Jesus teaches marriage and divorce
The Pharisees also came to Jesus and wanted to provoke him to some statement that they could use against him. ‘Can a person divorce for any reason?’ They asked. He answered: ‘Didn’t you read in the Scriptures that when God created a man and a woman in the beginning, he established: A man will leave his parents, join his wife and become one being? No one has the right to divide what God has joined.’ But they objected: ‘Then why did Moses say that a man can release his wife simply by giving her a parting note?’ Jesus answered: ‘This provision of Moses’ law is a concession to your harshness and intolerance. However, God’s original intention was never the with adultery yourself.’ The disciples said to him: ‘If there can be such difficulties between a man and a woman, then it is better not to marry.’ He replied: ‘It’s not that simple. It is necessary to understand God’s will here. There are three reasons for a person to remain free: if he is unfit to get married from birth, when he is prevented from getting married by people, or when marriage is renounced voluntarily for the full service of God’s cause. Do you understand?’
Comment: We have already discussed this in more detail in the previous chapter. The main thing is not to be under the law, but to be free and guided by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love, in every personal situation.
Jesus blesses the little children
13 Then they brought small children to Jesus to bless them and pray for them. However, the disciples persuaded those who brought the children not to bother Jesus. But he said to them: ‘Let them come to me, and do not stop them. Their place is with me.’ He put his hands on them and blessed them. then left from there.
Comment: Jesus’ love! In a culture where children and women did not enjoy much respect, Jesus always found time and place for them. And he even often exalts children as someone who should be an example to us with his childhood faith. When we tell the children something, they trust us. In the same way, we should believe, trust, listen and do what our heavenly Father tells us.
Jesus speaks to a rich man
16 One young man came to Jesus and asked him: ‘Master, by what good deeds can I obtain eternal life?’ Jesus said to him: ‘Are you trying to be good? You want to match God, who alone is truly good! Fulfill his commandments and you will live forever.’ ‘Which ones are they?’ the young man asked. Jesus answered: ‘You shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, lie,’ you shall honor your parents, you shall love your neighbors as yourself!’ 20 The young man said: ‘I’ve always followed all that. What else am I missing?’ Jesus answered: ‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give money to the poor, and so you will have a treasure in heaven. Then go back and become my disciple.’ The young man became sad and left disappointed. He had a large property. Jesus then said to his disciples: ‘It is very difficult for a wealthy man to stand on God’s side. If I were to compare it to something, then a camel will pass through the ear of a needle more easily than through the rich gate of God’s kingdom.’ The disciples were surprised and asked, ‘So who can be saved at all?’ Jesus looked at them and said: ‘It is not in human power, but God can do everything.’ Peter spoke up and said: ‘We have given up everything and are following you. What awaits us?’ Jesus answered: ‘I assure you that when I come to create a new world over which I will rule in full glory, then the twelve who you follow me will sit by my side as the judge of all Israel. And to everyone who surrenders home, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children or property to follow me, I will compensate him many times and he will have a share in eternal life. Many will be the last and the last will be the last.
Commentary: Here, in verse 26, we find the famous promise: ‘It is impossible with people, but with God anything is possible.’ Yes, sometimes God may ask us to give up someone important in our life, usually it is a test to prove to him that he is more important to us than everything and everyone else. As a reward, he will give us 100 times more! I have personally experienced this and I can confirm that what we get after is much more than what we will give up! Moreover, they do not force us. It’s up to us. Often such a lesson in our lives can be repeated. Every time we put someone or something before God, he will show us. And if we give up that person or that thing or perhaps the habit, we often get it back, but when we do, we don’t know how it will end in the end. But I never regretted it! Maybe I regretted it when it took me longer to give up something longer, I lost a lot of blessings, or I could have had them a long time ago and instead struggled unnecessarily. Every time Jesus wants something from us – it is for our good. Sometimes for the good of those around us. (Stop getting drunk when we are aggressive at home, etc.) It helps me when I remember that often change= equals Jesus. If we can accept that he is behind some change, then we will be like the lady who moved to a retirement home. – She had already decided in advance that she would like it there!
