Big Idea: The emphasis here is on family life in the new kingdom community. Jesus states that the easy-divorce policy advocated by many rabbis was not God’s will, and that divorce was allowed only because of their stubborn sin. He further teaches that children are models for kingdom living; to enter life with God, all must have a childlike faith.

Understanding the Text

There is both geographical and thematic movement in this section. Geographically, Jesus continues south, moving through Galilee and across the Jordan to Judea (made central in v. 1 to stress the ultimate goal, Jerusalem). Thematically, the centrality of discipleship continues, but Jesus briefly turns from suffering and servanthood to the Haustafeln (social codes), or family relationships: marriage and divorce, children (vv…