Jesus had strong views when it came to divorce, and so did the teachings of the New Testament.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Jesus actually said about divorce and how it fits in with modern-day relationships.
When it comes down to it, divorce is a traumatic and life-altering decision, and Jesus’ words can provide insight and comfort in times of crisis.
Jesus references the Alimony in Matthew 5:31-32: “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.”
These two verses dealt with divorce in the sense that the innocent partner who’d been divorced must not marry somebody else — and if the individual did, he’d be committing adultery.
To understand how the culture of the time viewed divorce, it’s helpful to look at the analogy Jesus presented in Luke 16:18: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
This analogy underscored the fact that divorce was not a casual decision in the eyes of Jesus: it was a serious one.
Divorce is also firmly condemned in Mark 10:11-12: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.
And if she divorces her husband and marries another man she commits adultery”. Here, Jesus is essentially saying that divorce is an act of adultery. He goes on to explain why this is the case in verse 12: “For a man’s wife is bound to him as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse implies that a married woman is only free to remarry if her husband dies, since the bond between them will not be broken until his death.
But despite Jesus’ view on divorce, he also maintained that marriage should honor the sanctity of the relationship.
In Matthew 19:9, Jesus says “And I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.”
This statement underscores the fact that Jesus believed that a person should only divorce for reasons such as infidelity or persistent marital problems.
He is not condoning divorce, but he is showing that if a marriage is already broken, then there may be grounds for a divorce.
While Jesus’ teachings on divorce can seem harsh, his main point was to emphasize the value of marriage and how it should be a lifelong commitment.
Jesus was reminding people that divorce should be seen as a last resort and not an easy way out of a troubled marriage.
His view demonstrates the importance of marriage and that couples should always strive to resolve any issues they may have, rather than turning to divorce.
Divorce can be a difficult and painful decision, but we can take comfort in Jesus’ words and find strength in his teachings.
He reminds us of the commitment we make when we enter into a marriage, and the importance of seeking ways to work through any difficulties.
Jesus’ words provide a guide to marriage, but they also offer insight and comfort for those who may find themselves experiencing the heartache of divorce.
What Does Jesus Say About Divorce in the Bible?
When it comes to divorce, Jesus’ teachings were clear. The most straightforward statement is found in the New Testament book of Mark 10:11-12: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man she commits adultery.” These verses show that Jesus viewed divorce as a serious decision that should only be taken in extreme circumstances.
Jesus also offered an analogy in Luke 16:18: “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” This analogy highlighted the fact that Jesus did not condone divorce and that the decision to divorce was not something to be taken lightly. He was stressing that marriage is a lifelong commitment and that couples should strive to work through any difficulties that might arise rather than turning to divorce.
Jesus also addressed the issue of adultery in Matthew 5:31-32: “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” This statement reiterated the fact that divorce should only be explored in extreme cases of infidelity or persistent marital problems. Jesus was not denying that couples could divorce in certain circumstances, but rather emphasizing the value and sanctity of marriage.
In addition to these verses, Matthew 19:9 provides another statement about divorce: “And I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.” This verse reveals Jesus’ understanding that infidelity was grounds for divorce and the importance of not entering into marriage lightly. It also demonstrates Jesus’ compassion in recognizing the validity of a divorce due to extenuating circumstances.
What Is the Context of Jesus’ Teachings on Divorce?
It is important to understand the cultural context in which Jesus was speaking when discussing divorce. During Jesus’ time, marriages were arranged and typically lasted a lifetime. There was little opportunity for women to pursue careers, and the only way for someone to end their marriage would be for the husband to file for a divorce, which was very rare. Thus, the culture of the time saw divorce as a massive disruption to the social and economic order.
For this reason, Jesus was very serious when he said that a person should not divorce their spouse except in extreme cases. This wasn’t just an arbitrary rule; it was a reflection of the cultural understanding of marriage at the time. Jesus was attempting to protect the sanctity of marriage and preserve the social order.
Additionally, Jesus was also approaching the issue of divorce from the perspective of faith. The teachings of Christianity emphasize the importance of honoring our commitments and being devoted to a certain set of values. Jesus was attempting to ensure that people uphold these commitments by not entering into marriage lightly and that when couples did enter into a marriage, they should do their utmost to preserve it.
What Is the Overall Message of Jesus’ View on Divorce?
Overall, Jesus was seeking to emphasize the importance of marriage and the sanctity of the relationship. His view on divorce was extreme because in the culture of the time, a divorce would have major economic and social repercussions. Therefore, Jesus was stressing the importance of committing to a relationship and doing everything in one’s power to sustain it.
Rather than condoning divorce, Jesus was attempting to emphasize the importance of avoiding it. He believed that couples should work through their issues and attempt to remain together in a loving relationship. Jesus empathized with those who experienced extreme hardships in their marriages, such as infidelity, and acknowledged the validity of a divorce in these circumstances.
Ultimately, Jesus’ teachings on divorce provide guidance for couples who are struggling in their marriage. They demonstrate the importance of valuing one’s partner and making a conscious effort to maintain a loving, committed relationship. By taking Jesus’ words to heart, couples can ensure that their marriage is healthy and thriving.
How Does Jesus’ View on Divorce Fit in With Modern-Day Relationships?
In the modern world, couples have a wide range of options when it comes to sustaining a marriage. There are marriage counseling programs, support groups, and therapeutic techniques that can help couples work through difficult issues. Jesus’ view on divorce still holds validity today, but there are more options available to couples than ever before to help them stay together.
Jesus’ teachings on divorce also emphasize the importance of focusing on the well-being of one’s partner. He reminds couples that marriage is a commitment that deserves respect and care. In this way, Jesus’ words remain relevant in today’s society, and couples should take them to heart when it comes to how they approach their relationship.
It is also important to recognize that there are times when a divorce may be necessary, even though Jesus viewed it as something to be avoided. In these cases, it is important to be mindful of one’s partner’s feelings and do what is best for the both of you. Jesus’ view on divorce serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one’s commitments and cherishing one’s marriage.
What Is the Significance of Jesus’ Words Regarding Divorce?
Ultimately, Jesus’ words regarding divorce provide insight and comfort for those who are struggling in their marriage.
He emphasizes the importance of cherishing the bond between two people and living a life in accordance with one’s beliefs.
His messages are timeless, and couples can use his words to help them maintain a strong, loving relationship.
Jesus was also empathetic to those in difficult marriages who might feel like divorce is the only option.
His messages provide comfort to people who are going through a painful divorce, reminding them that they did what was best for them in the situation and that they must move forward with strength and courage.
Finally, Jesus’ words about divorce also provide guidance for anyone considering marriage.
He encourages couples to enter into marriage with care, consideration, and respect, and to do their best to honor the relationship no matter what circumstances might arise.
His words provide insight into the importance and value of marriage, and how it can provide strength, joy, and peace in a person’s life.
Faithway.info, your online sanctuary for deepening your spiritual journey and mastering the teachings of the Bible. At Faithway.info, we are passionate about making the wisdom of the Bible accessible to everyone, fostering a community dedicated to growth, understanding, and support.