Word@Work 111 - Mark 10:1-5
Published: Fri, 04/25/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 10:1-5 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" "What did Moses command you?" he replied. They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. (NIV)
The teaching programme for the disciples was getting more intense. They were months away from their Master's arrest and crucifixion, and there was so much to learn if they would be able to lead the early church. The previous chapter warned them of the horrors of hell: this one delves into the implications of divorce. It is still the single most taxing pastoral issue. The religious leaders had neat formulas to dispose of wives that did not continue to please their husbands; but Jesus was not impressed.
The problem, Jesus said, was not with Moses' law but with hardness of people's hearts. That is why the law was permitted - but it was never God's intention. Divorce was no divine solution to the sinfulness that broke the marriage. The law simply enabled the victim to escape ongoing misery with a small degree of dignity. Repentance, resolution and restoration would have been far preferable.
Wherever He found the entrenched attitudes of stony hearts, Jesus offered little comfort. He has come to release the prisoner - even if the prison is self-made walls designed to protect the bruised ego. We do well to review all our close relationships to ensure that they are singing in tune with the grace of Christ. That is especially true of marriage.
Prayer: Gracious Lord. You have been so kind to me, and have given me the opportunity to express Your love through right relationships. May I respond in gratitude to You by being soft hearted, and not demanding what I can get, at the expense of living in Your favour. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The teaching programme for the disciples was getting more intense. They were months away from their Master's arrest and crucifixion, and there was so much to learn if they would be able to lead the early church. The previous chapter warned them of the horrors of hell: this one delves into the implications of divorce. It is still the single most taxing pastoral issue. The religious leaders had neat formulas to dispose of wives that did not continue to please their husbands; but Jesus was not impressed.
The problem, Jesus said, was not with Moses' law but with hardness of people's hearts. That is why the law was permitted - but it was never God's intention. Divorce was no divine solution to the sinfulness that broke the marriage. The law simply enabled the victim to escape ongoing misery with a small degree of dignity. Repentance, resolution and restoration would have been far preferable.
Wherever He found the entrenched attitudes of stony hearts, Jesus offered little comfort. He has come to release the prisoner - even if the prison is self-made walls designed to protect the bruised ego. We do well to review all our close relationships to ensure that they are singing in tune with the grace of Christ. That is especially true of marriage.
Prayer: Gracious Lord. You have been so kind to me, and have given me the opportunity to express Your love through right relationships. May I respond in gratitude to You by being soft hearted, and not demanding what I can get, at the expense of living in Your favour. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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