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JESUS ON MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE (I)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
Matthew 19:3-12

Deuteronomy 24:1-4

 

“…What therefore God
hath joined together,

let not man put asunder.”

 

JESUS ON MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE (I)
 
Here Jesus responded to the question: “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” This was a trick question by the Pharisees. In the days of Jesus, the Pharisees taught that a man could divorce his wife for the slightest reason. For instance, after marriage, if you discover that she cannot cook well, divorce! If someone more attractive comes along, divorce! The women in those days were bullied, and Jesus here defended their rights. Jesus emphasised that marriage as a divine institution involves a covenant relationship that is meant to be permanent: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” In other words, no divorce!
 
If that is the case, then what about Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 24? “Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?” Jesus answered, “Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” Jesus reminded them that marriage as a divine institution was meant to be permanent and a blessing to the married couple right from the start. This original intention was spoiled by sin. Divorce is thus not a divine but a human institution. Divorce is not what God wanted, but what man wanted, “the hardness of your hearts”! The people in those days insisted on the bill of divorcement. Divorce is therefore a product of sin. It is shameful to divorce even though God has granted permission for it.
 
THOUGHT: “Marriage is a covenant consecrated by God.” (Calvin)

PRAYER: Father, keep me true to my spouse.

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