Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS TWENTY: Jesus Teaches on Divorce and Wealth
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 19:1–30
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. The Question of Divorce (vv. 1-9)
a. The first 2 verses are a summary statement for the Chapter 18 teaching Discourse.
b. First century Pharisees held one of two schools of thought toward divorce: The Rabbi Shammai school of thought took a strict view of divorce, only allowing it in case of severe reasons, such as adultery. The Rabbi Hillel school of thought took a very liberal stance toward divorce, allowing it for any reason the man wanted. Hillel allowed for divorce for any reason – such as if the woman burned dinner, or if the husband found her unpleasant in comparison to another woman.
c. (vv. 3-6) Moses’ directive for divorce is found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. God’s directive is found in Genesis 2:20-24.
d. (vv. 7-8) Note that the Pharisees state that Moses commanded, but Jesus corrected them saying Moses permitted. What’s the difference?
e. (vs. 9) Review also Matthew 5:31-32.
IV. Better Not to Marry? (vv. 10-12)
a. (vs. 10) Why do you think the disciples responded this way?
b. (vv. 11-12) How is a eunuch born that way? How is a eunuch made by man?
c. How does one become a eunuch for the sake of the Kingdom?
d. Is Jesus saying it is better to be unmarried and celibate rather than married?
i. See 1st Corinthians 7:1-16
V. Blessing the Children (vv. 13-15)
a. After Jesus’ teaching in 18:1-5, why would the disciples hinder the children from coming to Him?
b. What’s the message Jesus reiterates here?
VI. The Rich Young Ruler (vv. 16-22)
a. (vs. 16) What is at the heart of this man’s question?
b. (vs. 17) Why does Jesus tell him no one is good except God?
c. (vv. 18-19) Jesus refers to six of the Ten Commandments. Do not covet was typically stated as “love your neighbor as yourself.”
d. (vs. 20) What is the implication of the man’s response to Jesus?
e. (vv. 21-22) With Jesus’ response to what the man lacks, how does He demonstrate that the man had not kept ALL the commandments?
VII. Possessions and the Kingdom (vv. 23-30)
a. (vv. 23-24) Some scholars say Jesus is calling for humility and is talking about a narrow gate in Jerusalem that camels had to kneel to get through. This interpretation is wrong on three counts:
i. The Greek word used, rhaphis, is for a sewing needle.
ii. The Needle Eye Gate in Jerusalem did not exist in Jesus’ day.
iii. Look at the reaction of the disciples in vs. 25 (remember: context, context, context!)
b. (vs. 26) How is Jesus reassuring His disciples?
c. (vs. 27) What is at the heart of Peter’s question?
d. (vs. 28) Jesus is referring to the regeneration – new heaven and new earth – where His disciples will constitute the new Israel.
e. (vv. 29-30) The Great Reversal. Those like the rich young ruler will be last, and those who suffered for Christ will be first. How does this impact modern Christians?
VIII. Application
a. God created marriage as a gift between a biological male and biological female. He intended it to last a lifetime and God hates divorce. (Malachi 2:16)
b. We cannot buy or work our way into Heaven. It is a gift of God through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
c. We have to look forward to a new heaven and a new earth in the Messianic Age. We will be with Jesus and will reap our eternal reward. (2nd Peter 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1-5)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: The Greatness of God’s Grace
- Read Matthew 20:1-34 to prepare.
