Daily Christian Journey

Understanding Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage

In a society where marriage and family values are constantly being challenged, it’s essential to revisit Jesus’ teachings on divorce and remarriage. While the Mosaic law provided provisions for divorce, the Old Testament emphasizes that divorce falls short of God’s ideal (Mal. 2:16). Jesus’ teachings on this topic are crucial in understanding the biblical perspective on marriage and relationships.

The Original Design of Marriage

When asked about divorce and remarriage, Jesus referred to the beginning, emphasizing that God created humanity as male and female (Gen. 1:27) and intended for marriage to be a lifelong, faithful union between a man and a woman (Gen. 2:24). He stressed that the man and woman become “one flesh” in marriage, and no one should separate what God has joined together (Matt. 19:4-6; Mark 10:8-9).

The Exception Clause

Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage includes an exception clause, which has been interpreted in various ways. The clause states that divorce is illegitimate “except for marital unfaithfulness” (NIV1984) or “sexual immorality” (ESV; ISV; NKJV; HCSB; TNIV; NIV). Some argue that Jesus never actually made this exception, while others believe it was added later. However, even if the exception clause was added later, it remains part of the inspired Scripture and is authoritative for Christians today.

Interpreting the Exception Clause

Scholars have proposed three main views on interpreting the exception clause:

1. Divorce and remarriage: This view holds that Jesus allowed for divorce and remarriage in cases of adultery or sexual immorality.
2. Divorce, but no remarriage: This view believes that Jesus permitted divorce in cases of sexual sin but did not allow for remarriage.
3. No divorce, no remarriage: This view understands the exception clause to refer to situations where marriage would be unlawful under Jewish civil law, and therefore, neither divorce nor remarriage is permissible.

Shaping One’s View

When forming an opinion on Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage, it’s essential to consider the following parameters:

1. Porneia refers to sexual sin: The term porneia always refers specifically to sexual sin, and its meaning is informed by the context in which it occurs.
2. The sacredness of the marriage bond: Any interpretation of the exception clause must emphasize the importance of the marriage bond and the regrettable nature of divorce.
3. Avoiding common errors: Believers should avoid confusing stringency with holiness or permissiveness with grace and instead seek to understand the biblical text in a charitable and convicted manner.

By carefully considering Jesus’ teachings on divorce and remarriage, believers can develop a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on marriage and relationships, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and informed approach to these complex issues.