When the World Tests the Covenant: Learning from Matthew 19

Brothers and sisters, when you’re out in the field, or even just in a quiet moment preparing for missionary discussions, you run into questions. Sometimes they are gentle, and sometimes they feel like a direct test of the covenants we hold dear. It reminds me of the discussions I heard about back in my own missionary days—the sheer volume of doctrine, the nuances of scripture, the way people try to corner you into an answer.

Recently, I was studying some material on Matthew 19, and it struck me how much debate surrounds seemingly simple topics, like the sanctity of marriage. It’s clear that even when the gospel is taught with the purest heart, the world—and sometimes even those who claim to follow the covenant—will test the boundaries.

The passage highlights Pharisees testing Jesus on divorce, citing Deuteronomy 24. The debate wasn't just academic; it was deeply personal and carried the weight of covenant law. We hear of two schools of thought: Rabbi Shammai, with his stricter view, and Rabbi Hillel, with his more expansive interpretation. It’s a classic example of how doctrine can be debated from different angles, and how easily people can get caught up in the 'which side' argument rather than the core principle.

As we continue to be disciples—whether that means being an Internet missionary from our living rooms or standing in a temple ward—we must remember that our foundation isn't in winning debates, but in understanding the *spirit* of the law and the *love* of the Savior. Our goal isn't to be the smartest person in the room; it's to be Christlike, to feel the Spirit, and to point people back to the restored gospel.

This is where the power of preparation comes in. If you feel like you're facing a doctrinal challenge this week, don't wait until you're standing in the field. Use your time now! I highly recommend diving into the Matthew for Beginners series on BibleTalk.tv. It walks through these complex narratives step by step, which is invaluable for any missionary preparation.

A Quick Practice with Davee

Speaking of testing, I thought I’d bring in Davee for a quick role-play. If you’re worried about how to answer a tough question about covenants, let’s practice! Davee, can you walk a new disciple through how to respond when an investigator challenges the permanence of the temple covenants?

Remember, the calling to be a disciple is not limited by geography or circumstance. Every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep studying, keep testifying, and keep pointing everyone back to the Savior!

Next Steps for Our Community

If you want to dig deeper into scripture-discipleship, join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful place to wrestle with these big questions together, guided by the Spirit.

For those who feel ready to sharpen their skills, I’m also reminding everyone about our free weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a great, low-pressure way to build your missionary confidence.