Today’s reading is Matthew 19.
For many of us, Matthew 19:1-9 is pretty familiar. We’ve heard all kinds of sermons about it. We’ve been in all kinds of classes. We’ve read all kinds of articles. Everyone has their opinion about how it fits within the context of the modern debates on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Before we get to that, perhaps we should back up and ask how it fits within the context of Matthew 17-20.
Please, don’t miss this account is dropped by Matthew between two pretty pointed teachings about childlike humility. In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus explained to the disciples if they even wanted to be in the kingdom, they had to become humble like children. Immediately following this teaching about divorce, in Matthew 19:13-15, Matthew reminds us the kingdom is made up of little children. How does the teaching about marriage and divorce fit within that context of childlike humility?
Have you ever noticed that in Matthew’s account, only the husband’s action to divorce is mentioned contra Mark 10:10-12? I obviously don’t know all of Matthew’s and Mark’s reasons for what they included and what they left out. However, in the context of teaching on humility, I can grasp why Matthew focuses on husbands.
Think about it this way. The Pharisees’ question in Matthew 19:3 is basically, “Can a husband toss aside his wife for just any reason?” Just think about the basis of this question. It assumes the husband’s headship and assumes because of that headship the husband can essentially do whatever he wants. It’s a question that assumes the one in authority can act with impunity no matter how it impacts those under his leadership.
In the context of childlike humility, the point is not that there is no headship, leadership, or role of authority. The point is that the one who is the leader, is the head, has the authority is not allowed to abuse it. Being the leader doesn’t convey greater value. Being the head doesn’t convey special rights. Being the one in authority doesn’t convey preferential treatment. No, the head of the household is not allowed to toss aside the helper in the house for just any reason. His headship does not grant him the right to act with impunity. Husband and wife are one. They are joined. They may have different roles in the marriage, but neither role is free to abuse, neglect, or take the other for granted.
The humble do not abuse the authority they have been given. Rather, they commit. They serve. They sacrifice themselves. They soften their own stubborn hearts to love even those they lead.
By the way, when we recognize the connection between what we are reading in Matthew 18-19 and what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-32, we recognize the ultimate outcome for this arrogant, self-righteous husband who would just try to toss his wife aside for any reason is to have his whole body cast into hell. An arrogant husband, a self-righteous leader in any scenario, may seem to get away with the abuse for a time. But know this: judgment is coming.
Tomorrow’s reading is Matthew 19.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- Why is abusing authority so easy for people?
- In what ways other than the illustration used in Matthew 19:1-9 do people often abuse authority?
- What advice would you give to those in authority in any arena to humble themselves and serve instead of abuse?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
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