How does Matthew 5:31 challenge modern views on marriage and divorce? Matthew 5:31—What Jesus Actually Said “‘It has also been said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’” Why This Line Would Have Shocked First-Century Ears - Jewish men already thought they were being “righteous” if they filed the proper paperwork (Deuteronomy 24:1). - Certificates made divorce easy, respectable, and one-sided—protecting a husband’s reputation more than a wife’s welfare. - Jesus cites the custom to expose its inadequacy; in the next breath (v. 32) He limits divorce to immorality, but His challenge begins here. The Core Truth Jesus Re-asserts about Marriage - Marriage is a covenant created by God, not a contract managed by courts (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6). - Human convenience never overrules divine intent (Malachi 2:16). - A mere legal form can’t dissolve what God has joined; only death or unfaithfulness breaks the bond (Romans 7:2-3; Matthew 19:9). Where Today’s Culture Collides with Jesus’ Standard • No-fault mentality – Culture: “If love fades, file papers.” – Jesus: Covenant is bigger than feelings. • Personal fulfillment over sacred duty – Culture: “I deserve to be happy.” – Jesus: Spouses are called to holiness and self-giving love (Ephesians 5:25-27). • Casual remarriage – Culture: “Swipe right on a new start.” – Jesus: Remarrying after illegitimate divorce equals adultery (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11-12). • Redefinition of marriage – Culture: “Marriage is whatever society says.” – Jesus: It is one man and one woman joined by God (Matthew 19:4-5). Practical Ways Believers Can Honor This Teaching - Treat engagement as a promise before God, not a trial run. - Seek premarital and marital counseling rooted in Scripture, not pop psychology. - Pursue reconciliation first, employing church support, before contemplating divorce (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). - Offer compassionate care to those already divorced, but uphold God’s standard without compromise (Galatians 6:1-2). - Model covenant faithfulness in daily choices—financial honesty, sexual purity, sacrificial service. Scriptures That Reinforce Jesus’ Challenge - Matthew 19:3-9—Jesus explains that Moses’ concession was “because of your hardness of heart.” - Mark 10:11-12—Whoever divorces and marries another “commits adultery.” - 1 Corinthians 7:39—“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives.” - Hebrews 13:4—“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled.” Jesus’ one sentence in Matthew 5:31 strips away every loophole that treats marriage lightly. His words still confront our age, inviting us back to a covenant view where vows are sacred, divorce is a tragic last resort, and God Himself is the witness and glue of every union. |
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