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The Pharisees were trying to corner Jesus by getting him to take sides in a controversy over interpreting Moses' regulation about divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). Could it be granted for a variety of reasons, or only for marital unfaithfulness? By quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, Jesus pushed the discussion back to the prior question of God's design for marriage.

Matthew 19:3-9

1. Why, according to Jesus (in v. 6), does dividing a husband and wife run counter to God's plan?
2. Why (v. 6) are human attempts to justify separation usurping God's authority?
3. To what human failings does God attribute the breakup of a marriage (v. 8)?
4. How does Jesus describe God's allowance of Moses' provision for divorce (v. 8)?
5. How should current rationales for divorce, such as "incompatibility," be viewed in light of Jesus' statement in verse 9?

Ask God for the unshakeable resolve and sacrificial love required to keep your marriage intact for a lifetime.

3 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for any reason?" 4 "Haven't you read the Scriptures?" Jesus replied. "They record that from the beginning 'God made them male and female.' 5 And he said, 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.'

6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." 7 "Then why did Moses say a man could merely write an official letter of divorce and send her away?" they asked.

8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness, but it was not what God had originally intended. 9 And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful."

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, make my marriage a faithful illustration of Your eternal love for the church.

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