Jesus
left Galilee and was now in the region of Judea beyond the Jordan and large
crowds still followed Him and receiving their healing. This in fact is saying
that the popularity of Jesus was growing wherever he went. As usual some Pharisees
came to Jesus with some tricky questions. This time around, they were hoping to
trap Him on the subject of divorce and remarriage. Bear in mind that the Word
of God is like the manufacturer’s handbook for Christians. Pertaining life,
relationship with God, with others, in the family at home, at work or in
church, it tells us how we can function effectively. It certainly will tell us
how to take care of ourselves so that we will perform as God has purposed. Like
most manufacturers’ handbooks, the Bible contains instructions on how to correct
ourselves when we falter. Who would go to the handbook to find fault with the
instructions? The Pharisees in Jesus’ day did exactly that. They came to Jesus
to ask Him on the issue of divorce, seeking to snare and discredit Him.
The
Pharisees concluded that Moses was consenting to divorce, just because he spoke
about it in his law. They assumed that it must be alright to divorce one’s
spouse because Moses allowed for laws that regulate it. So the Lord pointed
them to God’s original intention. It was never God’s intention for divorce.
Quoting from Genesis, the Lord affirms God’s intention for a couple to stick to
each other permanently. He further emphasized that no one, not even the spouse himself
or herself, should tear it apart. Here comes the tricky question. If what Jesus
said is true and it is God’s intention for marriage to be permanent, than why
did Moses allow divorce? Jesus’ answer is pure and simple – the hardness of man’s
heart. In essence what Jesus is saying is this: the root problem of the human
race is the hardness and wickedness of the heart of man. However, Jesus is at
work to deal with it. If anyone cares to follow Him and allow His transforming
work to take effect in one’s life, He will remodel us to fulfil God’s desired purpose
in life and marriage.
As
always, God has made us thinking people and not robots even in the area of
marriage and divorce. He want us to make wise and thoughtful decision. The intention
of the law Moses gave was to provide time for us to ponder and consider,
especially in such a weighty matter like annulling a marriage. It was given to
prevent anyone from walking out of a marriage at will. Verse 9 suggests that thoughts
of divorce should never be entertained except on the ground of sexual immorality
and marital unfaithfulness. Any other reason for divorce would made remarrying
an adultery. While divorce is an option, a person can still choose to be magnanimous
and forgiving. Whatever the case may be, as believers we should make it our aim
to practice chastity before marriage, fidelity in marriage, and a lifelong
commitment to our married partner. Let’s not entertain any thought of divorce.
Whether
we detect it or not Jesus has come to move us, His followers, forward and
closer to God’s intended purpose. He has come to take the people one level up and
the Law of Moses is not the only avenue that would guide the people. Jesus is in
the process of changing and transforming us and made us new from the inside out.
Let us work with Him to have a transformed life!
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