Mark 10:3
“And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?”
Context:This verse is part of a larger passage in Mark 10:2-9 where Jesus addresses the topic of divorce.
In this passage, the Pharisees approached Jesus and tested Him by asking if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. In response, Jesus posed a question back to them, referring to the commandments given by Moses.
To understand the significance of Mark 10:3, it is essential to examine the broader context and the historical and cultural background of divorce in Jewish society during Jesus’ time.
During the time of Jesus, divorce was a debated issue among Jewish scholars, and there were different interpretations of the Mosaic Law concerning divorce. Some believed divorce was permissible for various reasons, while others held a stricter view that divorce was only allowed in cases of adultery.
By asking the Pharisees about what Moses commanded, Jesus was directing them to consider the original intent of the Law and the deeper principles behind it. He wanted to highlight the significance of God’s design for marriage and expose their misinterpretation and misuse of the Law.
In the following verses (Mark 10:4-9), Jesus proceeds to explain God’s intention for marriage from the beginning of creation. He emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, and that divorce was not part of God’s original plan. Jesus states, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh” (Mark 10:7-8).
In this passage, Jesus elevates the sanctity of marriage and discourages divorce. He emphasizes the importance of honoring the commitment made in marriage and maintaining the unity and oneness of the marital bond. By referring to God’s original plan for marriage, Jesus points to a higher standard than what had become accepted in Jewish society at that time.
Overall, Mark 10:3 serves as a pivotal verse within the broader passage on divorce. It prompts reflection on the intent and purpose of God’s commandments, emphasizing the significance of honoring the sanctity of marriage and upholding the lifelong commitment between spouses.
