Matthew 19 (NRSV)
3 Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?” 8 He said to them, “It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.”
If God’s intention is the goal, then Christlikeness is the standard.
Here are some questions for discussion:
1. How does living strictly by the words in the Bible differ from living freely in the model of Christ? How does the law limit the love Christ implores us to demonstrate?
2. In the message, Pastor Trey suggested when seeking discernment about scripture that seems to be misaligned with God’s intention for unity and wholeness, we should compare the text to Christ Himself. Jesus even suggests this as a strategy on the mount when he said “You have heard it said, but I say unto you.” What specific examples from Christ are recorded that we can look to as a template or guide in how to address some of societies current issues?
3. When have you encountered scripture or religious structures that upheld systems of oppression rather than liberation? How might Jesus’ teachings challenge you to embrace a discipleship that centers compassion and justice above legalistic righteousness?
If you’d like to dig a little deeper, consider the following:
1. If marriage is the model of covenantal unity, how might that inform other types of human connection such as community, friendship, and mutual aid? What does this suggest about God’s broader intention for human relationship? What responsibility do we have toward others in our families, in our friend circles, in our broader communities?
2. Why did Jesus say Moses permitted divorce? How does this reflect the role of scripture as a concession to human brokenness rather than a reflection of God’s ideal? Does such a concession point to a God that lowers the bar or a God that seeks to step over the line—in grace, to ensure the vulnerable are protected?
3. In John 10:10 Jesus declares “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” If wholeness is more than just separation from brokenness—instead a full, flourishing life—how does this reframe our understanding of unity in relationships? Where do you sense God calling you toward deeper more meaningful connections toward wholeness and community unity?
4. What happens when we turn faith and faithful behavior into compliance and dutiful living? Isn’t it enough to follow the rules?
5. What does it say when a faith is presented as following rules and performing tasks? What do you see as the way of Jesus that is different than this (if it is different at all)?
6. In the gaming community the debates fall on the concepts of RAW (Rules As Written) and RAI (Rules As Intended) as the community struggles to pick the issue apart parsing each word. Whatever the rule book says, it’s clear there was never meant to be trash in the fridge. How does debating each concept in such fashion cause damage to the community? How can we, as members of a community, prevent such fractures?
For further contemplation, consider these quotes & prompts:
1. Since the empty pizza box has been covered, does the church need to discuss the almost empty milk jug? How much remaining is enough to warrant keeping it? In what ways do we find ourselves legislating the love out of our faith and Jesus’ teachings? What alternatives do we have here?
2. We have only limited space to work with, and while we were all given dominion (Gen 1:28) it comes with some expectations. How does caring for our world (or fridge space) relate to loving our neighbors? How does doing our part (or more) reflect a consideration for our neighbors?
3. Abiding by the chore chart makes things work smoothly but it doesn’t promote love. Can the law offer a starting point for us to build on with love?