The teachings of Jesus on the topics of divorce and marriage are found primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the New Testament of the Bible. His perspective on these matters reflects a deep understanding of the sacred nature of marriage and the human condition.
In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 19:3-9), the Pharisees approached Jesus with a question, testing him on the permissibility of divorce. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" In response, Jesus directed their attention to the divine plan for marriage, emphasizing the unity and permanence of the marital bond. He quoted from the Book of Genesis, stating, "Haven't you read 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 flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate."
Jesus' words underline the sacredness of marriage as a union established by God, with the two individuals becoming one in a profound and inseparable manner. This foundational understanding shapes his response to the question of divorce. He goes on to explain that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people's hearts, but it was not so from the beginning. Jesus then states a strong stance against divorce, except in cases of sexual immorality, indicating that breaking the marriage covenant through divorce goes against the divine intention for the unity of marriage.
In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:2-12), the Pharisees again question Jesus about divorce. His response echoes the sentiments expressed in Matthew, reinforcing the idea that divorce is contrary to God's original plan for marriage. Jesus' emphasis on the indissoluble nature of marriage challenges the prevailing cultural attitudes of his time, where divorce was more easily accepted. By elevating the sanctity of marriage, Jesus calls for a higher standard and a commitment to the divine design.
Luke's Gospel (Luke 16:18) also records Jesus addressing divorce, albeit in a more succinct manner. Jesus declares, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery." This concise statement reflects the uncompromising nature of Jesus' teachings on the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital covenant.
Throughout these passages, Jesus seeks to redirect the focus from legalistic interpretations to the deeper spiritual and moral dimensions of marriage. His teachings emphasize a commitment to the divine intent for marriage, discouraging divorce except in cases of infidelity. Jesus' perspective on marriage and divorce challenges his listeners to consider a more profound understanding of the marital covenant—one that reflects the sacred unity intended by God at the very creation of humanity. In doing so, he encourages a commitment to the sacredness and permanence of marriage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the divine institution of marital union.