After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee. Jesus went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River. Many people followed Jesus. Jesus healed the sick people there.
—Matthew 19:1-2
Key Thought
In transitional verses, we often find key elements of truth that Matthew most wants us to see. Jesus has brought to a close his Galilean ministry. He is headed for Jerusalem. The crowds are still infatuated with him. He will consistently heal them and minister to their needs even as he is headed toward the cross. His ministry as Immanuel, God with us, does not end simply because he is moving into the last stage of his earthly ministry.
For all of us, transitions can be difficult. The key is to remain true to our calling from God just as Jesus did. Even when stress and pressures skyrocket, we need to remain who we are and not compromise the character that God has brought to life in us.
Today's Prayer
Changeless and Infinite God, please help lead me through my transitions so that I can use each crisis as an opportunity to become more like Jesus. In his precious and mighty name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee. Jesus went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River. Many people followed Jesus. Jesus healed the sick people there. Some Pharisees came to Jesus. They tried to make Jesus say something wrong. They asked Jesus, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for any reason he chooses?" Jesus answered, "Surely you have read this {in the Scriptures }: When God made the world, 'he made people male and female.' And God said, 'So a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. And the two people will become one.' So the two people are not two, but one. God joined those two people together. So no person should separate them." The Pharisees asked, "So why did Moses give a command allowing a man to divorce his wife by writing a certificate of divorce ?" Jesus answered, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you refused to accept God's teaching. But divorce was not allowed in the beginning. I tell you that any person that divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of the sin of adultery. The only reason for a person to divorce and marry again is if his first wife had sexual relations with another man." The followers said to Jesus, "If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, then it is better not to marry." Jesus answered, "Not every person can accept this truth {about marriage}. But God has made some people able to accept it. There are different reasons why some men cannot marry. Some men were born without the ability to make children. Other men were made that way later in life by other people. And other men have given up marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. But the person that can {marry} should accept this teaching {about marriage}. "Matthew 19:1-12
Related Scripture Readings
— Matt. 11:1
— Matt. 16:21-26
— Matt. 13:53-56
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 19:1-2
Key Thought
In transitional verses, we often find key elements of truth that Matthew most wants us to see. Jesus has brought to a close his Galilean ministry. He is headed for Jerusalem. The crowds are still infatuated with him. He will consistently heal them and minister to their needs even as he is headed toward the cross. His ministry as Immanuel, God with us, does not end simply because he is moving into the last stage of his earthly ministry.
For all of us, transitions can be difficult. The key is to remain true to our calling from God just as Jesus did. Even when stress and pressures skyrocket, we need to remain who we are and not compromise the character that God has brought to life in us.
Today's Prayer
Changeless and Infinite God, please help lead me through my transitions so that I can use each crisis as an opportunity to become more like Jesus. In his precious and mighty name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee. Jesus went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River. Many people followed Jesus. Jesus healed the sick people there. Some Pharisees came to Jesus. They tried to make Jesus say something wrong. They asked Jesus, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for any reason he chooses?" Jesus answered, "Surely you have read this {in the Scriptures }: When God made the world, 'he made people male and female.' And God said, 'So a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. And the two people will become one.' So the two people are not two, but one. God joined those two people together. So no person should separate them." The Pharisees asked, "So why did Moses give a command allowing a man to divorce his wife by writing a certificate of divorce ?" Jesus answered, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you refused to accept God's teaching. But divorce was not allowed in the beginning. I tell you that any person that divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of the sin of adultery. The only reason for a person to divorce and marry again is if his first wife had sexual relations with another man." The followers said to Jesus, "If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, then it is better not to marry." Jesus answered, "Not every person can accept this truth {about marriage}. But God has made some people able to accept it. There are different reasons why some men cannot marry. Some men were born without the ability to make children. Other men were made that way later in life by other people. And other men have given up marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. But the person that can {marry} should accept this teaching {about marriage}. "Matthew 19:1-12
Related Scripture Readings
— Matt. 11:1
— Matt. 16:21-26
— Matt. 13:53-56
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.