Marriage and Divorce in the Bible - Sermon on the Mount

Marriage and Divorce in the Bible - Sermon on the Mount

This Bible teaching from Founded In Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the complex topic of marriage and divorce as presented in Scripture. The sermon primarily focuses on Yeshua's (Jesus's) teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) and his later discussion in Matthew 19, while also drawing connections to the Old Testament law (Torah) and the writings of the Apostle Paul. The core message revolves around the sacredness of marriage as a covenant reflecting God's relationship with humanity and the weighty implications of divorce.

Yeshua's Teaching on Divorce in the Sermon on the Mount

In Matthew chapter 5, verse 31, Yeshua addresses the common understanding of divorce at the time. He quotes, "It was also said, whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce." However, Yeshua then presents a contrasting view, stating, "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."

This statement is described as a "hard message" because it challenges the prevailing perspectives on divorce. The teaching emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and its impact on individuals, whether married, unmarried, divorced, or contemplating marriage or divorce. The speaker acknowledges the sensitive nature of the topic and aims to explore Yeshua's words by considering their context and intended meaning.

The Context of Yeshua's Words

To understand Yeshua's teaching, it's crucial to consider the context in which it was given. Yeshua was speaking during the Sermon on the Mount, his first recorded sermon, where he consistently preached about the kingdom of God being near. This kingdom is characterized by God's reign, mercy, and justice. The Sermon on the Mount outlines how individuals who yearn for this kingdom should live, emphasizing a relationship with God based on love, mercy, and forgiveness, where the Torah is internalized.

In the passages leading up to the discussion on divorce, Yeshua had already challenged the conventional interpretations of the law regarding anger and lust, revealing the daunting standards God has for the human heart. He emphasized that true obedience goes beyond outward actions and focuses on the inner thoughts and desires. In this context, his teaching on divorce highlights the profound level of fidelity expected in a covenant relationship.

The speaker points out that Yeshua is primarily addressing men in this passage. He argues that divorcing a wife illegitimately (without the ground of sexual immorality) forces her into a position where, if she remarries, she commits adultery. In this scenario, the responsibility for the adultery lies with the husband who initiated the illegitimate divorce.

Returning to the Torah: Old Testament Perspectives on Divorce

To gain a deeper understanding, the teaching turns to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, to examine what God's law says about divorce. Contrary to the assumption that the Torah provides extensive details on divorce, it is noted that this topic is mentioned only twice with specific regulations.

The first instance is found in Exodus 21:10-11. This passage deals with the rights of a female servant who is taken as a second wife. The law states that the husband must continue to provide her with food, clothing, and marital rights. If he fails to do so, she is allowed to go free without any payment. This commandment is interpreted as a protection for women from neglect and abuse in a patriarchal society where men could have multiple wives and treat them as property. The core principle is that a husband has a duty to provide for his wife's basic needs, including physical sustenance, dignity, and conjugal love. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the marriage covenant, even without a formal divorce decree.

Yeshua's Teaching on Divorce in Matthew 19

When the Pharisees asked Yeshua in Matthew 19:3, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?", they were attempting to test him and draw him into the contentious debate between the schools of Hillel and Shammai. Yeshua's response did not directly address their question but instead went back to the foundation of marriage in creation. He quoted Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, emphasizing that God created them male and female, and that a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Yeshua concluded, "So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."

Other Biblical Perspectives: Paul and the Prophets

The teaching also briefly touches on the Apostle Paul's perspective in 1 Corinthians 7:15, which states that if an unbelieving spouse deserts a believer, the believer is not bound. This is often referred to as the principle of desertion. Additionally, the speaker highlights that Paul, in the same chapter, emphasizes the husband's duty to provide conjugal rights to his wife, referencing the principle found in Exodus 21.

Application for Everyday Life

• For those who are married: Reflect prayerfully on your marriage vows and whether the covenant is being upheld by both spouses. Remember that marriage is designed to be eternal, and mercy, forgiveness, and love should prevail. Recognize the weight of your vows in God's sight. If facing difficulties, prioritize prayer and mutual support. If there is abuse or neglect and a refusal to abide by the vows, seek help from trusted leaders. Fight for your spouse, as marriage is worth the effort.
• For those who are not yet married: Understand the profound significance and eternal nature of marriage as designed by God. Give weight to the commitment involved in the marriage covenant.
• For those contemplating divorce: Ensure that the reasons are genuinely shattering the marriage covenant and not based on trivial annoyances. Understand the tragic nature of divorce and consider all avenues for reconciliation and repentance.
• For those who have experienced divorce: Move forward with hope and encourage others in understanding the weight of marriage. Recognize God's forgiveness and desire for renewal.
• General Principle: God's preference is always for reconciliation and the preservation of the marriage covenant, reflecting his own desire for a restored relationship with humanity. Mercy and forgiveness are central to God's heart.

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References

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 5:31
• Matthew 5:32
• Matthew 19:3
• Exodus 21:10
• Deuteronomy 24:1

Books and Resources Mentioned:

• Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible by David Instone-Brewer

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