1. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

2. The Nature of Marriage Matthew 19:1-12 / Mark 10:1-12
Jesus is in the region of Perea, healing and teaching people
GALILEE
DECAPOLIS
SAMARIA
PEREA
J U D E A

3. The Question of the Pharisees Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2
The purpose of the Pharisees was to “test” Jesus - try to catch Him in something to make him unfavorable
The origin of their question is in the interpretation of Deut. 24:1-4 and the causes that allowed for divorce

4. The Question of the Pharisees Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2
The Pharisees’ hope was that Jesus’ conservative views would cause disfavor among the people

5. The Question of the Pharisees Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2
Rabbi Hillel basically allowed divorce for any cause at all - this was the most popular view
If Jesus affirmed Hillel, He would alienate the conservative Jews & be justly accused of inconsistency

6. The Question of the Pharisees Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2
Rabbi Shammai did not allow for divorce for any reason under any circumstance - an unpopular view
If Jesus affirmed Shammai, He would alienate most Jews & be accused of wrongly eating with sinners

7. The Question of the Pharisees Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2
The third view allowed for divorce only for specific reasons - this view would be seen as a compromise
Like the Pharisees, interest in this question is usually related to being able to justify sin

8. The Question of the Pharisees Matthew 19:3; Mark 10:2
Despite having Jesus’ teaching, the most popular view today parallels Hillel’s

9. Jesus’ Response Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:3-9
Jesus ignored their question and statement and went back to God’s intent and commands at creation
Jesus taught that a proper understanding of Genesis is essential & it cannot be reinterpreted to man’s opinion

10. Jesus’ Response Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:3-9
Genesis 1:27; 5:2 - there are only two genders: male & female. If you have a “Y” chromosome you are male
Genesis 2:24 - God made them male & female so that they could be joined as one flesh - marriage

11. Jesus’ Response Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:3-9
Joined (suzeuvgnumi / suzeugnymi & qb1D5 / dabaq) a strong bond, glued together

12. Jesus’ Response Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:3-9
Rejection of God’s design results in very negative consequences - emotional, financial, moral, societal
Ungodly views of marriage are a primary factor in the ongoing destruction of our society

13. Jesus’ Response Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:3-9
Divorce, foregoing marriage and sexual perversion are all symptoms of rebellion against God
These are destructive to adults - and worse for children

14. Jesus’ Response Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:3-9
Divorce, sexual immorality, marriage perversion only makes problems more complex and confusing
The Pharisees were not really interested in God’s will - most people are still not

15. The Reasons for Divorce Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:5, 10-12 cf
The Reasons for Divorce Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:5, cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-4
The Pharisees wrongly assumed that issuing a certificate of divorce as a command to divorce
Verse 8 - divorce occurs because of hardness of heart toward God and His commands

16. The Reasons for Divorce Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:5, 10-12 cf
The Reasons for Divorce Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:5, cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-4
God permitted divorce, but did not command it, and it is contrary to His design

17. The Reasons for Divorce Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:5, 10-12
Matthew 19:9 - Jesus does not advocate, justify or sanction divorce.
The exception clause is when divorce might occur and not result in adultery by the innocent party
Immorality = porneiva / porneia - the general word for sexual sin detailed in Leviticus 18

18. The Reasons for Divorce Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:5, 10-12
Seeking a reason to divorce is contrary to God’s design for marriage - see Eph. 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7
If divorce occurs, be sure it is because of your spouse’s hardness of heart and not your own - be forgiving

19. A Difficult Teaching Matthew 19:10-12; Mark 10:10-12
The disciples are shocked and ask Jesus about divorce later and Jesus reiterates His teaching
They conclude that since marriage is for life and divorce is not a godly option, it is better not to marry

20. A Difficult Teaching Matthew 19:10-12; Mark 10:10-12
If you approach marriage thinking divorce is an option, then it is better if you do not marry
Matthew 10: only a few will find singleness to be a better option

21. A Difficult Teaching Matthew 19:10-12; Mark 10:10-12
People refrain from marriage for various reasons including the advantages of singleness in serving God
Neither singleness nor marriage is spiritually superior - that depends on the individual

22. Conclusions
The goal of our lives is to please God, serve Him & keep His commandments whether single or married
If married, that is God’s gift to you for your joy and growth
If single, accept it if you can, but do not marry with the idea that divorce is an option

23. Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ