GOD’S INTENT FOR MARRIAGE
Some Pharisees came and tried to trap Him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?” Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?” “Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.” But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female' from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
Mark 10:2-9 (NLT)
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time often sought to trap and trick Him into saying something that they could use against Him. They hoped to get something they could use to turn Him over to the Romans, or short of that, at least discredit Him in the eyes of the people. In this particular instance, they’re presenting Him with the topic of divorce. Jesus, as He so often does, goes back to the Scriptures (as should we when faced with difficult questions). The religious leader points out that Moses permitted divorce, but Jesus presses into why and then explains God’s plan for marriage.
Marriage is meant to last forever. It’s more than just the signing of a paper that is submitted to the government for tax breaks. Marriage is a covenant, which is not a word we use often today. It’s essentially a sacred promise, and in marriage, it’s between more than just the bride and groom. The marital covenant includes God. He is what ultimately joins the two together into one—because of this, Jesus said that no one should split apart what God has joined together.
Now, to the hard part. There are times when divorce is the healthy step. Jesus, in the sermon on the Mount, cites infidelity (Matthew 5:32) as legitimate grounds for divorce. Abuse would be another reason to end a marriage as no one should be unsafe in the relationship that should be most sacred. While these are legitimate reasons to end a marriage, I believe this does break the heart of God. Marriage is meant to be between one man and one woman forever. If you or someone you love has walked through divorce, please don’t walk away from this feeling shamed or less than. God is gracious and loves us deeply.
APPLICATION: If you are married, how can you commit to strengthening that relationship? If you are not married but someday desire to be, what steps can you take to be the healthiest version of yourself for that day? If you never desire to be married, ask God to show you how He wants to use your life for the Kingdom!
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the relationships that You give us. Please help me to embrace authentic, Christ-centered community. May my love for You be demonstrated in my love for others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?