Jesus...On Divorce

   It was another “test” by the religious leaders. It was another strategy to push Jesus for answers…and to trap Him into their judgmental hands.
   It was a simple question…but with deeper implications -- “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” (Matthew 19:3b).  Yes, Jesus, give us your “theological” answer…and we will judge its accuracy…we will judge You -- tied to Your answer.
   Jesus was well aware that at the center of this question was an ancient debate over the grounds for divorce. However, Jesus seized the opportunity to take these religious leaders back to God’s original plan for marriage --
   “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ so they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (vss.4-6).
   The answer had been given. In God’s design for marriage there was NO room for divorce!  When “two become one flesh” there is a permanent union that has been formed before God -- the Author of marriage and love.
   The Pharisees had a quick, “Yes, but” rebutt ...