Jesus Prohibits Divorce (a look at Mark 10:2-9)

Jesus Prohibits Divorce

It is not often remarked that Jesus prohibits divorce.  The evidence is pretty clear: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; Matthew 5:32//Luke 16:18 (note no exception); Mark 10:2-12//Matthew 19:3-12.  I want highlight what Jesus says in Mark 10:2-9.

Mark 10:2-9

The Pharisees test Jesus by asking whether divorce is lawful (v.2).  Jesus retorts by asking what Moses commanded (v.3).  They respond by alluding to Deuteronomy 24:1-4 where divorce is allowed via a certificate of dismissal (v.4).  However, Jesus response to this is very interesting and has far reaching implications.  Jesus answers that Moses wrote this command because of "hardness of heart" (v.5).  In other words, this law was because of human frailty and is not in the deeper sense the result of God's will.  For Jesus, God's will on this matter is that divorce is not permitted.  He uses Genesis (1:27; 2:24) to argue that divorce is contrary to God's designs.

Jesus Trumps the Law

What is interesting about Jesus' argument is that he assumes that Scripture (Deuteronomy) is not the last word concerning God's true will and this will is written into creation (Genesis). Perhaps we could say that the Law is evidence that God adjusts his message to the state of humanity because he is merciful and gracious (and a realist?).  However, Jesus thinks there is a new game in town (Mt. 9:17) and the situation is changed so that the previous divine accommodation is no longer operative.  Christianity brings the Spirit and the Spirit brings the condition that makes divorce a thing of the past.

Theological Upshot

It is true that at the consummation of all things there will be no marriage at all (Mk 12:25) but in the meantime there is no excuse for Christians to divorce.  The new heart promised in the the prophets has come.  What God has joined together, let no one separate!