Q4. Disciples' Reaction to Jesus' Teaching

[MosesSole]

On 12/19/2007 at 10:21 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q4. (Matthew 19:10) Why do you think Jesus' disciples reacted so negatively to his teaching on marriage and divorce? Did they misunderstand it? Probably even the disciples felt that the idea of a lifelong commitment without there being an "escape clause" was hard to accept. What they didn't understand was that Jesus did allow for some exceptions and that was for adultery so the idea of there being no way to leave a marriage is somewhat flawed thinking. This says a lot about the mind of men even in those days, when commitment seemed less about love for each other, rather than love for oneself. 

 

[Irmela]

4.1 I think it was quite different to the idea they were used to. A certificate could be written out and that was the end of it. God's way was that a man should leave father and mother and be joined to the woman and the two would be one. This should be a lifetime union.

4.2 I don't think misunderstand but rather shocked at the finality or seriousness of it

[Lisa Wolf]

Q4. (Matthew 19:10) Why do you think Jesus' disciples reacted so negatively to his teaching on marriage and divorce? Did they misunderstand it?

Were the disciples worried about having hard hearts? or worried about Jews in general having hard hearts? Were they worried about committing adultery? "The disciples said to him, 'If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry'" (19:10). It seems in these words they were worried about the situation of no love and no faithfulness. It continues to be a worrisome issue today.  I do not think the disciples misunderstood, and I do think their response underscores what Jesus taught.