In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings on divorce are primarily found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These passages provide insight into His views on marriage, divorce, and the sanctity of the marital covenant.

Matthew 5:31-32
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce, stating: "It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" . Here, Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of the marriage bond and restricts the grounds for divorce to sexual immorality, challenging the more permissive interpretations of the Mosaic Law prevalent at the time.

Matthew 19:3-9
The Pharisees question Jesus about the legality of divorce for any reason, to which He responds by referring to the creation narrative: "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate" . Jesus underscores the divine intention for marriage as a lifelong union. He reiterates the exception clause for sexual immorality but emphasizes that divorce was permitted by Moses due to the hardness of human hearts, not as a reflection of God's original design.

Mark 10:2-12
In Mark's account, Jesus' teaching is similar but without the exception clause. When questioned by the Pharisees, He reiterates the creation ordinance and adds, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery" . This passage highlights the mutual responsibility of both spouses in maintaining the marriage covenant.

Luke 16:18
Luke records a succinct statement from Jesus: "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery" . This reinforces the permanence of marriage and the moral implications of divorce and remarriage.

Theological Implications
Jesus' teachings on divorce reflect a high view of marriage as a sacred and indissoluble union established by God. By limiting the grounds for divorce and emphasizing the original intent of marriage, Jesus calls His followers to a standard of fidelity and commitment that transcends cultural norms. His teachings challenge believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to seek reconciliation and forgiveness within the marital relationship whenever possible.

Cultural Context
In the first-century Jewish context, divorce was relatively common and often initiated by men for various reasons. Jesus' teachings countered this practice by affirming the equal dignity and rights of both spouses in the marriage covenant. His emphasis on the heart's hardness as the root cause of divorce points to the need for spiritual transformation and the cultivation of a heart aligned with God's will.

Pastoral Considerations
While Jesus sets a high standard for marriage, His teachings also invite pastoral sensitivity and care for those affected by divorce. The church is called to support individuals and families in navigating the complexities of marital relationships, offering grace, healing, and restoration in the light of Christ's redemptive work.