Matthew 19:3

“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?”

Context:In this verse, we find Jesus being approached by the Pharisees who were attempting to test Him with a question regarding divorce. The Pharisees were seeking Jesus’ opinion on whether it was permissible for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.

Understanding the Cultural Context:To properly understand this passage, it is important to consider the cultural context of the time. In the first-century Jewish culture, divorce was a topic of much debate. Different religious schools of thought had varying interpretations and practices regarding divorce, and it was a contentious issue among the Jewish people.

The Pharisees’ Intent:The Pharisees’ question was not a sincere inquiry seeking Jesus’ wisdom on marriage and divorce. Rather, they were attempting to trap Him and find fault with His teachings. Their goal was likely to discredit Jesus or force Him to take a controversial stance.

Jesus’ Response:In the following verses (Matthew 19:4-9), Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question by referencing the creation account from Genesis and emphasizing God’s original design for marriage. He states that from the beginning, God intended for a man and a woman to be joined together as one flesh and that divorce was not part of God’s original plan. Jesus then addresses the Mosaic Law, which allowed for divorce under certain circumstances due to the hardness of people’s hearts but was not God’s ideal.

Key Teachings:Through His response, Jesus teaches several important principles:

• God’s Original Design for Marriage:Jesus affirms the sanctity and permanence of marriage by referring to God’s intention from the creation of mankind. He emphasizes that marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.
• Divorce and God’s Ideal:Jesus acknowledges that Moses allowed divorce under the Law, but He points out that it was a concession due to human hardness of heart. God’s ideal plan does not include divorce, as it violates the unity and permanence of the marital relationship.
• Exception Clause:In Matthew 19:9, Jesus adds an exception clause concerning adultery, stating that divorce is permissible in cases of marital unfaithfulness. This exception recognizes the reality of the brokenness and sinfulness of human relationships.

• God’s Design for Marriage:Christians are called to honour the sanctity and permanence of marriage as God’s design. It is a union to be cherished, nurtured, and protected.
• The Commitment of Marriage:Jesus’ teaching highlights the importance of commitment and faithfulness in marriage. Christians are encouraged to cultivate love, forgiveness, and mutual respect within their marital relationships.
• Handling Divorce:While divorce is not God’s ideal, Jesus’ exception clause acknowledges the reality of certain circumstances, such as adultery. Christians should seek godly counsel, understanding, and healing in situations where divorce becomes unavoidable.
• Avoiding Traps and Testing:This passage also teaches us to be cautious of those who seek to trap or test us with insincere questions. Jesus responded with wisdom and grace, and we can learn from His example to navigate difficult situations with discernment and a focus on God’s truth.

Remember, studying the Bible holistically and considering the broader context of Scripture is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of its teachings.