Matthew 19:7-8……Working

Matthew 19:7-8……Working

19:7  “Why then, (Rebuttal, having their feathers ruffled and feeling smug about themselves, they think they have a way to ensnare Jesus in His own words.-(New) “they asked,  (If marriage is so permanent why) “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce (Divorce papers) and send her away?” (They thought they had Jesus blaspheming against the Law of Moses which allowed divorce.-(New) 8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.  But it was not this way from the beginning.(For Complete Expository See Book) 

Extended Sermon Notes

“Teaches how God’s mercy provides concessions where the heart falls short” → Just because God is accommodating, doesn’t mean that God is o.k. with it. Rather it’s God’s way of saying I understand. It’s God’s way of whispering, “I know you need time, and I am here with you through it all.” Life is filled with failures, setbacks, moments of doubt, and seasons of uncertainty. Yet, God’s mercy remains a shining beacon, offering us concessions, not as an endorsement of our flaws, but as a reminder of His boundless patience, mercy, and understanding. Just because we fall short doesn’t mean we are cast aside; instead, it means we are given time to grow, to heal, and to strive for better. This is a call to reflect on the moments where we’ve faltered and misstepped, and instead of dwelling on our imperfections, let us embrace the grace extended to us. Remember, God’s accommodations are not about enabling us to stay stagnant. but about empowering us to move forward with renewed strength. So the next time you turn your heart towards the path of sin and compromise, know you will still find a grace-filled God who is waiting for you through it all.

“Even today, if marriages are going to survive there has to be concessions. There has to be a willingness to look past a spouses imperfections, annoyances, failures, pet-peeves, etc.” →  Will you make every effort to appease your spouse if it means agreeing even when you think your right. There’s going to be time wives where you’ll have to put up with all your husbands little quirks and obnoxious behaviors. And husbands there’s going to be times you’ll have to put up with all the little things your wife does that annoy you. Like the little preferences she has in how to fold the towels or where your shoes should go after coming inside. Even if you don’t agree with it, your going to have to live with it and work through it in a loving and understanding way. That’s going to require some compromises, sacrifices, and understanding. That’s going to require some grace, mercy and patience on your side. If your relationship, understanding and bonding are stronger than your incompatibilities, the relationship will surely work

Additional Notes & Applications 

Emphasizes the importance of addressing areas of uncertainty through follow-up questions. If we never ask follow-up questions we would never know God’s boundless mercy, exception clauses, and longsuffering.

Note: This should put away any controversy over who wrote the first five books of the bible.  Jesus confirms it here that Moses was the author of these books in their entirely.

HOW DIVROCE RIUNES OUR WITNESS

• It undermines the Image of Christ and the Church: Marriage is seen as a reflection or metaphor of Christ’s relationship with the church. Divorce “shatters” this image, potentially making it harder for the world to grasp the concept of God’s covenant love and faithfulness.

• Contradicts & Dishonors God’s Design: Marriage is a sacred and lifelong covenant. When divorce occurs without biblical grounds (e.g., adultery or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse), it can be seen as undermining God’s purpose for marriage.

• Causes Spiritual Crisis: Divorce can lead to emotional turmoil, pain, and a spiritual crisis for the individuals involved. This spiritual crisis can lead to feelings of abandonment by God, ostracism from the church community, and questioning one’s faith. Can make them feel useless to God.

• Remains a ongoing sin: Divorce is a state of ongoing sin if it’s not for biblical reasons. Divorce breaks God’s Command for the permanence of marriage. Divorce breaks ones marriage covenant vows.; “For better or worse, till death do us part.” Divorce is a daily sin if its done out of hurtful, selfish, lustful, and illegitimate reasons.  Divorce is a sin in leaving the spouse scarred, lonely, aching, rejected, damaged goods  Divorce is a sin in damaging children. Leading to  emotional, social, and sociological issue. Leading to extreme emotions, including anger, stress, sadness, anxiety, confusion,  shame, guilt, etc.