Matthew 19: Part I - Divorce (NIV)

Summary:

Divorce
Verses 1-12

When Jesus finished speaking, He left Galilee and went to Judea, across the Jordan.  Large crowds followed Him and He healed them.

The Pharisees came to test Him, asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.  Jesus asked if they'd read Genesis 1:27, which states that God created male and female, stating that a man will leave his parents to be united as one flesh with His wife.  The two become one.  Therefore, man shouldn't separate what God has joined.

The Pharisees asked why Moses commanded for a man to give his wife a divorce certificate and send her on her way.  Jesus said that Moses allowed this, because their hearts were hard.  It wasn't always this way. Anyone that divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.

The disciples told Jesus, then, that it's better not to marry.  Jesus said that not everyone can accept this, unless it has been given to them.  Some are born eunuchs; some become eunuchs.  Others renounce marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.  Those that can accept this should.

Lori's Thoughts:

I would get into the pettiness and pompousness (if that's a word) about the Pharisees, but I'm sure I've done that already.  Poor Jesus.  He must have been so annoyed at them.  Out of His immense patience and wisdom, He gave them an accurate and complete answer.

I'd rather focus on what Jesus said.  To get to heaven, each individual must give up anything that will bind them to this earth.  For some, it's money.  For others, it's sex.  This is extremely hard to accept and even harder to do.  But, all things are possible with God.

If you are connected to the Holy Spirit, He will convict you of what you need to do.  I do not feel a conviction to not get married.  I do feel a conviction to follow God's lead for where I go to work, school, etc.  And I will follow His lead for whom to share my life with, in service to Him.

The instructions I've received from God may be completely different from the ones you receive.  The important thing to do is to be personally connected to God.  Accept no substitutes!