A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
Putting a marriage aside
Reading: Matthew 5:31-32 Click to view passage
Divorce was a great problem in New Testament times in spite of the fact that the Jews claimed bible teaching as the basis of their behaviour. The principles for divorce are laid down in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The Pharisees had grown lax in their interpretation. Generally speaking one group held that divorce could only be for unchastity, while another said it could be anything that caused a husband to be displeased with his wife. Jesus took the stricter view. He taught that divorce was never God’s will but perhaps it could be permitted because of the stubbornness of the human heart. For Jesus unchastity was the only ground for divorce.
We need to take a step back and say that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) but as with all sinful situations we must add that God loves divorcees. Any congregation today will have a large percentage of divorcees and they must be helped, encouraged and looked after. Divorce isn’t an unforgiveable sin.
Meditation: We must state firmly exactly what the bible says about any subject but at the same time we must be welcoming and encouraging to those who turn to us for help.
Prayer pointer: Continue to show me how often I fail and give me great compassion for others who fail.
Matthew: 19
Putting a marriage aside
Reading: Matthew 5:31-32 Click to view passage
Divorce was a great problem in New Testament times in spite of the fact that the Jews claimed bible teaching as the basis of their behaviour. The principles for divorce are laid down in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The Pharisees had grown lax in their interpretation. Generally speaking one group held that divorce could only be for unchastity, while another said it could be anything that caused a husband to be displeased with his wife. Jesus took the stricter view. He taught that divorce was never God’s will but perhaps it could be permitted because of the stubbornness of the human heart. For Jesus unchastity was the only ground for divorce.
We need to take a step back and say that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) but as with all sinful situations we must add that God loves divorcees. Any congregation today will have a large percentage of divorcees and they must be helped, encouraged and looked after. Divorce isn’t an unforgiveable sin.
Meditation: We must state firmly exactly what the bible says about any subject but at the same time we must be welcoming and encouraging to those who turn to us for help.
Prayer pointer: Continue to show me how often I fail and give me great compassion for others who fail.
Matthew: 19
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