I have often spoken of my experiences when teaching others about Jesus’ view on divorce. Most people that I have talked with on the issue (other than faithful Christians) have very little knowledge of how Jesus felt about the matter. When divorce is dealt with, it is usually regarding self-fulfillment, the nature of some grievance, or emotional turmoil. It is seldom that the topic arises because of a legitimate desire to know our Lord’s view.
There are several passages which deal with the subject. Perhaps the fullest discussion is found in Matthew 19. Let’s consider a few obvious truths that are revealed in that passage.
First, a little context. On this occasion the Pharisees were “testing” Jesus. There is no indication their motive was pure. Perhaps they desired (as was often the case) to find some slip up in teaching that would show Jesus to be mistaken or false in his treatment of God’s revelation.
Their question, as related in verse 3, is an important one. It is as relevant today as it was when it was asked. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”
Jesus’ answer to them was just as simple. Put succinctly, His answer to their question was NO! His reasoning was as follows:
- God in the beginning made man and woman
- God established marriage, stating it as a joining of a man and woman. Note God’s words in Genesis 2, “the two shall become one flesh.”
- Jesus’ conclusion: “So, then they are NO LONGER two but ONE flesh. Therefore what GOD has joined together LET NOT MAN separate” (6)
This clearly shows Jesus’ conclusion. Since God did the joining, man does not have the right to dissolve the union. Lest anyone argue with that truth, note that the Pharisees understood it perfectly. This is why they responded with an objection to His conclusion. “They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?’” (7).
Jesus showed the illegitimacy of their objection. He indicated that Moses’ instructions were an accommodation to their hard hearts (8). In this exception, Moses permitted, (not commanded) them to divorce their wives. However, He noted that this exception was not God’s divine plan from the beginning. “From the beginning it was not so” (8).
We know that there were certain things that God “overlooked” in times past, times Paul referred to as “times of ignorance” (cf. Acts 17:30). In regard to marriage we could note divorce and polygamy in this regard. But as Paul said, God “now commands all men everywhere to repent” (ibid).
Here in His discussion with the Pharisees, Jesus spoke clearly regarding His own authority on the matter. He said, “And I say to you.” Whatever might have happened before, Jesus settled the issue for every Christian by speaking His will (which corresponded to the will of His Father) on this occasion. Note the full declaration:
“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9)
Note: This statement is not in any way permissive. His disciples knew that, saying, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry” (vs. 10). Jesus understood that many would not accept His teaching. But for us who are truly seeking to please the Lord, the instruction is simple. As Jesus said in verse 12, “Let him accept it.” So, what are some of the truths revealed by a simple examination of verse 9? Let’s consider:
Jesus revealed only one reason for legitimate divorce. (Remember, the Pharisees asked Him, “For just any reason?” and His answer was, NO). This only reason for divorce is translated in the NKJV “sexual immorality.” The Greek word is porneia and is accurately translated in the KJV with the old fashioned word, “fornication.” The Greek word is defined as – illicit sexual intercourse. Other words like lasciviousness or lewdness can describe sexual sin, but here the word is clear. Sexual intercourse between two individuals who are not joined by God, no matter the participants, is the sole reason for God to permit divorce.
When men or women (cf. Mark 10:11-12) divorce, it does not mean that God looses the bond of marriage. If God does not approve, a subsquent marriage of either the one who did the divorcing, or the one who was divorced, amounts to adultery. (Note the definition of adultery: One who is married having sex with someone who is not their spouse!)
So the rule Jesus re-established in Matthew 19 is simple. (Remember, it was this way from the beginning). One man, one woman, for a lifetime. The only exception (or reason) that God allows for divorce in “sexual immorality.” In this case, the implication is clear. The innocent party could indeed remarry with God’s approval. He (or she) can join with another.
However, there is never an indication that the guilty party in the matter can ever remarry. Whoever marries one who is divorced, (no matter the reason why they are divorced, whether is it because of fornication, or as the Pharisees asked, “for any reason”), enters into an adulterous relationship with that person.
Jesus said it, we need to listen and accept His words!
