Matthew 19 - Divorce and the Danger of Riches

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Divorce

We know that "divorce" is a common thing in our society. Statistics show 50% of marriages end up in divorced. This is true for both Christian and non Christians. So Jesus' teaching is as relevant today as it ever was. 

In Jesus' day divorce was mainly the perogative of the man. Here are what two fine New Testament commentators have to say about how divorce was practiced in the 1st century Jewish culture.

In theory, the Jews of that day had a high ideal of marriage. Yet they had a low view of women. “The Jews had very low views of women…A wife was bought, regarded as property, used as a household drudge, and dismissed at pleasure.” (Bruce) Today, men also have a low view of women; tragically, women also have a low view of women, and often reject the idea that women should be different than men in any way.

Their low view of women meant that their high ideal of marriage was constantly compromised, and those compromises were made into law, as with the thinking of Rabbi Hillel. Under the thinking of Hillel, “a man could divorce his wife if she spoiled his dinner, if she spun, or went with unbound hair, or spoke to men in the streets, if she spoke disrespectfully of his parents in his presence, or if she was a brawling woman whose voice could be heard in the next house. Rabbi Akiba even went the length of saying…that a man could divorce his wife if he found a woman whom he liked better and considered more beautiful.” (Barclay)

The bottom line is Jesus reaffirms the clear, scriptural teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman. God has created us as men and women to be united physicially, emotionally, and spiritually in the covenant of marriage. A man and a woman become one flesh in God's eyes. This is a reality that can only be understoood by God, much like Jesus is fully man and fully God. This why Catholics regard marriage as a sacrament.  

To divorce one's spouse is to break apart the sacred bond which has been created by God. This bond is affirmed by the covenant promise a husband and wife make to each other. This is the most important part of the wedding service, despite the fact that it is often not given the prominence it is due. 

Now for a pastoral word. We know there are many people in the pews each Sunday who have gone through the pain of a divorce from their spouse. In my counseling with many divorced people,  there is usually a lot of pain, guilt, and shame to go around. Oftentimes it is a result of one person being unfaithful. Those who have endured a divorce with their spouse need healing. 

There has been much damage done where the church has either condemned, shamed, or even sadly enought kept divorced people out of fellowhsip in the church. People who have been through the hardship of divorce need to be in an environment where they can encounter healthy relationships with the opposite sex. The church should be a place of healing not condemnation.  

The Little Children and Jesus

This is the third time Jesus has brought up the subject of little children, which shows how important they are to him and should be to us. We all need to be more child-like in our faith and in our relationship with God the Father. Why? Because to these little ones belongs the kingdom. Entering and living in the kingdom is predicated on childlike faith trusting in the Father. Jesus also placed his hands on the children, nnother sign of his deep love for them. 

The Little Children and Jesus

Jesus also teaches on the trapping of riches. We live in a world today of rampant materialism where the motto is, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins." There are many people for whom the accumulation of wealth and toys is their main purpose in life. Sadly when they get to the end of their lives what a empty feeling it must for them to realize "You can't take it with you!" 

In this case when Jesus challenges the rich, young ruler, the young man cannot part with his riches. Jesus is not against being "wealthy" per se, but the danger of it becoming our god. It is a slippery slope. I have met many wealthy Christians who are very generous with their money by giving above and beyond the tithe. They usually support numerous other worthy charities as well. 

In fact, I believe God blesses people with even more material resources when they show themselves to be faithful with what God has given them. 

"Whoever is faithful in a little will be given more!" Luke 16:10

Finally, Jesus says something that is often misunderstood. He says, 

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24

Once again Jesus is clearly using metaphor here. It is ridiculous to think a camel could go through the eye of needle. Some have absurdly tried to prove this by saying there was a place called the "eye of the needle", where camels had to squeeze by. 

“The camel, the largest common animal, trying to squeeze through the smallest imaginable hole.” (France)

So what is His point? Jesus is saying it is impossible to serve both God and money. Matthew 6;24

This is true with any sin. You can't follow God when you are in slavery to someone or something else. 

Is there any activity, behavior, or person you could potential become enslaved to? How does this hinder your relationship with God, and his kingdom purpose for your life? Pray for those who are addicted! The 12 Step Programs (I.e. Alcoholics Anonymous) is the only true way I have seen to truly help people to break free of addiction and maintain long term sobriety. Of course, the 12 steps are all biblical principles and this is why it works!