Mat 13:31-32 Who does the man represent who sows the mustard seed in his field? What are the characteristics of the mustard seed described by Jesus that are significant to the parable’s meaning? See Mat 13:32; cf. 17:20. Is the size of a plant determined by the size of the seed from which it grows,…
What conclusion did the disciples draw in Mat 19:10 from the strictness of Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage? From a human, even religious perspective, why was the disciples’ response completely logical? Recall the Pharisees’ question in Mat 19:3 and think: given the fallen state of mankind, will not one always be able to find…
Second principle: Under the old covenant administered by the Jewish nation it was unlawful for the Jews to intermarry with the Gentiles (Deut 7:2-3); what did Ezra understand that the law required of those Jews who had married foreign wives? See Ezr 10:2-3,10-14,18-19; cf. also Mar 6:17-18. What might this indicate that the law would…
As we have seen in the previous studies, Jesus’ teaching is very clear that divorce and remarriage constitutes adultery. Notice again that the Pharisees understood the strictness of His teaching (Mat 19:7), as did the disciples (Mat 19:10). So what about those who were divorced and remarried prior to coming to Christ, or even those…
We have come to understand in the previous lessons Jesus’ strict teaching on divorce and remarriage. But what about the really nasty, ugly situations? Does the binding nature of the marriage covenant mean that a true Christian is bound to resist at all costs if an unbelieving spouse seeks to separate? See 1Co 7:12-16, Rom…
What was the reaction of the disciples to Jesus’ prohibition of divorce and remarriage? See Mat 19: 10. What does their reaction indicate about their understanding of how strict they understood Jesus’ teaching on this topic to be? On the basis of what wisdom from Scripture may they have concluded if such was the case…
Consider Jesus’ teaching on the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce: what is the spiritual significance of marriage that makes it so important in the eyes of God? Recall the nature of God and the creative relationship of the Father through the Son (Gen 1:26-27, Joh 13:3, 16:28[1], Joh 1:1-3, 1Co 8:6, Col…
Leviticus 21:7 [Of priests:] 'They shall not take a woman who is profaned by harlotry, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God. Leviticus 21:13-15 [Of the high priest:] ‘And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or one…
Recall from Mat 19:3 that the Pharisees had asked Jesus if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all, His answer to which was clearly “no” because they are no longer two but one flesh. Are we to then understand that there is no cause for which it…
What question had the Pharisees just asked Jesus in Mat 19:3, and what was His reply? See Mat 19:4-6. How did the Pharisees understand Jesus’ answer, and how does that contrast with most Christians’ understanding today? See Mat 19:7. What was their response? Had Moses in fact given a command regarding divorce as they were…