Matthew 19:1-12 Teaching About Divorce

The Pharisees approach Jesus to test him one more time. On this occasion, they ask about divorce - is it lawful? Jesus' answers quoting from the Creation account (Gen.2:24) that a man and a woman become one flesh when they marry and since the union is performed by God, no man has the right to separate them.

The Pharisees appeal to Moses and state that he commanded divorce. They appeal to the authority of Moses as a reliable source to give them certainty that divorce is permissible. During those days, a man could divorce his wife for any reason. If she didn't please him with her cooking or her care of the home, the man could dismiss her by giving her a certificate of divorce. Certificates of divorce could be given for any reason at all. They used Moses' permission as a command for their own selfish purposes.

Jesus' explanation for Moses granting (giving permission, not commanding) divorce certificates cuts to the core of the issue. It was due to their hardness of heart. But it was not the original design and intent for marriage. It is wrong to enter marriage with the notion that if it doesn't work, I can call it quits. It is wrong to enter marriage with the thought that if I find someone better, I can end it here. Marriage was designed for life. Its original intent is to unite two people for as long as they shall live until death do us part. 

My hardness of heart stands in the way of God's design and purpose in marriage. If my marriage is going to last the test of time, I must submit my heart in the hands of the Lord so he can soften it. My commitment to the covenant of marriage grows out of a heart that is sensitive to God and his commands. I must be committed to my God wholeheartedly so that I can be committed to my wife for the rest of my life. When my heart is filled with selfishness and pride, I cannot love my wife. But when my heart is filled with the love of God, I find it easier to love my wife today and commit to love her unconditionally tomorrow. The only acceptable reason for a divorce, according to Jesus, is sexual immorality. But even sexual immorality could be forgiven and does not have to lead to divorce.

Lord, help my marriage to be built upon the Rock. May your Holy Spirit soften my heart to accept your design and purpose in marriage. May I be faithful to my wife until the end of our days. May we remain one flesh until death or your return. Amen.