What Did Jesus Say About Divorce
Today we will talk about What Did Jesus Say About Divorce. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Divorce is a topic that stirs up a variety of emotions and opinions. It’s a sensitive subject and one that weighs heavily on many hearts. When we turn to Jesus, we find that His teachings provide guidance not only about marriage but also about the complexities surrounding divorce. Understanding what Jesus said is crucial for anyone grappling with this issue, as it can lead to healing, understanding, and better decisions. Let’s take a moment to examine the scriptures and see how Jesus viewed divorce, drawing from the Word itself and exploring its meanings and implications.
Historical Context of Divorce in Jesus’ Time
To properly grasp the significance of what Jesus said about divorce, it’s important to reflect on the historical context of marriage and divorce in first-century Jewish culture. During that period, marriage was taken very seriously, seen as a sacred covenant not just between two individuals, but also involving their families and communities. The Jewish law, particularly the teachings found in the Torah, provided guidelines for marriage and divorce. For instance, Deuteronomy 24:1-4 outlines procedures for a man to divorce his wife if he finds something ‘indecent’ about her.
The Greek word for divorce is “apolysis,” which means “to loosen” or “to release.” This aligns with the Hebrew word “gerushin,” which conveys a similar idea of sending away or dissipating a bond. In Jesus’ time, the interpretation of these laws varied widely. Some teachers, like Rabbi Hillel, allowed for a broader interpretation of what constituted grounds for divorce, while others, like Rabbi Shammai, held to stricter standards. As a result, divorce became relatively common, leading to many societal issues, including emotional pain and instability in families.
Jesus addresses this cultural backdrop head-on when He speaks about marriage and divorce. He doesn’t merely quote existing laws but rather goes back to the original intention behind marriage as ordained by God, as seen in Genesis. This sets the stage for understanding His more radical approach to divorce, advocating for reconciliation and the sanctity of the marital bond.
In Matthew 19:3-9, we see the Pharisees questioning Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce. His response reminds them of God’s design for marriage: “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” This foundational understanding of marriage shows that God’s intention is for permanence and unity.
Jesus’ Teachings on Divorce
When Jesus speaks on divorce, He emphasizes the serious nature of marriage as a divine union. His primary message is clear: marriage is not to be taken lightly, and divorce should not be a casual option. In Matthew 19:9, He states: “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” This instruction highlights that while divorce may be permissible in certain cases—like infidelity—it should not be the first course of action. Jesus recognizes that while human hearts can be hard, God’s desire for us is to seek restoration over separation.
In Mark 10:11-12, Jesus further emphasizes this point by saying that anyone who divorces their spouse and marries another commits adultery. His repetition serves to stress that divorce should not be an easy choice, but rather a serious matter with consequences. Here, we understand Jesus is not merely following the legalistic approach but rather challenging us to reflect on the holiness of marriage. His intention is to call for a deeper understanding and commitment among spouses, urging couples to work through their conflicts and maintain their vows.
Additionally, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses divorce in more personal terms. In Matthew 5:31-32, he expands upon the concept by saying, “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” This teaching drives home the idea that divorce has ramifications for both parties involved. It’s not simply a matter of ending a relationship but a matter of preserving dignity and respect.
The Heart of Restoration
At the core of what Jesus teaches about divorce is the theme of reconciliation. In Matthew 18:21-22, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, Jesus’ response emphasizes the importance of forgiveness—“not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This principle extends into our marital relationships. The underlying message is that grace, understanding, and a willingness to forgive should be our default responses rather than the easy route to divorce. Admittedly, this is a challenging calling, especially when people face pain and betrayal in their relationships.
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” This beatitude reminds us that God’s heart leans toward peace and harmony. As spouses face tensions and disagreements, the call for each partner is to seek peace among one another—to be peacemakers rather than peacebreakers.
When we see divorce as a last resort rather than a primary option, we engage in a biblical attitude toward reconciliation. This is reiterated throughout scripture. In Colossians 3:13, we read: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Here again, we are called to reflect the grace we’ve received from Christ, allowing that grace to transform our marriages and relationships.
Divorce and God’s Mercy
It’s important to acknowledge, however, that life can be complicated. Jesus acknowledges human frailty, recognizing that not every marriage can be restored to health. He understands the pain that can exist, and His heart is filled with compassion towards the brokenhearted. In Psalm 34:18, we reflect on God’s promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Jesus embodies this sentiment; He does not condone sin but offers grace and mercy to those who suffer as a result of broken relationships.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of divorce or are struggling with the topic, remember that God’s grace is sufficient. There’s no sin too great that disqualifies you from His love and forgiveness. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are reminded: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse speaks volumes about renewal and restoration. Through Jesus, there’s always hope for a new beginning, whether in healing from past marriages or forging new relationships grounded in His love.
Ultimately, Jesus’ teachings on divorce remind us of the gravity of marriage while offering a gentle hand to those walking through painful situations. His call challenges us to honor our commitments and seek restoration, while also extending compassion and understanding toward others who may be struggling. By bringing the focus back to God’s original purpose for marriage, Jesus steers us toward a path of healing rather than heartache.
Final Thoughts
In our journey today, we’ve taken a comprehensive look at what Jesus said about divorce. From the historical backdrop of marriage in His time to the direct teachings He provided, it’s clear that Jesus values the sanctity of marriage immensely. He challenges us to see divorce as a serious matter, while also offering compassion for those who bear the weight of broken relationships.
As we reflect on His words, we can find hope in the call for forgiveness and healing, reminding us that God’s grace is ever-present. For those affected by divorce, we can take comfort knowing that we are not alone; God walks with us through our suffering and desires restoration in our lives. Above all, Jesus’ message calls us to a higher standard—to cherish our relationships and strive for peace.
In summary, Jesus points us back to the heart of God’s design for marriage, urging us to honor our commitments and seek a spirit of reconciliation. His invitation extends to all of us, offering a path forward filled with hope, love, and a renewed sense of purpose in our relationships.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4