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{sermon on the mount}

 {sermon on the mount} 

FAITHFULNESS IN MARRIAGE & SPEECH_ 

Matthew 5:1-37 & 19: 3-9 

 
It is said that there is no unhappiness so painful as that of an unhappy marriage. And there is almost no tragedy as great as when a relationship God meant for love and fulfillment degenerates into a non-relationship of bitterness and despair. 

 
[Group discussion starter] You have been asked to write an article for a Christian Magazine, entitled “The Top Ten Reasons Why Marriages Fail”. What reasons will you give for the breakup of marriages? 

 

Divorce is a controversial and complex subject that touches people’s emotions at a deep level. Yet inspite of the painfulness of the subject, Jesus addresses this when he calls us to faithfulness in marriage and honesty in speech... 

 
[Read Matthew 5: 31-37 and 19: 3-9] 

 
How do Jesus’ statements contrast with the questions he was asked? 

 
Rabbi Shammai taught that divorce was permitted only in extreme cases. Rabbi Hillel taught that it was permitted for any and every reason. 
How does this help us to understand the Pharisee’s “test” question (19: 3)? 

 
In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus points back towards Genesis. What does this teach us about God’s original design for marriage? 

 
What difference does God’s design make in living as a married couple? 

 
Matthew 19:7 shows the Pharisee’s referring to Moses’ instructions about divorce as a “command”. What does Jesus’ reply teach us about divorce? 

 
In what ways might divorce reveal the hardness of our hearts? 
 

 
[Activity] What similarities and differences are there between 19:9 and 5:31-32? 
How do these verses stress the seriousness of divorce? 

 

 

 

 

How does Jesus’ teaching contrast with today’s views you and your peers have held concerning marriage and divorce? 
 

 
Read Matthew 5:33-37 again. 
How might the issue of oaths and vows be connected to the topic of marriage and divorce? 
 

 
The Pharisees had very elaborate formulas for oaths, with some being binding and some not (see Matthew 23:16-22). 
Why is Jesus opposed to oaths? 
 

 
Does this mean, for example, that we should refuse to give evidence under oath in a court of law? 
Explain. 
 

 
Why should oaths be unnecessary for Jesus’ followers? 

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