{"id":1588,"date":"2024-05-01T22:20:04","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T22:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/?p=1588"},"modified":"2024-05-22T20:29:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T20:29:35","slug":"what-does-jesus-say-about-divorce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2024\/05\/01\/what-does-jesus-say-about-divorce\/","title":{"rendered":"What does Jesus say about divorce?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article has been adapted from a full sermon entitled, “Jesus on Marriage.” To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, we encourage you to listen to the full sermon<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What did Jesus have to say about divorce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the same question the Pharisees asked Jesus in Matthew 19, but their inquiry was meant to trap him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matthew 19:3 states, \u201cAnd the Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, \u201cIs it lawful to divorce one\u2019s wife for any cause?\u201dThe word \u201ctest\u201d could also be translated as \u201ctempt.\u201d The Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up over a nuance in the Mosaic Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opposing Schools of Thought<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, in the day of Jesus, there were two schools of thought on the issue of divorce. This is very important. The first school of thought was from a more conservative rabbi, and the other was from a more liberal rabbi. Their interpretations and conclusions on divorce were centered on Moses\u2019 teaching on divorce in Deuteronomy 24, which states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cWhen a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house…\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the debate: What did Moses mean by the phrase \u201cfound some indecency in her?\u201d Literally translated, the word could be read as \u201ca matter of nakedness.\u201d The more conservative rabbis translated \u201cindecency\u201d as sexual sin. This included adultery or immorality of some kind. The more liberal rabbis felt that if Moses wanted to say adultery, he would have just come out and said \u201cadultery.\u201d Moses didn\u2019t just say \u201cadultery,\u201d however, and liberal rabbis took this to mean that men could issue a divorce for any cause of indecency. When I say any, I mean any!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within this latter school of thought, indecency could be as simple as purposely burning a meal\u2014to \u201cspoil a dish.\u201d They also taught that when Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 24:1, \u201cShe lost favor in his eyes,\u201d this meant that if a man found a woman prettier than his wife, it was permissible for him to issue a divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which school of thought do you think was more popular? The more conservative or the more liberal? Of course, the more liberal school of thought was more popular. And it\u2019s in this context that the Pharisees ask Jesus about the permissibility of divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did Jesus answer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, he corrected what they said about Moses. Look at the original question again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cAnd the Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, \u201cIs it lawful to divorce one\u2019s wife for any cause?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus takes them back to the beginning and challenges them to consider God\u2019s original intent. He doesn\u2019t answer their question right away. So, they push back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cThey said to him, \u201cWhy then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This divorce certificate was a legal document primarily given to protect the woman. Remember that in the first century, women were treated as property. So, this certificate was given to help women if they chose to remarry. The certificate served as \u201cproof\u201d of a legal divorce. In allowing certificates of divorce, Moses was trying to make a positive (for women) out of a negative (men just sending them away in a male-dominated world). Jesus knows this and responds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause of your hardness of heart, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning, it was not so.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice that Jesus doesn\u2019t say that Moses commanded divorce. He says that Moses \u201callowed\u201d it because of the \u201chardening of sin\u201d or their stubbornness and unrepentant spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, Jesus picks a school. In a day where there were only two schools of thought on divorce (you can divorce for any issue at all, or you can only divorce due to immorality or adultery), Jesus says, \u201cWhoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality and marries another, commits adultery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an ESV Bible, there is a footnote given that some manuscripts add: \u201c…and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.\u201d Other manuscripts add: \u201cExcept for sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differing Translations<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What translation is most accurate, and how can we know what Jesus is saying here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, some scholars and theologians differ on this, but here is how your pastor looks at this: I think the best translation and the most accepted reading of Matt. 9:19, for several reasons, is the last one given in the footnote. In other words, this is how I think it should be translated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cAnd I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, I think this is the most accurate because of context. Remember who Jesus is talking to and when he is talking. It\u2019s a man\u2019s world, and it seems Jesus is saying, \u201cThink about what you\u2019re doing! Moses didn\u2019t give certificates of divorce so that you can send your wife off like she is some piece of property!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They should not be asking, \u201cWhat\u2019s the easiest way to get out of this?\u201d and Jesus emphasizes that divorce should not be the first option or an easy option. Divorce should be the last resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second reason I believe this is the most accurate translation is the heart of Jesus. His heart is always for the oppressed, the poor, and the broken in society. He urges them to take the hard way out because women were getting the brunt end of the deal. Jesus argues that the men were \u201cmaking\u201d or \u201cforcing\u201d their wives to commit adultery. How else were they going to survive but through marriage to someone else?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

William Barclay described the setting and background of marriage at the time of Jesus like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere is no time in history when the marriage bond stood in greater peril of destruction than in the days when Christianity first came into this world. At the time, the world was in danger of witnessing the almost total break-up of marriage and the collapse of the home.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus is fighting for marriage. He is fighting for the home. It\u2019s why he goes back to God\u2019s original design\u2014the creation account\u2014twice. It\u2019s also why he tells these men, \u201cIf you send your wife off for just any cause of divorce, you are making her commit adultery and making anyone who marries her commit adultery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know this got their attention because look at how they respond to Jesus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe disciples said to him, \u201cIf such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their thought is, \u201cIf I\u2019ve got to stay in this and I can\u2019t get out of it for any reason except for unrepentant, sexual immorality, it may just be better to stay single!\u201d Notice Jesus doesn\u2019t argue with their conclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, this is the most accurate translation because it\u2019s not the first time Jesus said it. Look back at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:31-32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cIt was also said, \u2018Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.\u2019 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, in his response, Jesus ups the stakes for what is permissible regarding divorce. It\u2019s not just for any cause. Jesus seeks to protect the sanctity of marriage (this is the original design) and to look out for the safety of women. As it relates to what is permissible, certainly, if one is being physically abused, the marriage covenant has already been broken. Where there is an unrepentant partner and fear of one\u2019s personal safety, separation and divorce are more than viable options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cases of Abandonment <\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While this article deals only with Jesus\u2019 perspective on divorce, we also see other places in Scripture where God also allows for divorce in circumstances involving abandonment. Paul wrote a lot about this in his letter to Corinth (1 Cor. 7). Jesus and Paul are not contradictory on this! I also know that much could fall into the abandonment category (i.e., abandonment physically, emotionally, and spiritually). Significant issues arise because of sin and the brokenness that comes with it, and there are no easy answers or solutions. This is why I\u2019d much rather have coffee with you and talk about this topic together in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the question of divorce, I will tell you this: You need to look at your situation prayerfully. Don\u2019t sin against your conscience; get wisdom. Don\u2019t minimize the importance or cheapen the value of marriage by looking for a way out. In all cases, divorce is costly (physically, emotionally, financially), and no one wins in a divorce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This article has been adapted from a full sermon entitled, “Jesus on Marriage.” To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, we encourage you to listen to the full sermon. What did Jesus have to say about divorce? This is the same question the Pharisees asked Jesus in Matthew 19, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1590,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Empowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

All followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[25,24],"tags":[35],"class_list":["post-1588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-marriage-family","category-theology","tag-sermon","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat does Jesus say about divorce?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore Jesus' teachings on divorce in Matthew 19 and learn how he upholds the sanctity of marriage and advocates for the safety of women.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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What did Jesus have to say about divorce? 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