Lesson 8.Teaching Disciples, Part 2
The Challenges and Treasures of Following Jesus

In the continuation of our study on being a disciple, Lesson 8 delves into some of the most challenging and transformative teachings of Jesus. The path of discipleship is not an easy one, and in this lesson, we will see how Jesus prepared his disciples step by step for this journey. It is not just about professing faith but also practically living out that faith in our daily lives—in the relationships, decisions, and priorities we set.

Jesus confronts his disciples with the radical demands of discipleship. Through his teachings and actions, he demonstrates that following him requires sacrifice, humility, and a deep trust in God’s plan. He turns the world’s values upside down by emphasizing that true greatness lies in serving others and that power in the Kingdom of God is understood very differently from the world’s view. This lesson challenges us to question our own notions of success, status, and security and to ask ourselves if we are truly ready to follow Jesus’s path, no matter the cost.

We will see how Jesus speaks about the sanctity of marriage to teach us how deep and unbreakable our commitments should be. He highlights the importance of childlike trust by blessing children and presenting them as role models for faith. Through his encounter with the rich young man, he calls us to examine our attachment to material things and seek the true treasures in heaven. And in the story of Bartimaeus, he shows us what persistent faith can achieve—a faith that, despite all obstacles and adversities, clings to hope and finds healing and salvation.

Lesson 8 invites us to reflect on our own discipleship. Are we ready, like the disciples, to leave everything behind and follow Jesus’s call? Can we, like Bartimaeus, persistently call out to Jesus and trust that he hears us and will lead us on the path to healing? This lesson encourages us to dig deeper to understand the true essence of discipleship—a life wholly oriented towards Jesus, ready to serve, sacrifice, and trust, even when the path is difficult.

In today’s world, which often promotes values quite different from those of the Kingdom of God, this lesson challenges us to make a choice: Will we take the easy path of least resistance, or are we willing to walk the narrow way that leads to true life and deeper fellowship with God? It is a journey that requires courage and perseverance, but the reward is a life that bears fruit eternally.

8.1 God’s Plan for Marriage
God’s Original Plan for Marriage: Indissoluble Unity

Read Mark 10:1–12 and Genesis 1:27; 2:24. What trap was hidden behind the Pharisees’ question about divorce, and what lesson did Jesus teach in his response?

In Mark 10:1–12 and the passages from Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, we find a profound discussion on the topics of marriage and divorce. The Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with their question about divorce, aiming to involve him in a theological and possibly political controversy. They sought to force him to comment on a highly contentious issue of the time, especially given that Herod Antipas, the ruler of the region, was himself involved in a scandalous divorce and remarriage.

However, Jesus recognizes the trap and responds wisely by directing the Pharisees back to Scripture. Instead of getting entangled in the debate about divorce, he refers to God’s original plan for marriage. By quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a divine institution where a man and woman become an inseparable unit. He reminds them that this unity was created by God himself and should not be separated by human decision.

Jesus’ response highlights the sanctity and indissolubility of the marital bond, presenting a clear deviation from the lax divorce practices of his time. He places God’s original plan above human interpretations and laws, teaching a deeper and more binding view of marriage. In his answer, Jesus shows that it’s not about the legal conditions of divorce but about the original intent and holy nature of marriage as envisioned by God.

What can your church do to strengthen marriages? How can you help those whose marriages have already broken down?

To strengthen marriages within the church, various measures can be taken that encompass both preventive and supportive aspects. Here are some concrete approaches:

1. Offering Marriage Preparation and Counseling:

   • Pre-marital Courses: These courses can help couples lay a solid foundation for their marriage by addressing topics such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, and the significance of faith in marriage.

   • Marriage Counseling: Regular counseling services can assist couples in identifying and resolving issues early, before they escalate.

2. Promoting Community and Support:

   • Marriage Groups: Small groups or home groups specifically for married couples can provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, encouraging each other, and growing together in faith.

   • Couples’ Events: Shared activities like marriage retreats, seminars, or date nights organized by the church can help couples deepen their relationships.

3. Prayer and Spiritual Support:

   • Prayer Teams: Special prayer teams could pray for the concerns of married couples and support them in their strengthening.

   • Sermon Series on Marriage and Family: Regular sermons and teachings on biblical principles for marriage can raise awareness in the church about the importance and challenges of the marital bond.

4. Helping Broken Marriages:

   • Pastoral Care: Individuals whose marriages are broken often need emotional and spiritual support. Compassionate pastoral care that is accepting and supportive, rather than judgmental, is crucial.

   • Support Groups: Self-help groups for divorced or separated individuals can provide a crucial space for exchange, healing, and encouragement.

   • Practical Help: Assistance with legal and financial issues or practical support in daily life can be of great value to those affected.

5. Promoting Forgiveness and Restoration:

   • Restoration Programs: Programs aimed at promoting reconciliation and restoring relationships can help save marriages in difficulty.

   • Teaching on Forgiveness: The church can teach how forgiveness in times of crisis can be a path to healing and possibly restoring a marriage.

6. Integration into the Community:

   • Open Arms for Divorced Individuals: It’s important for the church to integrate divorced individuals into the community, showing that they are valued members of the congregation.

   • Ongoing Support: When divorced individuals enter new relationships, the church should also support these new partnerships to avoid further breakups.

Through these approaches, the church can create an environment that strengthens marriages and helps those whose marriages have broken down find healing and hope.

The connection between God’s plan for marriage and our daily life and faith is deeply rooted in how we live and nurture relationships. Here are some key aspects of how these principles can impact our daily lives and faith:

1. Understanding Marriage as a Spiritual Covenant:

   • In daily life, the biblical concept of marriage reminds us that our relationships—especially marriage—are not just societal or legal agreements but spiritual covenants. This leads us to treat our spouses with deep respect and commitment that goes beyond personal desires and circumstances. Marriage becomes a place where God’s love and faithfulness are visible.

2. Responsibility and Willingness to Sacrifice:

   • Emphasizing the indissolubility of marriage encourages us to take responsibility for the relationship, even when it’s challenging. In our daily lives, this means taking intentional time for our partners, resolving conflicts constructively, and not giving up easily. This attitude of responsibility and sacrifice reflects Jesus’ self-giving love and strengthens faith by teaching us how to love selflessly.

3. Forgiveness and Grace:

   • Marriage is a place where forgiveness and grace need to be practiced daily. Adhering to God’s plan for marriage teaches us the importance of forgiving our partner and approaching them with grace. This fosters a culture of forgiveness in our relationships and reminds us of the immeasurable grace we have received from God.

4. Witness to Society:

   • A strong marriage grounded in God’s principles serves as a witness to others in our community and beyond. In a time when relationships often seem fragile and unstable, such a marriage can be a light showing the difference faith can make in daily life. This encourages others to seek divine wisdom in their own relationships.

5. Support and Community:

   • By supporting marriages and assisting those in difficult relationship situations, the church lives out the community and solidarity to which we as believers are called. It demonstrates that our faith is expressed not only in personal beliefs but also in concrete acts of love and support.

6. Healing and Hope:

   • For those whose marriages are broken, faith offers a source of healing and hope. The principles Jesus taught help us to see the light of hope even in the darkest moments. Knowing that God is present in every situation and can bring healing gives strength to move forward and seek a new perspective.

These connections between God’s plan for marriage and our daily lives show that faith should not only be a part of our lives but should permeate our entire lives—especially in the relationships that shape us the most. By applying Jesus’ principles to our marriages and relationships, we bring God’s love into the world and create an environment where healing, growth, and genuine community are possible.

Be a light in the world today by radiating love, patience, and kindness in everything you do.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-teaching-disciples-part-2-8-1-gods-plan-for-marriage-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 18, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 19

1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Matthew Chapter 19 addresses some of the most important and challenging topics in the Christian faith. It begins with a discussion on marriage, divorce, and celibacy, where Jesus emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage. The chapter continues with the blessing of the children, highlighting the special significance of childlike faith. Finally, Jesus speaks about the danger of wealth and the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, as well as the reward of following Him, which outweighs earthly loss with heavenly rewards. This chapter reveals Jesus’ profound teachings about the values and priorities of the kingdom of God.

Commentary:

In Matthew 19, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and His disciples with important teachings about marriage and its indissolubility. He points out that marriage was instituted by God and should not be dissolved lightly. This stands in contrast to the prevailing practice of allowing divorce for trivial reasons at the time. Jesus emphasizes that the hardness of human hearts was the reason for this allowance, but the divine ideal is the inseparable union between man and woman.

Furthermore, the importance of childlike faith is highlighted as Jesus blesses the children and declares that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. This underscores the necessity of a humble and simple devotion to God.

The conversation with the rich young man illustrates the danger that wealth poses to spiritual life. Jesus challenges the young man to sell all he has and follow Him, which he is unable to do. This scene demonstrates that wealth often serves as a barrier to God and that true discipleship requires complete dedication to Christ.

Finally, Jesus speaks about the reward of discipleship, explaining that those who leave everything for His sake will be richly rewarded in the kingdom of heaven. He also emphasizes that worldly notions of “first” and “last” are reversed in the kingdom of God.

Summary:

Matthew Chapter 19 teaches important principles about marriage, faith, and discipleship. Jesus underscores the sanctity of marriage and warns against casual divorce. He blesses the children, setting them as examples of faith. Through His interaction with the rich young man, Jesus shows the challenge of wealth in relation to the kingdom of heaven and calls for total dedication. Finally, He assures the disciples that true discipleship will be richly rewarded in the heavenly kingdom, even if it requires earthly sacrifices. The chapter concludes with the admonition that divine values often stand in opposition to worldly standards.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 56—Blessing the Children

This chapter is based on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17.

Read online here

 

Commentary

The chapter “Blessing the Children” highlights one of the most touching scenes in Jesus’ life, where He demonstrates His special love and affection for the smallest among us. This event is not only an expression of Jesus’ affection for children but also a powerful symbol of the appreciation and place they hold in the kingdom of God.

In the context of the Jewish society of that time, where children were often viewed as the property of their parents rather than as independent individuals with spiritual significance, Jesus’ actions were revolutionary. The disciples, who attempted to dismiss the mothers with their children, likely believed that Jesus’ mission was too important to be interrupted by such seemingly trivial concerns. However, Jesus made it clear that these “trivial” matters are of utmost importance in the kingdom of God. His words, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16), reflect a profound truth: Children embody the kind of innocence, openness, and trust that adults should also strive for in their faith.

The incident also underscores the far-reaching significance of Jesus’ blessing. The mothers who brought their children to Him did so in hope of divine grace and protection for their little ones. Jesus did not disappoint these expectations. Instead, He blessed the children not only physically but spiritually, providing the mothers with great comfort and hope. This blessing was not just a simple gesture but a profound affirmation that their children are valuable in God’s eyes and that their efforts to raise them in faith are supported and blessed by God Himself.

The commentary also highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the Christian faith. This responsibility is portrayed not merely as a parental duty but as a sacred calling, where parents act as instruments of God. By leading their children to Christ, they help lay the foundation for a life of faith and grace. Parents are to open their children’s hearts to the truths of the Gospel and teach them in ways that are understandable to them. The image of parents as “gardeners,” nurturing the young plants of their children with love and care, is a powerful metaphor that describes the fragility and potential of the child’s soul.

Jesus’ interaction with the children also shows us how we should approach children today. It is a reminder that children should not only be seen as future members of the church but as current, valuable members of God’s community. Their spiritual education begins not only when they reach adulthood but from their earliest years. Therefore, it is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and the entire Christian community to shape these young hearts, encourage them, and guide them to Christ.

Furthermore, it is comforting to see that Jesus’ care and love for children extend beyond that time. The commentary makes it clear that even today, Jesus knows the concerns and struggles of mothers and supports them in their task of raising their children in faith. His love and understanding for the trials and challenges of parenthood are a comforting thought for all who seek support and encouragement in raising their children.

Overall, this chapter provides a profound reflection on the significance of blessing children in the Christian faith and the central role that children play in the kingdom of God. It is a call to all who bear responsibility for children to raise them with love and with an eye towards their spiritual development, and it serves as a reminder that Jesus still holds the same love and affection for the smallest among us today as He did then.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 57—“One Thing Thou Lackest”

This chapter is based on Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23.

Read online here

 

Commentary

This chapter describes the deeply moving encounter between Jesus and a young man known in the Gospels as the rich young ruler. It is a story that speaks not only to the heart but also to the mind, as it addresses central issues of discipleship, obedience, and devotion to God. The encounter reveals the difficulty Jesus presents to the young man: the call to total self-denial and dedication to God in exchange for eternal life.

The rich young ruler symbolizes many people who earnestly seek spiritual fulfillment and the kingdom of God but are held back by the worldly things they hold dear. His desire to gain eternal life is genuine and profound, as evidenced by his urgent approach to Jesus, kneeling before Him, and asking his pressing question. However, when Jesus reveals the true cost of eternal life, the inner struggle of the young man becomes apparent.

Jesus asks him to sell his wealth and give the money to the poor to gain treasure in heaven. This request is not a general rule Jesus sets for all believers but a specific test for this young man. Jesus recognizes that his heart is attached to his possessions and shows him that true discipleship requires letting go of all worldly securities and attachments. It is not merely about relinquishing material wealth but about the willingness to give up anything that keeps the heart from serving God.

The tragedy of this story lies in the young man’s reaction. He is sad because he is not willing to pay the high price Jesus demands. His wealth is too precious to him, and thus he chooses not to follow Jesus. This decision reveals a profound truth: even the best intentions and the most sincere desire for God can be overwhelmed by love for the things of this world.

Jesus’ call to give up everything and follow Him is an invitation to find true freedom in total devotion to God. It is a call that still reaches out today to anyone who seeks eternal life. The story of the rich young ruler shows that the path to God involves the cross of self-denial, and that true fulfillment and eternal life can only be attained if one is willing to leave all earthly things behind.

This incident serves as a reminder that worldly wealth and earthly securities cannot compare with the treasure of heaven. It is a call to reflect on the things that may be hindering us from true discipleship. Whatever our “one thing that we lack” may be, it stands between us and complete communion with God. The rich young ruler had a choice, and that choice also lies before us: Will we be willing to give up everything for Christ, or will we, like him, leave sadly because the worldly things are too important to us?

Jesus’ behavior in this story is also a lesson for all who are engaged in pastoral care. He meets the young man with love and compassion, even though he conveys a harsh truth. His love is not sentimental but demands the truth and the best for the person, even if it means that the path is painful. This approach should also guide those who accompany others on their journey to God.

Ultimately, the story of the rich young ruler shows that following Jesus requires radical decisions. It is a call to total dedication, the renunciation of all idols, and the acceptance of the cross. However, the reward Jesus promises is incomparable: eternal life and the treasure in heaven that far surpasses any earthly joy and security.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/18-08-2024-matthew-chapter-19-believe-his-prophets/