This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Bible Study Notes ====== ===== Matthew 19 ===== ==== The Question of Divorce pt. 2 ==== Verses 9-12. * 9: What portion of divorces in the US are for this reason? (The most common figure I have read is about 50%.) * 10: What does the disciples' reaction tell you? Did they fall into the permissive divorce camp? * 11-12: Some people are meant to stay single so they can focus on the kingdom of heaven. * Perhaps their calling is fully consuming to the point that they would neglect their spouse, so it's better not to marry. ==== Children ==== Verses 13-15. * Did the disciples have a hard time changing how they thought of children? * Why did the disciples try to keep the children away? * Don't want Jesus to be interrupted? * They thought Jesus had more important things to do? * Can you think of any truths that we tend to skip over or require regular reminders? ==== Rich Young Ruler ==== Verses 16-22. * What commandments did Jesus leave out in his answer? * Have no other gods * Make no idol * Do not misuse God's name * Sabbath * Why? * Question focused on what I can do, not having a good heart/attitude/relationship with God * Jesus answered in a way that hinted that even the actions didn't measure up -- does he love his neighbor as himself if he won't give generously to the poor? * To complete his obedience, he must follow Jesus -- a summary of the omitted commandments? * What causes difficulty for a rich and powerful person to enter into God's kingdom? * We've got more stuff to lose * We treat that stuff as ours instead of God's * We're used to doing things ourselves * We don't need to rely on God * Kingdom belongs to children/those who act as humble dependents ==== Possessions and the Kingdom ==== * 25: Why were the disciples so surprised by Jesus' statement? * They believed that wealth was a sign of blessing/God's approval? * What makes someone rich? * Being above the median wealth in your locality? * Having more than you really need? * "One-percenter"? * 23-24: How do you react to the level of difficulty described, since it applies to just about everyone in the US? * 29 * Do we appropriately balance family relationships and relationship with God? * Why might parents leave their children for Jesus' name? * Some translations, e.g., NIV, include wife. Others don't. Why would Jesus encourage someone to leave his wife? * 30 * What does this mean? * Material wealth does not translate into heaven? Being poor now doesn't mean you'll be poor in heaven? * Those who give generously now will be rewarded in haven? Those who hoard now will forfeit heavenly reward?