What did Christ say about divorce and remarriage? We have a sample of His teachings on divorce, remarriage, and adultery in Matthew’s gospel. Though this is a topic marriage speakers seem to shy away from, Jesus made it front and center in His teachings.
A Light View of Marriage
Frankly, I am surprised to see the number of couples that call themselves Christians that view divorce and remarriage as a viable option to their marriage issues. If you will receive it, I would like to make what some will deem to be a rather strong statement:
The only differences between outright adultery and a number of our divorce and remarriage situations are time and a piece of paper filed in divorce court.
If you carefully read the gospels, you will find that Jesus mentioned marriage on just a few occasions. But, when He did, He often related divorce and remarriage to adultery. We find these accounts in Matthew’s gospel:
“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” (Matthew 5:32)
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)
Jesus, the Marriage Speaker
We often ask, “What Jesus would do?”. As a Bible teacher, I take the question a little further and wonder what His sermons would be like if He were alive today. In Matthew 5 and 19, we have an example of how Jesus would teach in relation to marriage, and, it is quite the contrast to our marriage messages today. The very topic that we conveniently overlook was front and center in Christ’s teachings.
When Jesus dealt with marriage, His goal was not laughter, tear-jerking stories, or countless explanations as to why couples struggle to get along. His intent was for people to view divorce and remarriage from God’s perspective. Part of Christ’s motive was to to remind people that a light view of marriage leads to the heavy sin of adultery.
Not a Legalist, but a Biblicist
Even as I write these words, I am confident that a few will be tempted to categorize these words as archaic, old-fashioned, or legalistic. Keep in mind, I have simply quoted the God that we all claim to serve, and the same Jesus that said, “whosoever believeth in me shall not perish” also exclaimed the previous verses.
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I totally agree that divorce is out of control in today’s society and I understand your point, however, I think this post was far too vague and left out other verses that give acceptable reasons for divorce. Adultery for example. And I Cor 7:15 where it states if you are married to an unbeliever and they leave, you’re free. I would like to caution you to be careful how you present topics like this because you really could cause havoc in people’s lives. You totally freaked out Yonni for example. Of course, people should seek out answers for themselves and not just take another person’s word for it. I’m glad you added the verses I John 1:9 and Romans 5:20. When we read scriptures that point out our failings, it’s easy to lose sight of other verses about forgiveness. We have to remember that we don’t live under the law but are saved by grace. But we would certainly have far less divorce if people took time to seriously ponder who and how they choose a mate, and looked at marriage from a biblical standpoint. Thank you for your effort to tackle a rather complex touchy subject to try and get a point across.
Thank you for your comment, however, if we were “too vague” as you say, then so was Jesus in Matthew 5 and Matthew 19.
By the way, Jesus’ main emphasis was not on the potential exclusions as much as the fact that God’s intention has always been that one man and woman stay married until death.
Jesus nor Paul ever obligated themselves to give all the potential disclaimers every time they brought up a topic, therefore, neither do I, especially in a 300 to 500 word post.
In love,
Dr. Force
This is the intention of every person who gets married, especially Christians. However, due to our failings and imperfections, this is not always the case. There are many destructive marriages out there, where spouses start to fear for their health and very lives. No one would get married in my opinion if they believed they had to be stuck in a marriage at all costs—no matter the risk to their health and well-being. I agree that couples should work together through difficulties. However, there are difficulties and there is outright destruction.
Jesus will walk us through our failings and difficulties, even the end of a marriage.
And praise be to God that he does so~
Very well-said!
Myself and my spouse were previously married. My first husband was not a Christian and committed adultery on me continuously and eventually left me for another woman. My current husband was divorced when I met him and he did not divorce for infidelity but his ex wife was abusive, even physically at times, both of them professed to be Christians. I am very happily married to my second husband and I do not want to divorce him, but if this is sin I don’t want to go to hell either! Teaching I previously had on divorce and remarriage from the church did not emphasize the need to be sure your spouse had a biblical grounds for divorce (not using that as an excuse). So my question is what do I do now? I am very stressed out about this! I love my husband and he has been a great source of help and healing for me emotionally from the trauma of my first marriage. He has changed my opinion of men because he has been faithful and loving to me. I would be devastated if I had to leave him but I want to be right with my savior more. I am praying God will give me an answer.
I feel it is best for a man or woman in such a state to make the best of their current situation and love their spouse in a Biblical manner. God is not the author of confusion, and it seems that trying to undo the past causes more confusion.
Paul encourages us to forget those things which are behind and reach forth for those things before us. In my view, this would be the best option for you at this time.
Thank you,
Dr. Force
Yonni, I have been where you are 4 yrs ago. My advice to you is go to the One who created you. Pray and read His words and pray, earnestly pray. He will give you an answer. Then obey in faith. Dont take anyones opinion for we are all sinners and fall short of the glory. God is the only answer!!!!!!
I feel sad that you have been led to believe that divorce/remarriage would compromise your salvation.
This is simply NOT SO!❤️
Dear Yonni,
Jesus says what “God has joined together” let no man put asunder. If your marriage was joined by a man and not God, it will not last. I want you to understand that God can put asunder what man has joined together,