February 11, 2022
Scripture Resource Passage: Matthew 19
Soul’s tremble at the break-up and dissolution of a marriage. Sadness has her day as tears also flow from heaven’s court.
Many of us are children of those sad times. Yet, God has been active in our souls and brought healing with new life in Christ.
Watching the placements and emphases of Biblical stories can help disciples appreciate deep truths. Given society’s turbulence around marriage and family, we are well advised to seek the wisdom of Jesus. I acknowledge that many may not agree to the following words. Whatever your view of marriage, please consider the concluding applications about children
God sets into place an axion of marriage. Jesus, in Matthew 19, quotes the words of Genesis 1 and 2, reminding disciples of every generation: “Haven’t you read,” he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’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’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”
Jesus affirms a lofty goal. He confirms its spiritual dimension; of this there is no doubt. There is also an intriguing part of Scripture’s record found in Matthew 19.
The beautiful words of intrigue begin immediately after the speech on marriage truths. We ought not to miss the mercy of God which focuses our attention. Pregnancy and childbirth, with or without the benefit of marriage or the sadness of divorce, often produces children.
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there” (Matthew 19:13-15).
Life Applications
Do you find important truths communicated by Matthew 19’s apparent intentional close grouping of these two teachings?
When the sadness of divorce occurs what are some of the unintended consequences?
What are real-life applications for groups of disciples who believe Jesus welcomes all children?
Spiritual passion, physical expressions of love and money’s demand, each weave complexity around our hearts. What purposeful strategies of caring for children work well?
Thank you for reading. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Grace and peace to each of you and for our children–may God’s peace reside within them.
Dr. Andrew Simkins 