Lesson 8 - Divorce

Matthew 5:31-32

“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery

In these verses, Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and challenges the prevailing understanding of divorce practices during his time. He acknowledges that the law allowed for divorce, as stated in the Old Testament, which required a certificate of divorce to be given to the wife.

However, Jesus goes beyond the legalistic aspect of divorce and points to the original intent of marriage. He states that divorcing one's spouse, except for cases of sexual immorality, leads to the woman being victimized by adultery. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of the marriage covenant and the devastating consequences of breaking it.

By using the language of adultery, Jesus highlights the relational and spiritual impact of divorce. He affirms the importance of faithfulness and commitment within the marital relationship. Jesus' teaching challenges his followers to prioritize the sanctity and endurance of marriage, discouraging divorce except in cases of sexual immorality.

Ultimately, Jesus' teaching on divorce encourages believers to approach marriage with a deep commitment to love, faithfulness, and reconciliation, seeking to preserve and nurture the marital relationship.