Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce

by Jeff Curtis

     In Matthew 19:1-12, Jesus expressed several truths about marriage, divorce and remarriage.

     First, He said that God’s original plan was one man for one woman for one lifetime (19:3-5; Gen. 2:18-25). He reminded His listeners that God made two sexes, male and female, for precreation and companionship. God made woman for man and man for woman, and any alteration in that design is deviant behavior (Rom. 1:26-27). God joined Adam and Eve together, in effect performing the first marriage ceremony. He meant for the marriage relationship to be permanent.

     Second, Jesus said that God joined Adam and Eve together as a pattern for all future marriages (19:6). God joined them, and only He has a legitimate right to separate them, or to prescribe a reason for them to separate. Tampering with God’s design brings disastrous results. The landscape of marriage in our world today is scattered with broken lives, destroyed homes, and troubled children.

     Third, Jesus encouraged the stability of marriage (19:7-8). Men were using Moses’ original instructions, designed to honor marriage, to provide an escape from their commitments. Some Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why then did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?” (19:7). Jesus’ answer was that their hearts were hard (19:8). Although divorce was not part of God’s original plan, people were violating that plan. Therefore, God allowed Moses to give instructions to regulate what was being done, so as to protect marriage (Deut. 24:1-4). Malachi 2:14-16 informs us that God hates divorce. Nothing in the New Testament indicates that He has ever changed His mind on the subject. Jesus looked back to the beginning to explain God’s original purpose for marriage.

     Finally, Jesus emphasized the sanctity of the marriage relationship (19:9). He said that no one should seek a divorce, except for the reason of sexual immorality (fornication) committed by a spouse. If one who puts away a companion for another cause marries again, he is guilty of adultery. Jesus added that anyone who marries the wife who has been put away is also guilty of adultery.

     The apostles recognized this as a difficult statement (19:10), but Jesus did not try to soften what He had said. Rather, He said, in effect, that it would better to be a eunuch than to violate God’s plan for marriage (19:12). If people can be taught this truth before getting married, they may think more seriously about the marriage commitment and then try harder to make the marriage work instead of divorcing quickly over some matter that could be resolved.

Yield not to Temptation

by Jeff Curtis

     The Hebrew writer tells us that; “…we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). He is our High Priest that understands, He has empathy. So, when we are tempted, depressed, or suffering from anxiety or any number of other problems, Jesus is able to help us through.

     We sing a song that is titled “Yield not to Temptation.” In the verses of this song we can read; “Ask the Savior to help you to comfort, strengthen and heal you
oh, He is willing to aid you Jesus will carry you through.” As Christians, we have a privilege that the rest of the world doesn’t have, prayer. This song, as well as the Hebrew writer, tells us that Jesus can understand and will help us through.

     Empathy is defined as; “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” To be able to relate to what others may be going through. To be able to help others to possibly cope with trouble, anxiety, depression, the death of a loved one, etc.

     The life that Jesus lived, His ministry, His temptations and His trials as well as His suffering on the cross, help Him to have empathy for His disciples. Whatever we may be going through, “He is willing to carry you through.”

     Yet, there is something we must do. When we look back at the song, we need to understand that we are to; “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin each victory will help you or some others to win fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue look ever to Jesus and He'll carry you through.”

     Jesus will help us to overcome whatever this old world may throw at us, but we have to do our part. We have to “Yield not to Temptation.” But, if we do, then we must come to Christ and lay our problems at His feet. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV), says; “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” To come boldly before the throne of grace to obtain mercy. We must put aside whatever may prevent us from laying our prayers before God.

     The chorus in “Yield Not to Temptation” sums it help. “Just ask the Savior to help you to comfort, strengthen and keep you He is willing to aid you and He will carry you through,” just ask the Savior. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells us about the “Persistent Widow.” Continually going to God with our prayers is the lesson Jesus is trying to teach us. Do you suppose this is what the Apostle Paul had reference to when he says to “pray without ceasing” in 1Thessalonians 5:17? Don’t stop asking God for help. Don’t stop telling God thank you. Don’t stop offering our pleas for others. Don’t stop letting God know about everything going on in our lives.