When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce, their true motive was to trap Him with a divisive topic, hoping to discredit Him. In response, Jesus didn’t merely offer an opinion—He redirected them to God’s original design for marriage as a sacred and permanent union. By referencing Genesis, Jesus underscored that marriage is not just a legal arrangement but a spiritual covenant intended to last for life. His message stood in stark contrast to the cultural norms of the time, challenging both religious leaders and His own disciples to view marriage through the lens of divine intention.
Jesus also addressed the concession Moses made for divorce, explaining it was due to human hardness of heart, not God’s desire. He acknowledged that in cases of sexual immorality, divorce may be permitted, but He framed it as a painful exception, not a casual option. Additionally, Jesus elevated celibacy as a valid, honorable choice for those called to it. These teachings carry deep relevance today, offering guidance for marriage, singleness, and navigating broken relationships with grace and truth. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the context, meaning, and practical application of Jesus’ words on this important topic.
When the Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce, they were not just seeking an answer. They were trying to trap Him with a controversial issue. Let’s delve into this encounter, found in Matthew 19:1-12 and Mark 10:1-12, to understand Jesus’ teachings on divorce and marriage.
The Context
Jesus was traveling through Judea, teaching large crowds. The Pharisees, a group of Jewish religious leaders known for their strict adherence to the law, approached Him with a question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” (Matthew 19:3, NIV). This question aimed to challenge Jesus and potentially alienate Him from either the public or the Roman authorities.
Jesus’ Initial Response
Jesus responded by pointing them back to the beginning, to God’s original design for marriage. He said, “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:4-6, NIV).
By quoting Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24, Jesus emphasized that marriage is a divine union. God’s intention from the beginning was for marriage to be a permanent, unbreakable bond.
The Pharisees’ Follow-Up Question
The Pharisees then asked, “Why then did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” (Matthew 19:7, NIV). They referred to Deuteronomy 24:1-4, where Moses permitted divorce.
Jesus’ Clarification
Jesus clarified, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:8-9, NIV).
Here, Jesus acknowledged that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of human hearts, not because it was God’s ideal. Jesus introduced a significant exception: sexual immorality. In cases of unfaithfulness, divorce was permitted, but not required.
The Disciples’ Reaction
The disciples, surprised by Jesus’ strict stance, remarked, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry” (Matthew 19:10, NIV). This reaction highlights how radical Jesus’ teaching was, even to His closest followers.
Jesus’ Teaching on Celibacy
Jesus responded to the disciples by discussing celibacy, saying, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it” (Matthew 19:11-12, NIV).
In other words, Jesus acknowledged that celibacy is a gift not everyone can accept. Some are called to remain single for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Implications for Today
Jesus’ teachings on divorce and marriage hold profound implications for us today. Let’s break down some key points:
- God’s Original Design: Marriage is meant to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman. This reflects God’s original intent for humanity.
- Divorce and Hardness of Heart: Divorce was permitted due to human shortcomings, not because it was God’s plan. It’s a concession, not a command.
- Exception Clause: Jesus allowed divorce in the case of sexual immorality. This exception recognizes the severe breach of trust that infidelity brings.
- Commitment to Marriage: Jesus’ teaching challenges us to view marriage with seriousness and commitment. It’s not a contract to be broken at will but a covenant to be honored.
- Value of Celibacy: Jesus also affirmed the value of celibacy for those who are called to it. It’s a legitimate and honorable lifestyle for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Practical Applications
Understanding these teachings helps in navigating marital challenges and upholding the sanctity of marriage. Here are some practical applications:
- Seek Premarital Counseling: Before getting married, engage in thorough premarital counseling. This helps couples understand the commitment they’re making and prepares them for potential challenges.
- Invest in Your Marriage: Continuous investment in your marriage through communication, love, and mutual respect strengthens the bond and helps prevent issues that could lead to divorce.
- Handle Conflicts Biblically: When conflicts arise, handle them with grace, forgiveness, and biblical principles. Seek reconciliation and understanding rather than harboring resentment.
- Consider Professional Help: If your marriage is facing severe difficulties, seek professional counseling or pastoral guidance. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide the necessary tools for healing.
- Support for the Divorced: If you’ve experienced divorce, know that there’s grace and healing in Christ. Engage with support groups and counseling to navigate the emotional and spiritual aftermath.
Conclusion
The encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees about divorce offers timeless wisdom on marriage. Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and the value of celibacy. These teachings guide us in honoring marriage as God intended and handling marital challenges with a Christ-centered approach.
Remember, whether you’re married, divorced, or single, there’s hope and guidance in Jesus’ words. Embrace His teachings, and you’ll find the strength and wisdom to navigate your relational journey.
FAQs: Pharisees Ask Jesus About Divorce
1. Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce?
The Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce to test Him and potentially trap Him in a controversial issue. They wanted to see if He would contradict Mosaic Law or say something that could alienate Him from the public or Roman authorities.
2. What was Jesus’ initial response to the Pharisees’ question about divorce?
Jesus responded by pointing back to God’s original design for marriage. He quoted Genesis, emphasizing that marriage is a divine union where “the two become one flesh” and that what God has joined together should not be separated.
3. Why did Moses permit divorce according to Jesus?
Jesus explained that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of human hearts. It was a concession to human weakness, not part of God’s original plan for marriage.
4. What exception did Jesus give for divorce?
Jesus stated that divorce is permissible in the case of sexual immorality. This exception acknowledges the severe breach of trust caused by infidelity.
5. How did the disciples react to Jesus’ teaching on divorce?
The disciples were surprised by Jesus’ strict stance on divorce and remarked that it might be better not to marry if such were the conditions. This highlights how radical Jesus’ teaching was even to His closest followers.
6. What did Jesus say about celibacy?
Jesus acknowledged that celibacy is a gift not everyone can accept. He mentioned that some are called to live a celibate life for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, and those who can accept this calling should do so.
7. What are the key points of Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce?
- Marriage is intended to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman.
- Divorce was permitted due to human hardness of heart, not because it was God’s ideal.
- Divorce is allowed in cases of sexual immorality.
- Marriage should be approached with seriousness and commitment.
- Celibacy is a legitimate and honorable lifestyle for those called to it.
8. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce today?
- Seek premarital counseling to prepare for the commitment of marriage.
- Invest in your marriage through communication, love, and respect.
- Handle conflicts biblically with grace and forgiveness.
- Consider professional help for severe marital difficulties.
- Support for the divorced by engaging with support groups and counseling to navigate the emotional and spiritual aftermath.
9. What is the significance of Jesus’ teaching on divorce for Christians today?
Jesus’ teachings emphasize the sanctity and permanence of marriage, encouraging Christians to view marriage as a serious and lifelong commitment. It also provides guidance on handling marital challenges and recognizes the value of celibacy for those called to it.
10. Where in the Bible can I find the account of Jesus’ teaching on divorce?
The accounts of Jesus’ teaching on divorce can be found in Matthew 19:1-12 and Mark 10:1-12. These passages provide detailed insights into His conversation with the Pharisees and His teachings on marriage and divorce.
