Sunday School Lessons

AUGUST 16, 2015

 

BLIND BARTIMAEUS

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  As Jesus and His disciples were about to begin the final leg of their journey to Jerusalem, the disciples were still at a loss to understand what Jesus had repeatedly said to them about the betrayal, trial, suffering, and death that awaited Him there. They would later recall these sayings with understanding. (John 2:19, 22)

2.  It is significant that Jesus, Who was going to Jerusalem to become a curse for sin, routed His approach through Jericho, the city of the curse, where He would lift the curse of sin from some who dwelt there. When He entered and passed through Jericho He singled out and called Zacchaeus, one of its prominent citizens, (Luke 19:1-9) and as He went out of Jericho, He responded to the cry of a blind beggar who sat outside the gate.

3.  Christ came to bring light to a dark world; to open the eyes of the spiritually blind. Thus, this example of blind Bartimaeus is one that we would have sin-blinded souls to imitate, so that they might receive their spiritual sight; that Christ might enlighten their world of darkness.

 

I.  HEARING THAT JESUS OF NAZARETH WAS PASSING BY HE EARNESTLY CRIED OUT TO HIM BEGGING FOR MERCY. (VERSES 46-48)

A.  HE REALIZED HIS WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY WAS CLOSING QUICKLY “AND AS HE WENT OUT OF JERICHO.” (VERSE 46)

1.  Jesus had entered Jericho and abode that day at the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:3), but now, He was leaving Jericho, never to return again.

2.  Jesus was now passing by (Luke 18:37), and had not Bartimaeus cried out when he did, the Savior would soon have been gone.

3.  As he heard the passing of this great number of people, and as he sat by the highway side, he knew that for him it was now or never.

4.  Oh, that sinners would not despise or take for granted their day of grace and cry out, “Pass me not O gentle Savior, hear my humble cry; while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by.”

B.   FOR BLIND BARTIMAEUS, HIS EARS BECAME HIS EYES. (VERSE 47; ROM. 10:17)

1.  Even in his darkness, he was made to see Jesus, and recognize Him as the Son of David. He knew from what he had heard, that this was the Messiah of whom the prophets had spoken. (II Sam. 7:12; Isa. 53:4; Jer. 23:5; Mal. 4:2; Luke 4:18)

2.  Though physically blind, the eyes of his understanding had been opened, and he called on Jesus out of a sense of need.

3.  His dawning faith believed in Jesus’ power to help him because of the credible witness of others.

4.  This is not the exception, but rather the standard rule with those who come to Christ.

C.  HIS WELL-FOUNDED CONFIDENCE DISTINGUISHED ITSELF IN PERSISTENCE. (VERSE 48)

1.  No one prompted this poor blind man to call out to Christ; no one, that is, other than the Holy Spirit.

2.  His persistent and urgent plea was prompted by the knowledge that Jesus was passing by. Needy souls must understand that the Holy Spirit will not always strive with man. (Gen. 6:3) The window of opportunity must be accessed immediately. (II Cor. 6:1, 2)

3.  His faith, despite much resistance and opposition, continued to importune the Savior. “…and many charged him that he should hold his peace.”

a)  Seeking souls will always face discouragements. Satan will always provide opposition to those who are seeking salvation.

b)  Truly awakened souls will not be prevented. Attempts to dissuade Bartimaeus only incited him to cry out a great deal more, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.”

c)  Importunity is a certain mark of divine grace at work. (Gen. 32:26)

d)  Notice the Lord Himself will often put true faith to the test in this way. Even Jesus did not immediately respond to his plea. But that faith which is the work of the Holy Spirit will not be denied. It will get the attention of the Savior, and He will grant its request.

II.  THE EARNEST AND PERSISTENT SEEKING OF BLIND BARTIMAEUS DREW A FAVORABLE RESPONSE FROM THE LORD JESUS. (VERSE 49) It did not matter how others acted, or what they said. The one who really mattered heard him favorably.

 A.  THE EARNEST CRY OF THIS NEEDY SOUL STOPPED JESUS IN HIS TRACKS. “AND JESUS STOOD STILL.”

1.  Jesus’ face was set steadfastly to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), but this poor man’s cry stayed Him. The very purpose for which He was going there was to die for sinners. Would He then pass one by for whom He was to lay down His life?

2.  Since Jesus has died for sinners, we know that He will not pass by those who cry out to Him for mercy. (Rom. 10:13)

B.  HOW ACCOMMODATING JESUS IS TO THOSE WHO DESIRE HIM. “JESUS STOOD STILL, AND COMMANDED HIM TO BE CALLED.”

1.  He stood still, so as not to be a moving target for a man who could not see, but must walk toward the sound of His voice.

a)  Jesus was not playing “hide and seek.”

b)  The Gospel is not given in secret codes to be deciphered, or riddles to be untangled. It is given by REVELATION. It’s message is clear and plain.

2.  Jesus commanded to call the man. This was both a rebuke and an encouragement.

a)  A reproof to those disciples who had charged the man to be quiet.

b)  An encouragement to His disciples. He is pleased to use human instruments to call needy souls to come to Him for their cure.

(1)  Only He can work faith in the hearts of men. Only He can issue the effectual call.

(2)  We, however, can issue to general call by inviting sinners to come.

3.  This was glorious news to poor blind Bartimaeus. They said to him, “Be of good cheer, He calleth thee.”

III.  BLIND BARTIMAEUS MADE THE MOST OF HIS OPPORTUNITY. (VERSE 50) Mark tells us that he “casting away his garment (outer tunic), rose, and came to Jesus.

A.  HE THREW OFF HIS RESTRAINTS. “Casting away his garments…”

1.  Those that would be saved must rid themselves of whatever would keep them from coming to Christ.

2.  Sinners must cast off the old garment of sin, and put on Christ.

3.  Christians must lay aside all weights that would beset them. (Heb. 12:1)

B.  HE SPRANG TO HIS FEET AND CAME TO JESUS. “He…rose, and came…”

1.  “Rose” is literally jumped up.

2.  He came to Jesus, apparently unassisted. He did not wait to be brought. Once he heard them say, “He calleth thee,” he sprang to his feet and came. Thus, the call of Christ is effectual, making the sinner both willing and able to come.

IV.  JESUS IMPARTED THE BLESSING THAT WAS SOUGHT, AND MUCH MORE. (VERSE 51, 52; LUKE 18:41-43)

A.  NOTICE JESUS REQUIRED THAT THE MAN ACKNOWLEDGE HIS NEED, AND STATE IT.    (VERSE 51) “What wilt thou?”

1.  The Great Physician questions His patient, not for His own information, but to prove him.

2.  Penitent sinners must get to Christ, and take with them words. (Hos. 14:2)

B.  NOTICE, ALSO THAT BLIND BARTIMAEUS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT JESUS, THE SON OF DAVID, IS LORD. “…and he said, LORD, that I may receive my sight.”

C.  JESUS GRANTED HIS PETITION, AND RESTORED HIS SIGHT. “Jesus said unto him, receive thy sight.” (Luke 18:42a)

D.  JESUS BESTOWED A MUCH GREATER BLESSING THAN WAS ASKED. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” (Luke 18:42b)

E.  THE EVIDENCE OF BOTH THE TEMPORAL AND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS WERE IMMEDIATE. (VERSE 52)

1.  He immediately received his natural sight.

2.  He immediately began to follow the Lord.

F.  TYPICAL OF ONE WHOM THE LORD HAS SAVED, HE RENDERED ALL GLORY TO GOD. (LUKE 18:43)

1.  He followed Christ, glorifying God.

2.  The people also gave praise to God.

CONCLUSION:

1.  As the Gospel is preached in our hearing, let us, like blind Bartimaeus, seize the moment and the opportunity that is ours by the grace of God.

2.  Knowing that hearing the Gospel is not a right, but a blessed privilege, do not allow nay-sayers, like those who went before, to discourage you in coming to Christ.

3.  Do not let Jesus pass you by. The earnest, desperate cry of a soul in darkness will stop the Lord in His tracks, as it were. He will not pass by a seeking sinner crying out for mercy.

 

AUGUST 9, 2015

 

HONORED SERVANTS

 

INTRODUCTION:

1.  As Jesus was making His way up to Jerusalem to keep the Passover, He was quite aware that He was going there to be Himself offered as the true Passover.

2.  Thus, He will again remind His disciples of His divinely ordained mission about which He had twice before spoken to them.

a)  The first mention of it drew a strong protest from Peter, who, in turn, received a sound rebuke from his Master. (Ch. 8:31-33)

b)  The second mention, like the first, was not understood by the disciples, but they were afraid to inquire as to what He meant. (Ch. 9:31, 32)

c)  The third mention, which we have in our present passage, drew no response at all from them. It was as if they did not hear it.

3.  The only response, as it were, was a very ambitious request made by James and John.

a)  This request was most inappropriate, especially given these circumstances.

b)  Their presumptuous request reflects the exact opposite attitude to that of their Master.

4.  It is the two contrasting attitudes between Christ and His disciples that we will be considering.

I.  THE MIND OF THE LORD JESUS WAS TAKEN UP WITH THOUGHTS OF HIS OWN HUMILIATION AND DEATH. (VERSES 32-34)

A.  JESUS WAS RESOLUTE AND DETERMINED AS THEY WERE GOING UP TO JERUSALEM. “AND THEY WERE IN THE WAY GOING UP TO JERUSALEM, AND JESUS WENT BEFORE THEM.”

1.  Luke tells us that “He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)

2.  He, like the great Captain that He was, went before them.

3.  Notice, the disciples were amazed. Apparently, even though they lacked understanding, they were becoming aware of the dangers that lay ahead.

a)  When we face danger it is not ordinarily on purpose that we put ourselves in harm’s way.

b)  Jesus knew what awaited Him at Jerusalem, and still, He set His face like a flint to go there. (Isa. 50:7)

c)  Let us never forget what it was that so motivated Him. He was going there to redeem us form sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Heb. 9:12, 28; 10:5-7, 10, 12-14)

B.  THE DISCIPLES, ON THE OTHER HAND, WERE TIMOROUS AND FAINT-HEARTED AS THEY WERE GOING UP TO JERUSALEM. “AS THEY FOLLOWED, THEY WERE AFRAID.”

1.  They were afraid for themselves.

2.  They should have been ashamed of their lack of courage, especially seeing the boldness of their Master.

C.  THE METHOD JESUS USED TO QUELL THEIR FEARS WAS NOT WHAT ONE MIGHT HAVE EXPECTED. (VERSES 32b-34)

1.  He called them aside and began to speak with them again about what was going to take place at Jerusalem. That which filled His great heart was most frightening to them.

2.  He did not, however, go about to sugarcoat the matter, and somehow make it sound better than it was. He fed them with no hopes that He might escape the storm.

3.  He simply repeated again what He had often told them before, the things that should happen to Him. He knew the worst of it, and let them know the worst of it.

a)  There was no remedy, nor was He looking for one. The matter was determined, and could not be avoided.

(1)  The covenant cause could not be changed; God’s purpose must be carried out.

(2)  The Holy Scriptures were clear, they must be fulfilled. (Luke 24:25-27)

b)  It was only He, the Son of Man that would suffer, for their time of suffering was not yet. (John 18:8)

4.  There are, however, words of hope and comfort in Christ’s words, if they can only hear them. “He shall rise again.” The issue of His suffering will be glorious to Himself, and advantageous to all that are His.

5.  The particulars of Christ’s sufferings are more largely foretold here than in any other of the accounts. (Verses 33, 34) Christ had perfect foresight, not only of His own death, but of all of the aggravating circumstances of it, and yet He went forth to meet it.

6.  Our Lord dwelt on His passion, and so must we. “We preach Christ crucified.”

a)  We are thankful for His perfect life, but without His vicarious death, we have no salvation.

b)  The Gospel is simply this: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and He was buried; and He rose again according to the Scriptures. (See I Cor. 15:1-4)

II.  THE MINDS OF THE DISCIPLES WERE OCCUPIED MORE WITH THEIR OWN HONOR AND EASE. (VERSES 35-41)

A.  JAMES AND JOHN WERE NOT AT ALL SHY ABOUT ASKING FOR PLACES OF PROMINENCE. (VERSES 35b-37)

1.  Notice, they hoped to get an affirmative response first, before actually making their self-seeking request.

a)  This would indicate that they knew they were asking amiss.

b)  Matthew tells us that it was actually their mother (no doubt sent by them) who made this request on their behalf. (Matt. 20:20ff)

2.  Jesus did not take the bait, but instead, asked that they be more specific. “What would ye that I should do for you?”

3.  Their request to be able to sit on either side of Christ in the Kingdom indicates that they were looking for an earthly kingdom. None of the disciples as yet understood the nature of Christ’s Kingdom.

4.  Many have been led into a snare by false notions of Christ’s Kingdom, as if it were of this world, or like the kingdoms of this world.

B.  WHAT JESUS SAID TO JAMES AND JOHN REGARDING THEIR REQUEST WAS MEANT FOR  ALL. (VERSES 38-40)

1.  Jesus said, “Ye know not what ye ask.” Had they known what their request included, they may not have been so forward with it. They knew they wanted an exalted place, but were they prepared to meet the requirements? If they were to share the King’s exalted position they must also share in His “cup” and in His “baptism.”  (Verse 30)

2.  Jesus asked, “Can ye drink of the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with.” Perhaps they too hastily answered, “We can,” not knowing what was in that cup, and what that baptism consisted of.

3.  Jesus predicted, “Ye shall indeed drink…” (Verse 39)

4.  Jesus conceded, “But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand, is not mine to give, but shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.” (Verse 40)

a)  Notice, He did not say that no such honors would be granted.

b)  Quite the contrary, He indicated that those very honors were prepared for those who would receive them. Matthew’s account reads: “…prepared OF MY FATHER.”

C.  THE OTHER DISCIPLES WERE APPARENTLY OF THE SAME MIND AS JAMES AND JOHN.  (VERSE 41)

1.  They, when they heard what James and John said, were much displeased’ they were moved with indignation. (Matt. 20:21)

2.  Their indignation was not because of the ambitious spirit that their brethren displayed, but rather that they were trying to rise above them. This becomes clear in what Jesus next said to them all.

III.  JESUS CALLS UPON THE TWELVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT HONOR IN HIS KINGDOM IS NOT ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF MEN. (VERSES 42-45)

A.  THE GREAT GENTILE MONARCHIES WERE NOT THE STANDARD. (VERSES 42, 43)

1.  In earthly kingdoms, princes ruled by authority, and dignity was given to the pompous and powerful.

2.  In great contrast, Jesus declares that in His Kingdom the rule would be one of love, and the dignity would be that of service.

a)  The lowliest is the most honored.

b)  He who serves most is the greatest.

c)  When we find ourselves thinking like the disciples were, may we hear these words, “But it shall NOT be so among you.” We must not hunt after office, power, and influence.

B.  CHRIST HIMSELF IS THE GREAT STANDARD AND MODEL FOR HIS DISCIPLES. (VRS. 44, 45)

1.  Chief among the saints is the one most given to service. (Verse 44)

2.  The KING HIMSELF is the greatest example of condescending love and service that has ever been or ever shall be. (Verse 45)

3.  Those for whom the most honorable places in the Kingdom have been prepared by the Father are those who are most like Christ in humble and loving ministry to others for His sake. (See Phil. 3:5-11)

 

 

JULY 19 / JULY 26, 2015

 

JESUS AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER

 

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Our present passage contains two examples, which represent two opposite attitudes with respect to how folks approach Christ.

a)  The young children exemplify the kind of unreserved trust that gains entrance into the kingdom of heaven. (Vs. 13-16)

b)  The rich young ruler may be seen as a representative example of countless souls who have been prevented either because of self-righteousness or love of riches. (Verses 17-27)

2.  Let us learn from these examples.

I.  JESUS AND THE CHILDREN. (VERSES 13-16)

A.  THE CHILDREN WERE BROUGHT EXPECTANTLY TO JESUS. (VERSE 13a) “…and they brought young children to Him.”

1.  Apparently, the children ranged in age from infancy upward. Both Matthew and Mark use the Greek work padia, which means children, the same word that Jesus here used when He said, “suffer the children to come unto me.”  Luke, however, in recording the same event used the Greek work brephos, which means infant or babe. Thus, we gather that some of them were babes in their mothers’ arms, while others were children who were perhaps led by a parent or guardian to Jesus.

2.  While all of these children were brought to where Jesus was, apparently some came unto Him of their own will. These are an example to all, whatever the age. (Matt. 18:2, 3)

3.  There was nothing threatening about Jesus that would frighten these children, many of whom, being allowed by their parent, came to Him of their own.

4.  Many of these children were infirmed in some way, and were brought to Jesus by their mothers and nurses, so that He might touch them and heal them.

5.  Others, of whom Matthew tells us, were brought to Jesus so that He might “put His hands on them and pray.”  They desired His blessing.

6.  Let all who are entrusted with the care and upbringing of children be as loving and wise as those in our text.

a)  When they are sick, we surely desire Him to touch them and make them well.

b)  More importantly, however, let us bring our children to Jesus for their spiritual healing. Let us bring them to Him in prayer. Let us bring them to Him by acquainting them with His Word. Let us bring them under the teaching and preaching of the Gospel at every opportunity, and plead for His blessing upon them.

7.  We do not imagine that we can bring our children to Christ in an effectual way. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. We have no covenant children, but we must be none the less resolved to bring our children to Jesus by every biblical means available to us.

8.  May all of us who are members of this church, see ourselves as spiritual mothers, faithfully nurturing the children of our congregation, and continually bringing them to Jesus by prayers and supplications.

B.  JESUS HAD TO CORRECT HIS DISCIPLES FOR THEIR LACK OF COMPASSION. (VERSES 13b, 14)

1.  The disciples, we must assume, thought that this was a bother to their Master.

2.  Their actions may have revealed their own heart attitude, but not their Master’s. (Compare Matt. 15:23)

3.  Jesus was not at all disturbed because of the children coming to Him, however, He was much displeased with the actions of the disciples.

4.  Our text reveals two duties which we have respecting our children.

a)  Bring them to Christ.

b)  Forbid them not to come to Him. We must not in any way hinder them.

C.  JESUS SAW IN THESE CHILDREN AN EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF CHILD-LIKE FAITH THAT ALONE GAINS ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. (VERSE 15)

1.  Jesus loves the little children, and their unpretentious, unreserved trust was to Him, most pleasing.

2.  Not only is child-like faith the only way to enter Christ’s Kingdom, it is also the key to achieving greatness through service. (Matt. 18:1-4)

D.  JESUS GRANTED TO THE CHILDREN THE BLESSING THAT WAS DESIRED. (VERSE 16)

1.  He took them up in His arms. This is symbolic of how He cares for all of His little ones. (Isa. 40:11)

2.  He put His hands upon them, and blessed them. He did not baptize them, but touched them and blessed them. It is the Savior’s touch that our children need.

II.  JESUS AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER. (VERSES 17-22) The designation rich young ruler is familiar to all, yet ironically, the young man so designated is nowhere called by that title in Scripture. It is a compilation, if you will, gathered from the three synoptic accounts of his story. All three writers refer to him as rich, while only Matthew mentions that he was young, and Luke informs us that he was a ruler.

A.  THIS YOUNG RULER CAME WITH GREAT URGENCY TO JESUS WITH LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS. (VERSE 17)

1.  He was clearly quite concerned, for he came running and kneeled to Him. This was doubtless strange behavior for one who, like Nicodemus, was a ruler among the Jews. Also, like Nicodemus, he must have realized that Jesus was from God, for he kneeled to Him.  (Compare John 3:1, 2) He also addressed Jesus as “Good Master.”

2.  He asked the right question, but with a very wrong presupposition. “What should I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

a)  Whether wittingly or unwittingly, his question was worded properly in that he wished to know who he might inherit eternal life. Eternal life is inherited as a birthright. One must be born of God in order to inherit it.

b)  However, his presupposition made his question a contradiction. “What must I DO that I might INHERIT eternal life?” Typically, he supposed that eternal life was a reward for something done, rather than something inherited as a birthright.

B.  JESUS INITIAL ANSWER EXPOSED THE YOUNG RULER’S SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. (VERSES 18, 19)

1.  Jesus asked, “Why callest me good?” Did he do so wittingly, acknowledging the deity of Christ? “There is none good but one, that is God.” (Verse 18)

a)  Had he recognized Christ’s deity; that would have been a hopeful sign.

b)  More likely, he was simply acknowledging a goodness in Christ like unto his own goodness. That would not be a hopeful sign.

2.  Jesus gave a most literal answer to the question as it was asked. (Verse 19)

a)  The only way that one can have eternal life as a reward for doing is to keep the whole Law perfectly.

b)  Jesus began to quote commands from the Second Table of the Law. Although this may have pleased the young man, it would soon become apparent that he did not love his neighbor as himself, which is the sum of the Second Table. (Matt. 22:39)

C.  THE YOUNG RULER WITHOUT HESITATION PROFESSED TO HAVE KEPT ALL OF THE COMMANDMENTS. (VERSE 20)

1.  He, like the self-righteous Saul of Tarsus before his conversion, claim to be blameless touching the Law. (Phil. 3:6)

2.  When Jesus said to him, “there is none good but one, that is, God,” he clearly did not agree.

3.  Not only had he, according to his confession, kept the whole Law, but he had done so all of his life. “All these have I observed from my youth.”

4.  The young man then, having so confidently responded, asked the Lord, “What lack I yet?” (See Matt. 19:10)

D.  JESUS, KNOWING WHAT WAS IN HIS HEART, NARROWED IT DOWN TO ONE THING THAT HE LACKED. (VERSE 21)

1.  Jesus here put his character to the test, and exposed his vital deficiency, putting the lie to this man’s claim to have kept the Second Table of the Law. Clearly, he did not love his neighbor as himself.

2.  This test also exposed his idolatry, showing that he was also breaking the First Table of the Law, the sum of which is to love God supremely. (Matt. 22:37, 38) He did not love God supremely. He loved his riches more than God.

3.  Let us be clear, Jesus is not here saying that eternal life can be purchased with money, or that philanthropy is a sure ticket to heaven. Neither is he saying that wealthy people can only be saved if they give up all of their wealth. He was simply putting his finger on the one thing in the rich young ruler’s life that he valued more than his soul. How is it with us? Is there one thing that is not negotiable; one area that is off limits?

4.  In spite of this man’s outward morality, good reputation, and sincerity, he was unregenerate. One must be born again in order to inherit eternal life.

E.  THE MAN WAS APPARENTLY NOT WILLING TO MAKE UP WHAT WAS LACKING. (VERSE 22)

1.  He counted the cost and found it to be too great, for he had great riches.

2.  He went away grieved, still lacking the one thing needful.

III.  THE DISCUSSION THAT JESUS HAD WITH HIS DISCIPLES FOLLOWING THE RICH YOUNG RULER’S SAD DEPARTURE. (VERSES 23-27)

A.  FROM THIS SAD EXAMPLE, JESUS INFERS HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR MEN WHO TRUST IN RICHES TO ENTER THE KINGDOM. (VERSE 23)

B.  SEEING THE ASTONISHMENT OF HIS DISCIPLES, JESUS REITERATED WHAT HE HAD SAID. (VERSE 24)

C.  THE DIFFICULTY IS SO GREAT AS TO MAKE IT VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE. (VERSE 25)

D.  THE DISCIPLES BECAME YET MORE ASTONISHED, AND EVEN DISPARING. (VERSE 26)

1.  They knew that the Jewish teachers taught that the Spirit of God chooses to reside with rich men.

2.  They knew also that men generally aspire to be rich, even those who are not rich.

3.  They seem to despair of any being saved if even the rich are so scarcely saved.

E.  JESUS THEN ALLEVIATED THEIR DESPAIR BY REFERRING TO THE ALMIGHTY POWER AND GRACE OF GOD. (VERSE 27)

1.  With men it is impossible.

2.  But God can do the impossible.

3.  Apart from the mighty power and grace of God, the fact is, none could be saved, either the rich or the poor.

IV.  THE DISCIPLES DESIRED TO KNOW WHAT RECOMPENSE THERE WOULD BE FOR THEM, CONSIDERING THE SACRIFICE THEY HAD MADE. (VERSES 28-30) They had heard what Jesus said to the rich young ruler in Verse 21 about selling all, giving to the poor, and having treasures in heaven. They had not sold all, but they had forsaken all, therefore, what might they expect to gain thereby?

A.  WHAT PETER HERE SAID RESPECTING THE SACRIFICE OF THE TWELVE WAS ESSENTIALLY TRUE. (VERSE 27)

B.  JESUS, WITHOUT ADDRESSING WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE QUESTION, GAVE ANSWER TO THE TWELVE. (VERSE 29, 30)

1.  Anything he gives up for sake of Christ and His Kingdom shall be restored a hundredfold. Even in this life, wherever Christ’s people are, we have family, companies, accommodations, and providers for all circumstances.

2.  But, beyond this life, when time ceases, we have the endless of eternal life.

3.  The Christian cannot lose. He has all things necessary for the present life, plus the life which is to come. (I Tim. 4:8)

B.  JESUS CONCLUDES HIS ANSWER BY DECLARING THAT PRECEDENCE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF GRACE. (VERSE 31; SEE MATT. 20:1-6)

 

 

JULY 12, 2015

 

JESUS AND THE LAW ON MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

1.  Soon after the transfiguration and the event that took place immediately afterward, Jesus and His disciples retired for a little while to Capernaum, their Galilean headquarters. We considered in our last lesson some of the more private counsel that Jesus had for His disciples during this brief period of retirement. This was a period in which Jesus was in a very special way devoting Himself to the task of training The Twelve. That is why He did not want the general public to know His whereabouts. (See Ch. 9:30, 31, 33-50)

2.  Jesus’ Galilean ministry now pretty much completed, and the brief time of retirement over, He arose from thence, and began to make His journey eastward. The final months of His ministry will take Him east of Jordan into Judea. The events which this gospel writer narrates lead from there by way of Jericho to Jerusalem, and from the temple at Jerusalem to the various stations of the Passion Week. He does not return to Galilee until after the resurrection. (Matt. 28:16)

3.  As our Lord came into the coasts of Judea folks began to gather to Him. It was not, however, only the needy multitudes that gathered around Him, but His foes also came.

I.  CROWDS OF PEOPLE WERE SOON ASSEMBLED AROUND, EACH PERSON HOPING TO RECEIVE A BLESSING FROM HIM. (VERSE 1) Wherever Jesus went the people flocked to Him. He had traveled to the far western border of the land, i.e. to the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He now journeys to the easternmost border, for the whole land of Canaan was His perish. As He now returns to these parts, the people resort to Him again.

A.  MANY NEEDY SOULS CAME TO HIM.

1.  Jesus welcomed the multitude. He did not attempt to hide Himself except when there was something of a more imminent importance that required it.

a)  When He would seek a place for private communion with His Father. (Example Ch. 1:35)

b)  When He saw a need to come apart with His disciples for sake of their spiritual refreshment. (Ex. Ch. 6:31)

c)  When he needed to devote Himself more particularly to the training of The Twelve. (Example Ch. 9:30, 31)

2.  There are valuable lesson for us here.

a)  Let us count it a joy to minister the Gospel, and welcome every opportunity.

b)  Let us also realize, however, that we cannot minister effectively if we neglect our own souls’ needs.

(1)  We must not neglect private prayer.

(2)  We must seek refreshment for our own souls.

(3)  We must sit at Jesus’ feet and learn of Him.

B.  JESUS MINISTERED TO THE PEOPLE. “HE TAUGHT THEM AGAIN.”

1.  He had been there before, and taught them, and now He taught them again.

a)  All who are taught of Him, whether directly by Him, or indirectly through His ministers, have a need to be taught again and again.

b)  Some who only heard outwardly before, may have heard savingly with ears of faith this time.

2.  Matthew adds that He healed them. His cures were to confirm His doctrine and to recommend it.

3.  How good is our gracious Lord to teach and teach again, even to appeal to men’s hearts time and time again. See that you refuse not Him that speaks.

II.  THE PHARISEES ALSO CAME TO MEET HIM IN ORDER TO DISPUTE WITH HIM. (VERSES 2-8) The Pharisees, who were insanely jealous of Him, and envied His success and progress, which confirmed His claim to be the Messiah, did everything in their power to obstruct and oppose Him. They tried every way to prejudice the people against Him. Their intention here is to do just that by trying to put Him at odds with Moses.

A.  THEY PROPOSE A QUESTION TO JESUS CONCERNING DIVORCE IN ORDER TO TRAP HIM.  (VERSE 2) “IS IT LAWFUL FOR A MAN TO PUT AWAY HIS WIFE?”

1.  This was a good question if it had been asked humbly, and with a desire to know the answer.

2.  However, it was not asked in a spirit of humility, but rather to try and ensnare Christ. “The Pharisees came to Him, and asked Him…tempting Him.”

3.  What malicious frauds the Pharisees were! They cared nothing for instruction. All of their questions for Christ were loaded questions. They thought they had Him in a corner, that whichever way He answered they had Him.

4.  Nothing was truly sacred to these religious hypocrites, not even the institution and covenant of marriage. The question was even worse than it here appears according to Matthew’s account “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” (Matt. 19:3)

B.  JESUS’ ANSWER TO THE QUESTION IMMEDIATELY DERAILED THEIR PLOT. (VERSE 3) “What did Moses command you?”

1.  Their intention was to pit Christ against Moses, but His answer testified of His respect to the Law of Moses.

2.  He came not to destroy the Law which He gave to Moses. He would instead have them to exercise impartial and universal respect for Moses’ writings, and to take the whole of what He said.

C.  THEY GAVE A FAIR ACCOUNT OF WHAT MOSES HAD TO SAY. (VERSE 4)

1.  They acknowledged that Moses did permit divorce, but there had to be a bill of divorcement. It had to be put in writing. (Deut. 24:1ff)

2.  Their question, as seen in Matt. 19:3, they here answered for themselves.

a)  Obviously a man could not put away his wife for any and every cause.

b)  His cause must be put in writing; it must be put in her hand, and he must never return to her again.

c)  It was a very serious action, and could not be done on a whim, and doubtless, the process itself served to prevent the action in many cases.

D.  JESUS, IN HIS ANSWER, RECONFIRMED THE DOCTRINE WHICH HE FORMERLY LAID DOWN. (VERSE 5; MATT. 5:32) He had in the Sermon on the Mount said that whosoever puts away his wife, except for fornication causeth her to commit adultery.

1.  Thus, He here shows that the reason why Moses in his law permitted divorce ought to in itself be enough to cause them to steer clear of it. It was for the hardness of their heart that the provision was made.

2.  One can only imagine what such hardness as would call for such a provision might cause a man to do to his wife.

E.  THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF MARRIAGE WHICH MOSES RECORDED IS SO STRONG OF A REASON AGAINST DIVORCE AS TO AMOUNT TO ITS PROHIBITION. (VERSES 6-9; GEN. 2:18-24; EPH. 5:28-31)

1.  Whatever laws, customs, or provisos may come along, nothing can displace that which was from the beginning of  creation. (Verse 6a)

a)  It is particularly satisfying that Jesus drew His indisputable answer to this question from the original creation.

b)  God Himself instituted marriage. He created man, and woman from man, and put the twain together as one.

c)  It matters not what religious leaders may say, or what society thinks, or what the Supreme Court decides on the matter; Jesus Himself points us to the definitive answer. God decided it in the beginning of creation. (Verse 6)

2.  Jesus made them to recall the nature and significance of the marriage union. (Verses 7, 8)

a)  Clearly, and this was not even under question at the time, marriage is between one man and one woman. (Verse 6b)

b)  The marriage of a man and a woman creates under God a new and distinct family unit. (Verse 7)

c)  The twain are joined, so as to be made no more two, but one flesh. Can any sort of “writing” or “bill” nullify and separate or dismember such a union? Unbiblical divorce is an act of spiritual mutilation. No wonder it is the cause of so much physical and emotional distress and heartache.

3.  Marriage is God’s doing. It is God that joins together a man and a woman in marriage. Thus, Moses and Jesus are in perfect agreement with God the Father, “What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

III.  THE DISCIPLES PRIVATELY MAKE FURTHER INQUIRY OF THEIR LORD ON THE SUBJECT OF MARRIAGE. (VERSES 10-12) Matthew gives a little more detail with respect to their particular concern. See Matt. 19:10-12) They said to their Lord, “If the case of a man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.” It seems that this evil custom had corrupted their thinking about marriage. They seem to be saying if divorce is not an option, perhaps it is best not to risk an unhappy marriage. But, Jesus’ answer essentially states that for the great majority of men if is good to marry. As the Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, “It is better to marry than to burn (in lust).” But beside that, marriage has many other advantages, plus it was instituted for divine purposes. (Gen. 1:27, 28; 2:18; Psa. 68:6; Eph. 5:23-33)

A.  HERE CHRIST ESSENTIALLY REITERATES TO HIS DISCIPLES IN PRIVATE COUNSEL THE LAW ALREADY LAID DOWN IN THIS CASE. (VERSE 11)

1.  As seen in Matthew’s account, for most men it is better for them to have a wife, plus, “Marriage is honorable in all.” (Heb. 13:4)

2.  Therefore, the counsel which Jesus gave His disciples was not to avoid marriage, but to enter into it wisely and reverently and in the fear of God, and for the purpose for which He ordained it.

3.  Matrimony is holy and must not be entered into lightly, because marriage vows are sacred and binding. Faithfulness until death is the commitment.

B.  CHRIST ADDS A WORD FOR WOMEN WHO ENTER INTO THE MARRIAGE UNION. (VERSE 12)  This He adds because the passage referenced in Moses (Deut. 24:1ff) speaks of the bill of divorcement freeing the woman to become another man’s wife.

1.  “Put away” (literally release, dismiss). The meaning is if she be dismissed, or released from her vows and then is married to another, she commits adultery. To do so with the consent of her husband who gave her a bill of divorcement is not an excuse.

2.  Jesus allows but one cause for release, that being fornication. Even in such a case, He does not command divorce, but does grant permission.

3.  Marriage is sacred in God’s eyes. Let us count it to be sacred as well. Remember, it is this institution that He had chosen to be an apt emblem of that sacred, indissoluble union that binds together Christ and His Church.