How does Matthew 19:3 address the Pharisees' intent in questioning Jesus about divorce? The Setting in Matthew 19:3 “Some Pharisees came to test Him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?’” (Matthew 19:3) Discerning the Pharisees’ Motive • “came to test Him” – the Greek peirazō means to tempt, trap, or put to the proof. • Their question is not sincere; it is designed to corner Jesus publicly. • By forcing Him to pick a side in the heated Hillel-versus-Shammai debate over Deuteronomy 24:1, they hope to discredit Him with at least half the crowd. • They may also aim to provoke Herod Antipas, whose divorce and remarriage had cost John the Baptist his life (Matthew 14:3-4). Why Divorce, Why Now? • Divorce was hotly contested, touching home, synagogue, and politics—ideal ground for a snare. • If Jesus sides with the lax view (any cause), He appears to undermine Moses’ Law and erode moral rigor. • If He sides with the strict view (sexual immorality only), He risks alienating many followers and repeating John the Baptist’s peril with Herod. • Either outcome, the Pharisees win—or so they think. Jesus Senses the Trap • He answers by returning to God’s creation design (Matthew 19:4-6; Genesis 1:27; 2:24). • He reframes the discussion from legal loopholes to covenant faithfulness. • In Mark’s parallel, “They were trying to trap Him” (Mark 10:2), confirming their intent. • His wisdom exposes their hypocrisy: outwardly guarding Moses while inwardly dismissing God’s heart (Malachi 2:16). Takeaways for Today • Religious questions can mask rebellious motives; examine the heart behind every query (Hebrews 4:12-13). • Jesus will not be manipulated; He redirects discussions to God’s original intent, not human loopholes. • Upholding Scripture means honoring both its letter and its spirit—truth and love together. |
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