Sermon Braindump #217 Mark 10:2-16

Summary

In this sermon breakdown, Pastor Scott Baio reflects on Mark 10:2-16, addressing the difficult topic of divorce. He discusses the discomfort many feel when tackling this passage due to the judgment and pain it has caused in past interpretations. Pastor Baio emphasizes Jesus' challenge to the patriarchal norms of his time, advocating for equality between men and women. He also connects the text to the brokenness in relationships, highlighting the hope found in God's ability to create new life from painful situations. The video aims to offer compassionate insight into a complex and challenging scripture.

Takeaways

• 📖 The video host, Scott Baio, is an ELCA pastor in Southwest Iowa, and this video is part of his weekly sermon breakdown series.
• 🔍 The main reason for the video is to help both himself and viewers reflect on the week's assigned scripture and offer insights.
• 📅 The text for this particular Sunday, October 7, 2018, is from Mark 10:2-16, which deals with the sensitive topic of divorce.
• ⚖️ The speaker acknowledges that this passage is difficult to preach on due to its history of being used in judgmental and hurtful ways, especially toward those who have experienced divorce.
• 🧠 The Pharisees' question about divorce was an attempt to test Jesus, but Jesus responds by pointing to the hardness of human hearts as the reason for Moses' allowance of divorce.
• 👫 Jesus challenges the patriarchal norms of his time by placing women on equal footing with men, a radical move in a male-dominated society.
• 🔗 The theme of vulnerability and marginalization runs through the passage, with both women and children being particularly vulnerable groups in Jesus' time.
• 💔 Divorce is described as the death of a relationship, a painful and messy process, even if it may sometimes be the best option.
• 🙏 The message of hope in the gospel is that God brings new life out of brokenness, and this is central to how the speaker will approach the sermon.
• 💬 The video invites viewers to engage with the content by leaving comments, allowing for further discussion and reflection on the sermon topic.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'Sermon Breakdown' videos according to the speaker?

The main purpose of the 'Sermon Breakdown' videos is to help the speaker process and reflect on the sermon preparation while providing viewers with different insights on the assigned biblical text.

Why does the speaker dislike preaching on the text from Mark 10:2-16?

The speaker dislikes preaching on Mark 10:2-16 because it discusses divorce, a topic that has been used to make hurtful, judgmental comments toward divorced individuals. The speaker is aware of the pain it causes some people in the congregation who have gone through divorce.

How does the speaker describe the Pharisees’ intentions when questioning Jesus about divorce?

The speaker suggests that the Pharisees were trying to test Jesus by asking him a question about divorce in order to discredit him or get him into political trouble.

How does Jesus challenge the patriarchal system in the text according to the speaker?

Jesus challenges the patriarchal system by putting women on equal footing with men. In the societal context of that time, men had more power in matters like divorce, and Jesus’ response undermines that imbalance.

What connection does the speaker make between children and vulnerable people in the biblical text?

The speaker notes that Jesus often refers to 'little ones' as representing vulnerable people, such as children, who lacked power and influence in society. The divorce text and Jesus’ blessing of children highlight his care for the marginalized.

What does the speaker suggest about relationships in the 'Kingdom of God'?

The speaker suggests that relationships in the Kingdom of God will be healthy and mutually beneficial, and there will be no need for divorce, as relationships will no longer experience brokenness.

Why does the speaker consider divorce to be a 'death of a relationship'?

The speaker views divorce as the death of a relationship because it signifies the breakdown of a bond between two people. Even when divorce is the right or best thing, it is still painful, messy, and causes hurt.

How does the speaker connect the theme of brokenness to the gospel message?

The speaker connects the theme of brokenness to the gospel by emphasizing that God can create new life out of death. Even when relationships are broken, God's promise is greater, and He ultimately has the final word.

What role does the speaker believe fear and self-doubt play in the context of this passage?

The speaker believes that fear and self-doubt, such as feelings of not being good enough or deserving of love, are lies that God is bigger than. God’s promise of grace and redemption overcomes these doubts.

How does the speaker interpret the phrase 'because of your hardness of heart' in Jesus’ response to the Pharisees?

The speaker interprets 'because of your hardness of heart' as Jesus pointing to the brokenness of humanity. The allowance of divorce in the law was a response to human flaws, not necessarily an endorsement of it as the right thing.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction and Context of the Video

Scott Baio, an ELCA pastor from Southwest Iowa, introduces himself and explains the purpose of these weekly sermon breakdown videos. He uses them to reflect on his own sermon preparation and offer viewers insight into the assigned gospel text. This week's topic is from Mark 10:2-16, which includes the challenging subject of divorce. Scott acknowledges his discomfort with this passage due to the judgment it often brings upon divorced individuals. However, since it is part of the reading, he feels compelled to address it and provide thoughtful commentary.

05:01

📜 Examining Mark 10:2-16 - Divorce and Vulnerable Groups

Scott begins to discuss the assigned passage, which includes Pharisees questioning Jesus about the legality of divorce. He notes that Jesus challenges the patriarchal norms of the time by elevating women's rights in marriage, giving them equal standing with men. He connects the mention of children in the latter part of the passage to the idea of the vulnerable and marginalized in society, suggesting that Jesus advocates for equal treatment and dignity for all, including women and children.

10:01

🔄 Challenging Traditional Interpretations

Scott continues exploring the context of the gospel passage, highlighting Jesus' challenge to the societal norms surrounding divorce. He mentions that in Jesus' time, men held all the power in divorce, and Jesus' words pushed against that system, advocating for equality. He finds a hopeful element in Jesus' challenge to the status quo, envisioning relationships in the Kingdom of Heaven as harmonious and mutually beneficial. Scott reflects on the broader implications of humanity being created for relationships, and how this gospel passage underscores the importance of equality and partnership.

💔 The Brokenness of Divorce and the Role of the Gospel

Scott discusses divorce as the death of a relationship, recognizing that while it may sometimes be the right or best decision, it is still inherently painful. He emphasizes that brokenness, both in individual relationships and in the world at large, is a reality. However, he reminds viewers that God creates new life out of death, offering hope amid suffering. He acknowledges the internal struggles people face, such as feelings of failure or unworthiness, and asserts that God's promise of redemption is greater than those lies. Scott wraps up by encouraging viewers to find hope in God's promise and ends with an invitation for further discussion.

Keywords

💡Divorce

Divorce refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage. In the video, it is presented as a difficult and sensitive topic, particularly because of how it has been historically used to judge and marginalize individuals. The pastor emphasizes the emotional and spiritual complexity of divorce, noting its connection to broken relationships and the resulting pain it causes.

💡Pharisees

Pharisees were a Jewish religious group often mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in discussions about law and religious practice. In this video, the Pharisees are described as testing Jesus on the topic of divorce to provoke a controversial response. The pastor suggests that their questioning was designed to trap Jesus in a politically and religiously charged debate.

💡Patriarchy

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of leadership and authority. The pastor discusses how the divorce laws in the time of Jesus were patriarchal, allowing men significant control over women in marriage. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees challenges this system by promoting the idea of equality between men and women in relationships.

💡Hardness of Heart

This phrase refers to a state of stubbornness or insensitivity, particularly in the context of moral or spiritual issues. In the video, Jesus attributes the allowance for divorce in Mosaic law to the 'hardness of heart' of people, implying that this law was a concession due to human fallibility and brokenness. The pastor uses this concept to explore the theme of human frailty in relationships.

💡Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God refers to the reign or rule of God, often seen as a future ideal in Christian theology where justice, peace, and harmony prevail. In the video, the pastor mentions how Jesus' teachings about relationships reflect the values of the Kingdom of God, where equality, compassion, and the care for vulnerable individuals like women and children are emphasized.

💡Genesis

Genesis is the first book of the Bible, which includes the creation narrative and foundational stories about humanity's relationship with God. The pastor references Genesis in discussing marriage and divorce, particularly the idea that men and women were created to be in relationship with each other. Jesus cites Genesis to argue that divorce is not part of God’s original design for humanity.

💡Children

Children are often depicted in the Bible as symbols of innocence and humility. In this video, the pastor draws attention to Jesus' statement about letting children come to him, illustrating how Jesus often used children as examples of the vulnerable and powerless in society. The video connects the treatment of children to broader themes of vulnerability and protection in relationships.

💡Adultery

Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse. In the context of the video, Jesus' teaching on divorce is closely tied to the concept of adultery, where remarrying after divorce is equated with committing adultery. This teaching challenges societal norms of the time and reflects the deep moral and relational implications of divorce.

💡Brokenness

Brokenness refers to the flawed and damaged state of humanity and relationships due to sin or moral failings. The pastor frequently uses this term to describe the cause and effects of divorce, arguing that divorce reflects the broken nature of human relationships. He emphasizes that despite this brokenness, the hope of the gospel is the possibility of redemption and healing.

💡Gospel

The Gospel refers to the good news of Jesus Christ, particularly his teachings, death, and resurrection. In this video, the pastor discusses how the message of the gospel provides hope in the context of broken relationships like divorce. He asserts that while divorce is a painful and difficult reality, the gospel promises new life, restoration, and the possibility of healing through faith in God.

Highlights

Introduction of the sermon series 'Sermon Breakdown,' presented weekly by Scott Baio, an ELCA pastor from Southwest Iowa.

The purpose of the videos is twofold: first, to process the sermon preparation, and second, to provide viewers with insights on the week's assigned text.

The focus of the October 7th, 2018 sermon is on Mark 10:2-16, specifically addressing the controversial topic of divorce.

Baio expresses his personal discomfort with the divorce text, recognizing how it has historically been used to hurt and judge those who have experienced divorce.

The text from Mark 10:2-16 discusses Pharisees testing Jesus with a question on divorce, to which Jesus responds by citing Moses' commandment on the hardness of human hearts.

Jesus challenges the patriarchal structure of the time by putting women on equal footing with men in terms of divorce and relationships.

Baio highlights how children and marginalized groups, like women, were often vulnerable in Jesus' time, and the passage reflects Jesus' challenge to societal norms.

The divorce text's connection with the recurring theme of 'little ones' in Mark, who symbolize vulnerability and powerlessness in society.

Jesus references Genesis to affirm the idea of equality in relationships, emphasizing mutual benefit rather than domination.

Baio notes that the concept of 'helper' in Genesis is often misinterpreted; the original Hebrew refers to a counterpart or partner, not a subservient figure.

Divorce, according to Baio, represents the death of a relationship, which is always painful, even if it is the best choice in some situations.

Baio emphasizes the broader theme of human brokenness and how it manifests in relationships and societal structures.

The gospel message offers hope, affirming that God brings new life out of death, and that brokenness does not get the last word.

Baio encourages viewers to reject harmful internal doubts and fears, trusting in God's promises, even when it doesn't feel evident.

He concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts and comments, promoting continued conversation and engagement with the text.

Transcripts

hello and welcome to another episode of

sermon breakdown my name is scott baio

and i'm an ELC a pastor in southwest

Iowa and I resent these videos every

week for a couple different reasons

first of which to take my brain on a

motor background work from the course

the week and moving the process of

writing and preparing the sermon that I

preached my cognition for the weekend

that's the first and second is just a

little given your time to come and check

out this video to gain some different

inside in the assigned text for the week

so that is why I do these this

particular Sunday October 7th 2018 I

almost at 19 there currently I'm

thinking ahead

this is the 20th Sunday after Pentecost

and our gospel lesson comes out of Mark

chapter 10 verses 2 through 16

disclaimer it's the divorce text

arguably one of the least favorite

passages out of the sine complexion this

revised common lectionary or for people

to preach on or at least for this person

to preach on I do not like this text I

do not enjoy when this text comes up

because I know what this text has been

used for in terms of hurtful judgmental

comments or judgments or whatever we

want to say towards people who have been

divorced in the past and not a fan I

know what this does to some of my people

who have shared things with me from

their own lives their own experience

it's just it's not a fun text but the

disclaimer that you got to put out there

is that when it comes up you got to talk

about it I was talking with some

colleagues earlier this week and the way

that our bulletin is formatted here in

my congregation it's printed so even if

I don't read it the people will look and

see and they'll wonder why isn't he

reading that and we'll see what it is so

the second we start reading this I think

there are some if not everyone but there

are definitely some who instantly have a

sermon in their minds and it's probably

not a good one so all right that being

said I'm going to dive into it again

it's mark 10 verses

three-sixteen some Pharisees came and to

test Jesus they asked is a lawful for a

man to divorce his wife we answered them

what did Moses command you they said

Moses allowed a man to write a

certificate of dismissal beeping voice

ER jesus said to them because of your

hardness of heart he wrote this

commandment for you before the beginning

of creation God made them male and

female

but this reason a man shall leave his

father and mother and be joined to his

wife and the two shall become one flesh

so they are no longer two but one flesh

therefore what God has joined together

let no one separate and in the house the

disciples asked him again about this

matter he said to them whoever divorces

his wife and marries another commits

adultery against her if she divorces her

husband and marries another she commits

adultery people were bringing little

children to him in order that he might

touch them and the disciple spoke

sternly to them when Jesus saw this he

was indignant and said to them let the

little children come to me and do not

stop them for it is what it is to such

as these that the kingdom of God belongs

truly I tell you whoever does not

receive the kingdom of God as a little

child will never enter it and he took

them up in his arms laid his hands on

them and bless them all right a quick

thought about the back half is it seems

at first glance that these are two very

very very different passages they don't

seemingly have nothing to do with each

other we've been in a period of Mark's

Gospel now pass through chapters 8 9 10

where this recurring theme of the little

ones keeps coming up and in the case of

children in this case often times it

seems to be children but sometimes Jesus

switches up and says these little ones

it seems to be the vulnerable the ones

who may be vulnerable is the best work

those who are unable they don't have the

power they don't have the influence they

don't have the ability whatever for

whatever reason they're the ones that

are marginalized and they have no choice

now in Jesus day children definitely fit

that mold women also felt that mode and

and therein i think lies a connection

with this divorce text now i'm going to

go back and talk about that a little bit

but i want to say it right here up front

that

what Jesus is doing here the way he's

responding is actually challenging the

patriarchy from what research I've done

from what we can tell about divorce in

the first century at least within the

Jewish culture was it was all in the

men's court that the man could depending

on who you talk to could basically issue

a certificate of divorce to his wife for

whatever reason it felt like now I've

also read that there's some debate about

that that even in Jesus day there was

this isn't the right terminology but for

lack of a better word a liberal versus

conservative view on what's acceptable

within the realm of divorce or reasoning

behind it and possibly that's why the

Pharisees are bringing this up because

they want Jesus taking public stance so

they can discredit him and make him sit

lose face or or try and save face and

lose face with others or get into a

political hot water but anywho so then

the power sat with demand and that in

the terms of like damages caused by

adultery that that's not against the

woman but it's against the next husband

or that the damages of or the offense

caused by adultery is against the

husband so the woman apparently doesn't

even figure into this equation and Jesus

is challenging that with what he says

that basically if we look at it closely

it seems that Jesus is putting putting

women on equal footing with men here and

and that was that was a challenge within

the society and yet as as difficult as

this text is maybe that's a little

glimmer or a little grain that we need

to hold on to is that Jesus is still

challenging the system that there are

some who should be placed above others

that there are some who have power or

sway over others and that there are some

who are subservient to others that in

the kingdom of God or in the kingdom of

heaven or whatever terminology you want

to lose things are going to be different

I read one thing yesterday

that also kind of resonated in this

whole discussion that that when Jesus

brings up Genesis and the whole the

whole marriage thing that they will

become one flesh what he's basically

saying is the indication of

relationships in the Kingdom of Heaven

in the idea in the when when whenever

that is in the age to come that there

will be no need for divorce that

marriages will are not marriages that

relationships will be healthy and will

be will share in the mutually the mutual

benefit of one another I can't help but

think about this whole thing

in terms of relationship that that if we

go back to the beginning God formed

humanity to be in relationship with one

another both men and women bear the

divine image we give that in the first

account of creation and in the second

account of creation the man is around

the mud dude for the mud person a Dom or

Adam and we hear it is not good for the

man to be alone I will create the way

ours is our English translation comes on

this I will create a partner that's his

helper not I hired a professor to talk

about this not a real great translation

it's I will create a counterpart and and

the word for helper which my Hebrew is

horrible so I'm not gonna try and tell

you it is the word for helper it's

usually given to God or if we think

about the Septuagint which is the Greek

translation of the Hebrew Bible that

it's the helper is the Paraclete the the

spirit the advocate or whatever that so

I will give a counterpart to be in

partnership to be to be together to be

in this so helpers not the greatest word

with our are subservient connotation

okay

so there's all of this going into it but

that

that humanity is designed if you wanna

use that word but Humanity is is made

that's created we our existence is tied

up in relationship relationship with God

relationship with one another

relationship with the world that we

share and yet there is brokenness and

and and I think that comes all the way

back around to when this question is

posed to Jesus in the first place it's a

weird question and we hear that the

Pharisees are trying to test it like

they know the answer to this question is

lawful for a man to divorce his wife and

Jesus like what Moses say and then they

talk about what Moses said which is in

itself is an odd situation because it

references back to Deuteronomy 24 I

think like 1 to 4 and in those four

verses where it talks about issue

certificate of divorce it's actually if

you read through the whole thing it's a

man issues a certificate of divorce and

releases his wife and she goes and gets

married to another guy and he issues a

certificate of divorce it's not lawful

for then the first husband to then try

and marry her again that's the whole

thing if we can read a little bit

farther so it's kinda like what and as

Jesus says it's because of your hardness

apart it's because of the brokenness

that already exists in the world that

that this was made lawful to do doesn't

necessarily mean it's the right thing

and here's the point that I feel like I

think I've made before when it comes to

divorce the divorce is the death of a

relationship whether or not it's the

right thing whether or not it's the best

thing it's still not a good thing

because it is the death of a

relationship and and therefore it's

painful and it's hard and it's messy and

people get hurt within it and people in

proximity are hurt by it and children

who are part of it are hurt by it in the

the death of the breakdown of a

relationship is never a good thing even

if it is still the best thing and this

this point

towards the brokenness of this world and

I think that's where I'm gonna go with

this with this sermon honestly it's I'm

not there yet I don't know exactly

there's a lot happening here but we

remember the promise of the gospel

within this is that we have a God who

can and does create new life out of

death and that that these signs of the

brokenness of our world both the

brokenness that lies within us and the

brokenness of our reality in general

those things don't get the last word the

God does always God does even when it

doesn't feel like it you've been in

those times when that voice in the back

of our head says you deserve this or

you're not good enough for this or

you're not worthy or whatever those

stupid things say that we're all we all

hear those doubts those fears those

questions those those those the fear

that you should have done more you

should have worked harder or you're a

failure because of this all of those

those lies God is bigger and the promise

is bigger even in the times when one

doesn't feel like this is I'm going to

cut this off because now it's time to

write and and try and find a way to

proclaim the gospel into a painful

situation you know thoughts questions

comments by all means throws down the

comment section we contain the

conversation that way otherwise I would

give a blessed week we will catch you

next time