As first glance, our scripture seems like a discussion about marriage and divorce. However, if we look again, the author of the Gospel clearly tells us that the Pharisees were testing Jesus. It was not about a particular law. It was about the Pharisees wanting to be able to label or maybe entrap Jesus.
The Pharisees used this particular law as a way to test Jesus. (As a side note, in the Old Testament, there are 613 laws that are meant to be followed to be in a right relationship with God.) Jesus turns the conversation around and reminds us that all of the laws are meant to create a healthy community that is interdependent and cares for one another including and perhaps even especially the vulnerable.
Jesus reminds us when it comes to vulnerability, we all are vulnerable. We all are broken. What gives us the power to care for one another and encourages us to live together in a healthy caring community, is that we are not only broken, but we are also blessed through the gift of salvation through our Lord and Savior.
Dear church, we are broken and blessed and we are called to be communities that invites us all to care for God’s world and share God’s love. May the Holy Spirit give us the power to live as broken and blessed Children of God.
I invite you if you want to have a conversation or need prayer or feel broken and am wondering about the blessed part, please reach out to me at pastor@stmatthews-elca.org. I would love to have a conversation with you. Peace and prayers, Pastor Lesley