected to our deepest fears?
o What kind of leader is a follower of Christ? (vs26-28)
o Why can a follower of Christ, a child of God be this kind of leader?
o What is the only thing Jesus promises James and John? (v23)
Background Notes – Matthew states that Salome, James and John’s mother, approached Jesus on behalf of her sons, but Mark writes that James and John approach Jesus seeking these exalted positions on their own using these words: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you” (Mark 10:35). There is no discrepancy; Mark simply brings these sons of thunder out from behind their mother’s skirts.
Jesus uses the word “cup” here and again in the Garden of Gethsemane to refer to the cup of God’s wrath that will be poured out upon Him. He will be baptized into suffering. Anyone who believes that Jesus died to pay the price for their sins and then rose on the third day is baptized by Christ into the Holy Spirit. In Him we have union with Christ and so we die and rise with Him. This means we partake in His suffering just as Jesus warned these two brothers. James was the first apostle to be martyred; and John’s baptism was to be exiled on the island of Patmos.
2. How is it that disciples who are the first to fear that they need more power and a higher position are the last to grow?
3. Meditate on the full message of these passages and pray through them with prayers of praise, confession, and petition. Write anything the Holy Spirit taught you.
Optional Memory Verse – “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first”Matthew 19:29-30
Day 4
Following the two brothers’ request for glory are two stories where Jesus meets the desires of two humble men. Remember Jesus is on the brink of Jerusalem where He knows He shall suffer and die. But on the way, He ministers. Imagine you are James and John watching Jesus turn from denying your request to granting the requests of blind Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus the tax collector.
Read Mark 10:46-52.
Background Notes – Since Jewish leadership rejected Jesus, He has only been healing Jews if they seek Him in faith for a personal need. Bartimaeus does that, but he refers to Him as the Son of David. This is a Messianic title, so Jesus does not immediately respond to Bartimaeus’ request because Israel rejected Him as the Son of David.
1. According to Abarim Publications, the name Bartimaeus means “son of uncleanness.” Because we fell at the tree of knowledge of good and evil, we are unclean, and blind people exist.
o Enjoy how Mark has described Jesus and Bartimaeus’ words and actions. What is so refreshing about Bartimaeus’ interaction with Jesus?
o Why did Bartimaeus receive what he most wanted when James and John did not? (See Mark 10:35-39).
Read Luke 19:1-10.
Background Notes – According to the Mosaic Law, a person who wronged another must restore what was lost with a twenty percent penalty (Leviticus 5:16; Numbers 5:7). Jewish tax collectors wronged their people because they collected more than Rome required and kept the difference for themselves. A chief tax collector demanded a cut from the tax collectors who reported to him, so he was both most wealthy and most guilty of those who wronged the people.
2. According to Abarim Publications, the name Zacchaeus means “pure” or “Yahweh is pure.” Because Jesus rose from that cursed tree, we are made pure in God’s eyes.
o Enjoy how Luke has described Jesus and Zacchaeus’ words and actions. What is so refreshing about Zacchaeus’ interaction with Jesus?
o Why did Zacchaeus receive what he most wanted when James and John did not?
3. Meditate on the full message of these passages and pray through them with prayers of praise, confession, and petition. Write anything the Holy Spirit taught you.
Day 5
Background Notes – Since He has been rejected, Jesus will not be setting up the kingdom when He arrives in Jerusalem. As Jesus journeys toward His Passion, He has been ministering to seekers like Zacchaeus while preparing His disciples for ministry by example and instruction. After Jesus ascends to His throne, the disciples will be making disciples and preparing them for ministry by example and instruction until...the King returns. This parable covers that interim time between Jesus’ first and second coming. Jesus tells it because the disciples “supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately” (Luke 19:11).
Read Luke 19:11-28.
1. The Master – This parable hinges on what people believe about the principle character: the master or nobleman. What do the details in Jesus’ parable reveal about the master’s position and true character?
2. The People
o Compare the citizens of the parable to the Jewish generation described in the gospels. (v14)
o How are the citizens judged? (v27)
o The master gives each servant one mina, but of the three servants referenced in the parable each uses the mina differently (See v12-13; 15-20). Reflect on how you see disciples today living in the interim of Jesus’ first and second coming use what God has given them. Include those who walk faithfully and those who do not.
o What does this parable teach us about how Jesus will reward disciples who produce fruit for Him?
o If a person is a regenerated believer but produces no fruit, what will he/she enter heaven with? Read 1 Corinthians 3:15 to see how it supports the master’s judgment for the servant who did not trust the master (Luke 19:21-25).
3. Meditate on the full message of this passage and pray through it with prayers of praise, confession, and petition. Write anything the Holy Spirit taught you.
REFLECTION Questions
These questions along with the Central Passage will usually be the focus of your group’s discussion each week.
From Day One to Day Five, Jesus taught about how every believer has the position and the power to bring glory to God. He either taught about or ministered to these people – singles|husbands|wives and children|adults and rich|poor and apostle|disciple and beggar|repentant thief and ten- minas-servant| five-minas-servant. However, He also taught about how we can fail to bring God glory.
1. Consider that James and John had walked with Jesus for three years while Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus were new followers and the rich man never followed at all. Answer both bullets below if you can.
o Share a time you sought worldly power and position. What fears and desires motivated you?
o Share a time you grew in being secure that your position and power are in Christ. What desire now motivated you? How did God increase your influence?
2. Consider the influence we have in our city as disciples of Christ. Pray that we would not fall through the worldly traps of power and position and right into our enemy’s hands but that we would enjoy the security already ours in the Father’s hands.
COMMUNITY GROUP TIME
• Discuss the Central Passages questions. (This week that is Days 3 and 4.)
• Open Share Time -- Allow time for each to share “starred” insights or questions from Days 1-5. Allow others to respond to the shared insight.
• Is anyone able to recite all or part of Matthew 19:29-30?
• Discuss Reflection Questions.
• Close in prayer.
A Biblical Position on Divorce & Remarriage – Grace Bible Church
The issue of divorce and remarriage is one that requires great care in several areas of consideration. First, and foremost, we must gain an understanding of God’s design for marriage as well as how He views and addresses divorce. Second, we must be sensitive to the very real pain that exists in a person’s life either due to a marriage in distress or one that has already ended in divorce. Finally, we must take a close look at the culture/society we live in and its view of marriage, and whether that view has had too much influence on our own personal view of marriage. This brief summary position on divorce and remarriage is far from exhaustive, but does provide a position that is biblically based.
The primary passages that were used to develop this summary are as follows:
Matthew 5:32 and Luke 16:18. These two passages resemble each other in being isolated sayings concerning divorce. Their content is also similar. Both have two parts. The first states that the man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery (Luke) or causes his wife to commit adultery (Matthew). The second states that whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The major difference between these two accounts is Matthew’s famous “except on the ground of unchastity” clause.
Matthew 19:3–9 and Mark 10:2–12. These two passages also resemble each other. Their content and wording are also quite similar. Both state that a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. The main differences between them is that Matthew once again has an exception clause—“except for sexual immorality,” and Mark has “and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mk 10:12). For the sake of clarity, no difference is meant between the use of “unchastity” (Mt 5:32) and “sexual immorality.” They are both translated from the same word.
1 Corinthians 7:10–15. To Jesus’ sayings Paul adds an additional command in 7:12–15 which entertains a new situation in which an unbelieving spouse leaves the believing partner. Paul urges the believer to continue the marriage if the unbelieving partner consents, but if the unbeliever desires to separate—that is, to divorce—then so be it. The believer is not “bound.” Thus Paul adds to the ideal of continued marriage the realization that the believer really cannot do anything if his or her unbelieving mate chooses to divorce.
From these passages, several things must be concluded:
1. God has intended marriage to be permanent, with no human ever separating what God has joined
(Mt 19:6). This is the biblical ideal that should be sought with all our heart. The marriage is to reflect God’s never-ending love and commitment to us, regardless of our actions. Therefore, the proper manner in which to enter a marriage is with the idea that under no circumstances (except death) will you marry another individual. Regardless of your spouse’s behavior, you choose to remain faithful until he or she dies or you die. “Remaining faithful” to the marriage covenant does not necessarily require living with a wayward partner under harmful circumstances. It simply means remaining available to reconcile if the guilty party repents. (See book of Hosea for an example of this.)
2. God has made an exception in two areas: (1) sexual immorality (2) an unbelieving spouse abandoning the marriage. The idea of sexual immorality involves more than just adultery. It most likely refers to any perverse sexual activity a spouse persists in engaging in with no intent to preserve the sanctity of the marriage (i.e. prostitution, homosexuality, public indecency, pornography, sodomy, etc.) God does not command the faithful partner to divorce the unfaithful partner. The ideal is still to pursue restoration, especially if the guilty party has repented and is willing to reconcile. The biblical ideal would be for the offended party to remain faithful to the marriage covenant until the guilty party formally dissolves the marriage by remarrying another. (See note on “remaining faithful” under #1.)
3. If anyone divorces for illegitimate reasons and enters into another marriage, he or she is committing adultery. This is true even if your spouse initiates the divorce against your will. You are bound to being faithful to the marriage covenant until your spouse acts in such a way as to dissolve the marriage (i.e. acts in a sexually immoral way. In this instance, remarriage by the one who initiated the illegitimate divorce would be a sexually immoral act that would free the other partner to marry).
Who, then, can be married in our church, Grace Bible Church?
1. Those who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, and
a. Have never been married previously.
b. Have been married previously, but the marriage was dissolved through biblical exceptions of sexual immorality or abandonment by unbelieving spouse.
c. Those who experienced a divorce before becoming a Christian (this exception is based on the assumption that unbelievers would not know, nor have the ability to understand or meet God’s standards for marriage. Likewise, there is no true marriage apart from what God has ordained).
d. A person may go through a divorce that does not meet the above conditions and still qualify to remarry if one of the above conditions becomes true after the unbiblical divorce occurs. For example, two Christians may divorce for unbiblical reasons. They would not qualify biblically to remarry. However, if one of them remarries anyway (which would be considered adultery), the remaining spouse would then be free to marry due to the immorality of the marrying spouse (see Mark 10:2-12; Matthew 19:3-9). In this situation, careful counsel and self-examination and adequate spiritual restoration should take place before entering into another marriage.
What if I divorced in an unbiblical manner, but have acknowledged it and sought forgiveness?
Praise God for His grace in helping you work through this. Know that forgiveness is always available for whatever sin we have committed (1 John 1:9). However, forgiveness of our sins does not always remove the earthly consequences or responsibilities associated with it, nor does it approve us for further sin. The Bible states that if one has been divorced for improper reasons, they commit adultery by remarrying. For a church to approve and perform a marriage that does not meet biblical standards would both harm the individuals involved (because all sin is harmful) as well as the testimony of Christ’s Church. For a church to approve a marriage that does not meet biblical standards would be to approve adultery. It would be better in God’s eyes and in the life of an individual to remain single if marrying would mean violating God’s revealed truth. There is never an eternal benefit from sin, regardless of whether it may appear better at the present time. Therefore, until a person meets one of the above circumstances, Grace Bible Church will not perform a marriage.