1. The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 19:1-15

2. The 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

3. The 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.

4. The 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).

5. The 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)

6. The 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!

7. The 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.

8. The 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.

9. The Gospel of Matthew Jesus Blesses the Children 19:13-15 Children Brought to Jesus Disciples Rebuke the People “Of Such is the Kingdom”

10. The 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).

11. The Gospel of Matthew Next Week: Matthew 19:16-30