Matthew 5:31-32

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Good morning!

Today’s topic is not the easiest subject in the world to discuss. Why? Because so many have dealt with the effects of divorce… The unfortunate reality in our country is that nearly 50% of marriages will end in divorce. I feel extremely confident that not one of these marriages planned their divorce during their wedding preparation. I’ve never heard someone say, “I chose a good one for my first spouse. I wonder who the next lucky person will be?” It just doesn’t happen; however, here we are…

In this passage, Jesus references Deuteronomy 24 and then clears up the muddied subject. Believe it or not, divorce was a highly debated subject in Jesus’ time. There were 2 schools of thought on divorce. The school of Shammai was the “conservative” teaching, which Jesus echoes in this passage, arguing that divorce was only permissible due to adultery. However, the school of Hillel was the more progressive school of thought which allowed divorce for any trivial reason. If a man’s wife were to overcook a meal, didn’t respond properly, saw someone he felt was more attractive, or what have you, divorce was always an option if they so choose.

There is so much we could explore in this passage; however, I want to focus our attention on the compassion and protection that Jesus is offering in His teaching. The reality of marriage is this: marriage was designed by our creator and should operate under certain confines, and when we as humans violate God’s design, it leads to brokenness, pain, and can cause much harm.

Most of us have experienced the repercussions of divorce in some way or another. Even if we haven’t dealt with it personally, we know someone who has. It sounds like were discussing cancer, doesn’t it? With that said, we understand the pain divorce brings and the emotional and relational brokenness that comes alongside.

Again, Jesus isn’t trying to withhold pleasure or give us a bunch of rules to live by. Instead, His instructions offer compassion and wisdom for the purpose of protecting His people. And here we see that Jesus is a God of faithfulness and oneness, and His desire is always reconciliation.

Maybe you and your spouse are going through a tough season of marriage right now and your thinking of throwing in the towel. I want to encourage you to persevere. Don’t let your pride keep you from seeing a counselor. Begin to seek the Lord together. Offer grace and forgiveness. Let the past be the past… in other words, fight for your marriage!

Enjoy your weekend!

-Taylor