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 the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

In Jewish society, committing adultery was a sin punishable by death. So this is a huge statement of calling out sin. A person would be subject to death if the consequences were enforced. And so Jesus calls out the hypocrisy in the Jewish leaders and the Jewish people here.

At the heart of divorce is envy and a desire for what is owed to oneself over commitment to a covenant relationship.

A covenant involves a contract, a promise, and a bonding together, typically with consequences if it is broken. One reason the Bible describes the marriage covenant as a “sacred covenant”, is that it is modeled after the covenant God has with his people (first the Jews, then the Jews and the Christians). No matter how much his people harm him, he still honors the covenant he has made with them. So before entering into an intimate relationship in marriage, we must consider carefully this passage and the covenant value of it in God’s eyes.

As a side note, back then there were no pills that were used as birth control, and if you engaged in intercourse, you were risking having a baby. Infidelity was also a sin punishable by death. So Jesus did not have to address the sin of sex outside of marriage here. Today, there is a pervasive, sinful attitude of “try it out first, then buy” in relationships. This goes against God’s commands and his law. He despises infidelity. Those who live this way and not only condone it, but promote it as good, bring God’s wrath upon themselves.

Today people have all sorts of reasons to justify divorce, just like they did in Jesus’ day. Marriage is fun at times, it is productive, welcoming, and supportive. And, at times, it can also be very difficult. I know some people who have alcoholic spouses, some live in a home of constant comparison and blame, others have seen the fire of the feeling of love for their spouse wane. And to all these people, Jesus is saying, look for ways to trust God and see if there is any way you can support your spouse and remain safe.

He chastises the Pharisees here because they reduced this covenant (that is highly-valued to God) to a mere formality. They made it legalistic.

And really, the only clear reason it is acceptable is adultery. This requires no debate. I would say, I have seen situations where significant abuse is levied and the safety of spouse and possible children is at risk. I think divorce is appropriate here, for example.

The main point is, Jesus is calling out convenience, comfort, and simple lack of feeling love for another, as valid reasons. Covenants are a high level of commitment. We are to love in good times and in bad times. We are to love when the other person deserves it and when they do not. We are to love unconditionally.

Lord, thank you for setting the record straight here on adultery. You love us and seek to fill us with your heart of love. May you help our families to honor the marriage covenant that you established and ordained. It reflects our covenant with you, as your people, as well.