These verses are straightforward advice about marriage. They are a warning to remain faithful, to be content, to be happy, to “stay deeply in love.” Contrary to the modern day norm, the writer of this proverb seems to assume that all of these things are attainable, not matters of fate or fancy, but matters of choice and deliberate intention. And the key is faithfulness.

This passage reflects a crucial, game-changing moment in Jesus’ ministry. He publically forgives the sins of a crippled man, then heals his physical condition as well. The man is told to pick up his mat and go home.

By declaring his right and ability to forgive sins, Jesus equated himself with God.

The Pharisees devoted themselves to the rules of ritual purity and to turning the nation to righteousness—something they believed would prompt God to deliver them from the Romans.

Jesus’ purpose in his teaching was to reveal the heart of God. He distilled the entire law into two principles: to love God supremely and to love others as much as we love ourselves. While the Pharisees looked for outward conformity, Jesus looked for inward change.

In today’s reading, the followers of John were concerned that he taught them a life of self-denial, including going without eating as an act of self-discipline, while Jesus didn’t demand this of his disciples.

Jesus’ answer included three metaphors. The first was taken from their wedding traditions.

We often feel the lack of time – to prepare for exams, finish projects, pay off our debts, or take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The man in the story faced the reality of running out of time. He had just learned that his little daughter had died and hoped that if Jesus hurried back with him, they might arrive in time for Jesus to revive her.

In 1st century Judea, blindness was a particular burden. Not only were the blind unable to see; they were understood to be deserving of their condition. Jesus healed many blind who came to him and in today’s reading, he restored sight to two men. Though he warned them to not speak about him, they “talked about him to everyone in that part of the country.”

Something is different in this psalm: the psalmist’s enemies have turned tail and run. They stumbled on God and fell on their faces! The psalmist is jubilant—foot-on-chest-winner jubilation.

Woohoo we cry: finally, God, you have crushed the enemies!