Matthew 5:31-37
We're currently discussing the section commonly known as the "Sermon on the Mount". We've done Murder and Adultery, now for Divorce and Vows. Like the other topics, I think these are fairly straight-forward teachings, with significant implications. I'd like to concentrate our discussion on what it means to implement these teachings. If you have time, read through passages, and give them some thought before we meet (Thursday, 12-1)
Read Matthew 7:24-27: (a reminder of Jesus' attitude towards his teachings)
How important did is Jesus think his teachings were?
Do we credit the same amount of importance to the moral teachings we hear today?
Divorce
What have been the effects of divorce on our society?
How has divorce affected your life?
Read Matthew 5:31-32:
What is divorce? What does it take to get a divorce today?
From the brief mention of it, does it seem the Jewish law on divorce was about the same as ours now?
What grounds does Jesus allow for divorce? How does this compare to current practice?
According to Jesus, what is the result of divorce on insufficient grounds?
What would your life be like if people/society seriously considered this teaching before getting married? What would it take for people to follow this measure of morality?
Vows
How much is a person's word (or a verbal agreement) worth today? Why is this so?
Read Matthew 5:33-37
From what Jesus says about how not to make an oath, what do you think the common practice for making promises was then? How does this compare to today's practice?
In contrast to that, how does Jesus teach to make a vow?
What does that imply about the person making the vow? Or about the trust given by the recipient of the promise?
Would our lives be different if people generally make reliable promises this way? How so?