The chapter begins with Jesus leaving Galilee and going towards Judea. Large crowds followed Him there, and He healed all who were sick.
Right now more than ever we need to follow suit, we need to go out and pray for people who are needing heeling in Jesus name. There are so many people needing spiritual healing as well right now, because the spirit of fear has come in full force with covid. People who don’t know who Jesus is need to know now more than ever. To those who don’t know Jesus, this is a scary time for them, all they have to hear is what the media puts on them which is all fear induced. If they don’t know Jesus they don’t have His word to counteract the fear and overcome it, people need to know Him, especially now. We need to overcome the attack of fear and go out and pray for those who are needing healing and deliverance. There is no reason we can’t approach people for prayer while keeping six feet apart from them if needed, if that’s what they need to be comfortable for you to pray for them.
Some Pharisees came and tried to trick Jesus into false preaching, they asked Him if a man can divorce his wife for just any reason. Jesus confirmed to them that scripture says that in the beginning God made a male and a female to be united as two into one. This explains why a man leaves his mother and father to be joined to his wife. Sine they are no longer two, but one, let no man separate what God has joined together.
The Pharisees then questioned asking why Moses permitted divorce, clearly trying to trick Jesus. Jesus replied that Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to their hard hearts but it wasn’t what God has originally intended. However, if a man divorces his wife and marries someone else, they are committing adultery, unless his wife was unfaithful. The disciples were quick to say that if this is the case, it is better to not marry. It’s important that we seek God on someone we marry, before we marry them. Marriage is a serious commitment, not just between man and woman, but man and woman with God. Any commitment we make needs to be take serious, especially if it is a commitment with God.
Jesus replied that not everyone can accept this, only those whom God helps. This is why it’s so important to seek God first in this life changing decision. Some choose not to marry and to devote themselves to the Kingdom of Heaven instead. There were also eunuchs who would marry either. This wasn’t and isn’t something to be taken lightly, and really is something that needs Gods help with.
One day, some parents brought their children to Jesus so that He might bless them. His disciples scolded the parents because they knew how busy Jesus was. But Jesus made it clear that He wanted to bless them (and He did) and He said that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. We need to have child like faith. I had a dream one time, I was in a classroom learning from Jesus who was the teacher. I was a toddler in this dream, sitting in a desk next to a bunch of other toddlers. We need to be like a child, learning from God and taking it all in like little children do. Without any fear or doubt clouding our mind and without analytical or logical thoughts. Little kids can be so brave and bold yet lack pride, they are innocent and pure and believe without doubt. We need to strive to be like this.
Someone came to Jesus and asked what good dead they needed to do to have eternal life. He was told to obey the commandments, to which he replied he already has. He asked what else must he do. Jesus told him that if he wanted to be perfect he should go sell all of his possessions, give your money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, then follow Him. When he heard this he went away sad, because he had many possessions. Jesus said that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples questioned who could ever even be saved. Jesus said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Jesus told the disciples that they who have been His followers will also sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Everyone who has given up their homes or families will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. But many who are greater now will be least then, and many who are least now will be greater then.
We are not to chase after the things of this world, God should be first in our hearts. If we are placing material items before God, we need to pause and mediate on this Scripture. Nothing should come before God. If God tells you to pick up and move somewhere, there shouldn’t be hesitation. Even if He has you move away from all of your friends and family, in a sense giving up your family for Him. Whatever God is wanting us to do, we need to do it, never allow worldly things to come in-between you and Gods plan for you.
