Ridgell's Originals

 I don't know.  I mean, if anyone says they understand the teaching and exactly how it applies to every situation, well... I just don't believe them.

Our church is studying the Sermon on the Mount and the divorce passage is early in the sermon.  And we are looking at Jesus teaching in Matthew 18 as commentary.

This is hard.  But that never stops me from making a few observations.  

One, it is so frustrating to hear everyone start the teaching on this by apologizing.  I even have people say "be so careful" because we have divorced people listening.  Of course we do. In that same passage, there is teaching on murder and anger, adultery and lust, and keeping your word.  We have people in our assembly and class that have those issues also.  Our church community is full of flawed people who are trying to live like Jesus.  So of course we have people that are hurt, wounded, wish they had not..., etc

And by the way, it is often divorced Christians who support this being taught.  They know the pain caused when this teaching is not followed.

Here is how I have often heard these passages taught:

Don't divorce.  If you do, be sure you mate cheated on you so you can remarry.  I don't really think these are the points Jesus is making.  Of course that was true then and in that culture but we are in a different time and place so it can't possibly mean what it says. Obviously the way I view Scripture is at odds with this last view.

What if Jesus teaching in that whole section is not just about actions and attitudes?  What if Jesus is actually teaching us how to live as His disciples?

So here is what I am certain is taught in these passages.

Marriage is a big deal.  Not convenience.  Not something to move on from when your mate changes.  Or you change.  Or you think your marriage is the cause of your unhappiness.

Divorce is bad.  Don't do it.

Marriage is between a man and a woman.

One of the marriage mates can choose to break the convenant.  They are wrong and it is sin.  By the way, the covenant is not broken by the one that files for divorce.  The covenant is broken by the one who chooses abandon their mate.

Maybe the passage is about marriage.

So what is so hard about this passage?

Handling repentance and forgiveness.  People who come to the Lord - or come back to the Lord -- after multiple marriages.  Children.

Life in community with Jesus can be messy and hard.

But I do not think these passages are primarily to teach us when it is OK to divorce and remarry.  Or when it is not OK.  

I believe this teaching is to help us understand marriage and live a fuller life as disciples. 

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM