Passage
Mark 10:1-16 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
God's View of Marriage and Children
Date: May. 21, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 10:9
First, is divorce lawful? (1-12). Some Pharisees came and tested him, asking "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" They thought they could catch Jesus if he said either 'yes' or 'no'. However Jesus wisely responded by directing them to the Word of God. Moses permitted divorce because of the sinful hearts of the men of his generation and to protect those victimized by such behavior. Nevertheless, God's original command in Genesis still stands and it reflects His will for marriage:
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Pray for the Lord's healing and blessing upon our marriages. By honoring marriage, we honor God.
Second, Jesus blesses the children (13-16). People brought their children to Jesus to be blessed.
There were no complaints from the people, the children, or Jesus. Only the disciples seemed upset about this. As Jesus lovingly embraced the children, no doubt they embraced him as well. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who embrace Jesus with the simple trust of a child. Jesus welcomes all of those who come to him in this way. Jesus loved and blessed the children one by one.
As followers and servants of Christ, can we do any differently?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, strengthen our marriages and bless our children to grow in the love of Christ.
One Word: They are no longer two, but one flesh.
