Back to the Bible: Matthew 19:1-12
Jesus was on the other side of the Jordan River.
Some of the Pharisees came to Jesus to test Him. They ask about divorce. Is it okay for any reason? This was a major debate among Jewish rabbis. They want to put Jesus on one side or the other, pitting Him against some bit of the Jewish people. Jesus answers by explaining the nature of marriage. He says, “Haven’t you read?” Perhaps that was a challenge to their supposed spiritual knowledge. The passage He quotes is on page 2! They had at least read that far, hadn’t they? He references the creation. God made them to be one flesh and man shouldn’t separate what God joined.
They ask about Moses’ command. They are referencing Deuteronomy 24:1-4. A careful look at the passage shows that Moses was not commanding divorce. Rather, he was protecting women from being treated as pawns. This actually should have served as a caution to divorce, certainly not as a command.
Jesus explained that this was an allowance because of hard hearts but not God’s desire.
Jesus explains that divorce is unacceptable except in a case of fornication. Remarriage in a case of divorce without the exception is adulterous.
The disciples respond in shock. If that’s the requirement for marriage, maybe it’s better not to marry at all. Jesus says that different men can’t marry for various reasons. Some are born, some are made “eunuchs” (those who for some reason cannot or will not marry). Some will choose not to marry for the kingdom’s sake. Jesus says that the person who can and is willing to accept that for the kingdom should, in fact, accept it.
Lessons to Learn:
Jesus answers a question about divorce by emphasizing marriage. This is where the conversation should always start. Divorce should be out of the question based on the very nature of marriage. A married man and woman are joined together and are to hold fast to one another. When God joins them together, it should be considered as inseparable.
Fornication is the only exception for divorce. Though we live in a society where “no-fault” divorces are allowed and “irreconcilable differences” serve as an explanation, that does not fall into line with the will of Jesus.
Don’t let the culture define your approach to any Bible subject. Sometimes people think that the Bible only takes “old-fashioned” stances. But, Jesus’ teaching didn’t fit in the first-century culture either. Jesus’ words are the oldest “old-fashioned” stances. He takes us back to the beginning.
We are thankful to share considerations of God’s word. It’s best if you have a Bible close at hand and evaluate what we say. We always want to go “back to the Bible” for what we teach. To reach us with your questions and comments or to request a personal Bible study email us at info@backtothebiblepodcast.com.
