A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Now it was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away is to give her a certificate of divorce’; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Matthew 5:31-32 NASB2020
Jesus continues giving illustrations of some really difficult ideas. This one is about divorce. The Jewish law regarding divorce was in place to protect women from a man’s sudden unaccounted for change of heart. (Remember this was a world run by men where the women had very little rights). Therefore, the man could not just say I divorce you and put the woman on the street. He had to get a certificate of divorce. The man would have grounds to get this certificate for a wide variety of reasons from the trivial (he just did not find her attractive anymore) to unfaithfulness (adultery).
Jesus says the only reason for this certificate of divorce is adultery.
Once again Jesus is giving illustrations of how Jewish law has gone off course in relation to our sin nature.
This passage is a difficult passage, especially with divorce rates today being what they are. Plus there are a lot of followers of Christ who are remarried with awesome blended families. Jesus is explaining that divorce occurs because of our sin nature. And Jesus is the forgiver of all sin. Therefore, context is important. Once again Jesus is specifically speaking to how and why Jewish law had gone off the rails. This is his third illustration of how Jewish law had changed from what God intended. That is the context in which these verses should be read.
In my humble opinion way too many people who want to judge others have used these verses out of context. Jesus is not telling people to stay in abusive relationships. We also can’t avoid certain scripture because it’s uncomfortable or difficult to understand.
We are called to know His word. We are called to seek Him first. If we do that then all these things will become clear and be revealed to us, in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord we thank you for you good and pleasing will. Thank you for your forgiveness and eternal life with you. Help us to seek you and your good and pleasing will. Reveal to us your precious words through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Blessings. Press in and Press On!