Matthew 5:31-32
It has been said, Anyone who divorces his wife . . .
David gave us three goals for the discussion on marriage and divorce:
- No condemnation: The point of the passage is to view the importance of marriage, not to criticize those who have been divorced.
- God's values: The larger passage helps us see God's perspective on life, which certainly includes the marriage relationship.
- How to avoid divorce: As a pastor, David gleaned some insights from scripture and experience.
Why did Jesus teach about divorce?
In this section, Jesus has been clarifying what has gone wrong with the law's interpretation. The disciples needed tools to help others (and themselves; some were married) live godly lives. He gave specific applications for His followers. The previous topic was sexual immorality, and the meaning of marriage would be a logical progression. And, as in all the related passages, Jesus is raising the bar for His followers in order to change the world.
What is Jesus trying to communicate?
His followers are not to blend in with society. Exploitation of women is particularly condemned in this passage (and others). Jesus acknowledges the law, but then adds His interpretation. He wasn't correcting the law, but taking it back to its meaning.
His own authority is sufficient to establish a teaching. He doesn't brag about His authority, but simply assumes it. Gradually, His hearers began to realize who He must be.
Obeying the law
The religious system was devised to make it possible to obey the law. Obedience was thought to be the road to God, so loopholes were included (often designed by humans) for some of the difficult standards. Jesus was stressing the meaning behind the religious system. Jesus was pointing to a much higher standard, but He was also offering forgiveness and restoration, and He offers the Holy Spirit to help us live by the higher standard.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 gave some additional instructions about how divorce was to work in Jewish society. It required legal action, even back then, rather than just the whim of a man. But divorce was not the intention for people. Genesis 2:24 mentions "leave, cleave, and become" as the goal. In Matthew 19:18, Jesus says that human stubbornness and waywardness was the reason divorce procedures were given to the Jews.
God values marriage. He allows divorce.
Why is God opposed to divorce?
Divorce was a symbol of Israels' unfaithfulness, as described in the book of Hosea in the Old Testament. Marriage is a metaphor for our own relationship to God. The human pain and suffering in each divorce is symbolic of what God experiences in human rejection of Him. The descriptive phrase "one flesh" goes beyond the sexual union.
Some insights from David's pastoral experience
The three greatest causes of divorce: Money, sex, in-laws.
To singles: Make a good first choice. When you first sense a bond developing, talk about how you see your lives progressing. Take your time to be certain.
To couples: Something drew you together - keep the fire going. "Becoming one" is a process. To come to the end of life as "one flesh" is worth it.
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