As we jump into chapter 10 this week in Mark's Gospel, Jesus gets "set-up" by the religous folks with a controversial topic:
"Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"
Hard to believe, but, the issue was FAR MORE of a religous-political debate than it is in 21st century Western culture. I'm sure that everyone at the Celebrations on Sunday at River Valley will have been impacted, directly or indirectly, in some significant way by divorce. I'm really hoping that God's Spirit can speak truth to each of us in an atmosphere of love and grace.
Grab your Bible and read it: Mark 10:1-12. I'm wondering what some of your thoughts and questions are about this passage.
By the way, it may be helpful to also read Matthew's parallel account of this encounter (Matthew 19:1-12) and Paul's words on marriage and divorce (1 Corinthians 7). Might be interesting to compare and contrast their words.
Also...as you read Mark 10:1...what clue is buried in that verse that speaks to context (in this case: Location/Location/Location).
Hint: What else (or WHO else) had significant activity in the area of the Jordan river?
Ok...I am such a pushover...check out Mark 6:17-20...
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2 comments:
Steve,
I find it interesting reading the parallel story in Matthew that where Mark says he taught as was his custom Matthew says he healed them. As we have discussed however maybe Matthew is speaking of the people following and Mark is speaking of the disciples being taught by example. In Mark there is no leeway for divorce in Matthews account Jesus says "except for marital unfaithfulness" to me this is confusing. I believe in my uneducated opinion that as husband and wife are likened to Jesus and the Church that this separation is detrimental to all involved. I believe that this decree/commandment/statement is one of God's instructions on how to live the best life. He knows the outcome of divorce hurts all involved and reflecting back to last week the least of these as well as two weeks back the children are affected. Two groups that he was adamant we should be careful not to deter from God in any way.
I know it is difficult in this day and age to discuss the right or wrongness of divorce anywhere especially in church as to not offend anyone. It is our job as Christians to be an example of Gods love and that means not judging. Jesus hung out with Mary, a prostitute, and Zacheus, a thief, among others and never judged them once. It is our job to the love people even if they are "divorced" and let God deal with the rest. On the other hand we can not make light of what the bible says. In Matthews account Jesus does say "Not everyone can accept this word, (what God has joined together, let man not separate) but only those to whom it has been given" which leads me to think that only certain individuals are meant for this marriage stuff and many times these days people are forced into a situation that may not be a "good" one. Jesus did die for us one and all and I would imagine that his blood can cover divorce as well.
I started rumors that Eli's blog was broken. I'm happy to learn that it isn't. But this one sure does look broken now! No posts for over a month!? Wow.
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