Daily Devotions
Matthew
Even the Disciples were Stunned
Text: Matthew 19 : 1 - 12
Day 251 – Matthew 19
EVEN THE DISCIPLES WERE STUNNED
As the disciples of Jesus heard His teaching on the subject of divorce, they too were stunned. They too would only be familiar with the two prominent views taught by Shammai and Hillel. Both argued strongly for their positions, but they were at best “views”. However, there was no mistaking the authority behind the words of Jesus! If nobody else recognized the significance of the phrase, “But I say to you”, the disciples did! And they were so surprised that Jesus expressed such a firm teaching that they did not know how to respond to what He said initially.
“His disciples said to Him, ‘If such is the case
of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.'”
MATTHEW 19:10
This was a feeble attempt at understanding the words of Jesus, at best! The disciples must have tried hard to understand and apply the teachings of Jesus in the society they lived in! They knew that many would not be able to accept what Jesus taught!
ANOTHER SUBTLE CHANGE IN APPROACH TO THE MINISTRY
The liberal approach to the issue of divorce taught by Hillel was the more popular view. Shammai’s view though far stricter lacked the authority that Jesus imbued in His declaration. Jesus had to explain Himself further on this subject.
“But He said to them, ‘All cannot accept this saying,
but only those to whom it has been given:
For there are eunuchs who were born thus from
their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were
made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made
themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.'”
MATTHEW 19:11-13
These words appear to mark a change in Jesus’ approach to His teaching ministry. Let us ponder the following thoughts.
1. The Plain and Straightforward Approach
When Jesus began His teaching/preaching programme, His teachings were marked by straightforward statements. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) would be a good example of how He expounded God’s Word.
2. Teaching by Parables
Despite the fact that Jesus taught plainly, the multitudes appeared to take His teachings lightly. They were more interested in tapping His power for healing than they were concerned about the spiritual lessons He taught.
Matthew noted the change and recorded a series of parables that Jesus taught the multitudes. It seemed as if He did not teach them except by parables!
3. Abrupt Declarations
The third change may be noted in this text. Jesus knew that certain topics would generate endless discussions! The issue of divorce was one of them. He knew that the multitudes would not probe things in depth, and that the religious leaders would like nothing better than to engage Him in endless debate. They may not win the debate, but they could certainly take up a whole lot of time!
Time was something that Jesus did not have a whole lot of as He drew His life’s ministry to a close. This was not the time to enter into endless discussions! He had spoken on this subject once before, and once again He was asked His view on the same subject (Cf. Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-12). He would take time just to make certain things very clear, and then He moved on!
What if people still did not understand what He had taught? What if they wanted to raise up more views and opinions? This third approach of Jesus allowed very little room for people to waste His time.
A REALISTIC APPROACH
Despite the fact that Jesus had all the power and authority for ministry, He knew that He could not, and would never force anyone to accept His teachings! If anyone were to accept His doctrines, they would have to arrive at those positions after they had thought things through and worked things out in their minds. Would there be those who would reject His teachings? The answer is found in this statement.
“All cannot accept this saying…
He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
MATTHEW 19:11, 12
A PUZZLING WORD OF COMPARISON
Jesus was renown for His very deep sayings. No one could ever accuse Jesus of being shallow! Having said that, it must also be noted that some of His teachings were even more puzzling than others. This word involving “eunuchs” is one example. Jesus spoke of three ways in which people could become eunuchs.
1. Those who were born eunuchs.
2. Those who were made eunuchs.
3. Those who chose to live as if they were eunuchs for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Jesus was replying to the statement His disciples made concerning His teaching on divorce (Cf. Matthew 19:10). Yes, His teaching may have seemed difficult but His word was both correct and authoritative! Would the single state be possible? The eunuch would answer in the affirmative. So would those mature enough to make sacrifices for the sake of God’s Kingdom! All would agree that making sacrifices may be necessary if that enabled them to keep God’s Word! If only people thought about obeying God than to obey their selfish and sinful instincts!