March 8, 2016
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:31-32
31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus continues the discussion about how we relate to our spouses by addressing the issue of divorce. Much like today, divorce was a regular part of the culture. In an attempt to protect his people and help them understand his desires, “God instituted a regulation through Moses that was designed to do three things: (1) protect the sanctity of marriage through ‘indecency’ defiling the marital relationship; (2) protect the women from a husband who might simply send her away without any cause; (3) document her status as legitimately divorced woman so that she was not thought to be a harlot or a runaway adulteress.” Yet like most of his other commands, the allowance for divorce was being misused. What is the one exception that Jesus offers for divorce?
The word translated “sexual immorality” in verse 32 is the Greek word, porneia. When you see that word, does it help you have a greater appreciation for what Jesus is condemning? Michael Wilkins notes in his commentary that “porneia includes any sinful activity that intentionally divides the marital relationship.” Does the fact that Jesus allows for an exception mean that we have to divorce if our marriage goes through difficulties stemming from sexual immorality?
One of the most profound moments of vulnerability and grace that I can recall in the last few years was watching one of my friends who served on our tech team at One Life West stand before the church and share his story. He told of how several years ago he had made the unwise decision to cheat on his wife. She, in love and grace, forgave him. Watching God work through their marriage is a continual reminder to me that God forgives the worst in me and inspires me to want to forgive others.
New Testament scholar Craig Keener says that the goal of this text demands that we love and serve our spouse.” If you are married, how can you love and serve your spouse today? Spend time in prayer for your spouse today. If you are not married, how can this passage help shape your commitment to marriage? How can you encourage those around you who are married?