Matthew 19:16-30

Matthew 19:16 - 30

When we try to live life on our terms we are always disappointed. Looking for loopholes is one example of trying to live life on our terms. The Rich Young Ruler is the second example. The first question begins with himself, “What shall I do?” He was the star of the story. He may have hoped for a call to an act of great generosity. Very likely many people asking for donations had hit him up. Jesus begins by taking the focus off of him and putting it on God the only One who is truly good. In his reply Jesus does not mention the commandment to not covet. The Ten Commandments all are externally measurable except for the prohibition of coveting. The other nine can be superficially acted out but this coveting issue is a heart issue. The rich man had one issue that was unresolved. Jesus and His call for him to sell and give and follow were going to the one place where the young man had not yet surrendered to God. If you want to be perfect or complete go to the place in your life where you want to live life on your terms and in that place give it all to follow Jesus.

But even the call for the liquidation of assets and the distribution to the poor could still be in the realm of living life on his terms. He could become the president of a philanthropic charity. He would still be the star of the show, the hero of the story. But Jesus calls for the young man to leave it all behind. To follow Jesus so that Jesus becomes the focus of his life, not his money nor himself. Anywhere we live or attempt to live life on our terms we are set up for disappointment. When we live life on His terms and for Him we gain a reward greater than all the wealth of the world; Jesus.

"Lord God save me from myself, from wanting to be the hero of my story. AMEN"

Matthew 19:1-15

Matthew 19:1 - 15

Once W.C. Fields was found reading the Bible when asked about "why" the old, reprobate unbeliever explained he was looking for loopholes. Jesus's teaching about divorce is about people looking for and wanting justification for their behavior; they were looking for loopholes. Divorce was a big issue at that time. For example, John the Baptist’s death began with his addressing the remarriage of Antipas. At that time all a man had to do to divorce his wife was to send her away and repudiate her. A certificate of divorce was not a product of a court, but a piece of paper from the husband. Because of the selfishness of men, divorce was easy and quick and common. Jesus refers back to God's original intent for marriage: One man with one woman for one lifetime. Jesus was tested when asked if He held to this original intent then why is permission for divorce in the Law of Moses? In the Mosaic Law divorce was a concession to wicked men to keep society from completely degenerating. Evil men want a divorce as a loophole to exploit situations and satisfy their sinful desires. Sinful people are always looking for loopholes. Because of his grace God works with evil men in evil societies by putting limits on their evil, but that must never become the standard for life.

The disciples asked if celibacy is better than marriage. Should people who want to avoid the high and the holy standard of marriage pursue celibacy? They're looking for another loophole. What Jesus admits is that celibacy may be a “called” option; but it is not a generalized one and not an excuse for everyone to avoid the ideal.

Verses 13 - 15 seem odd unless read in the light of Malachi 2:15. One flesh should produce Godly offspring. Jesus’s teaching on divorce and marriage is followed by the children coming to Him and being blessed. When we are looking for loopholes we never end up looking in the right place.

"Lord, keep me from ever thinking of Your grace and mercy as a loophole for my sin. AMEN"