23/5/2021 [Family Message 7] www.lifechurchmissions.com

Complicated Matters in Marriage (1) - Divorce <Mk 10:1-12; Deut 24:1-2; Mat 19:8-9; 1 Cor 7:15>

Read <Mk 10:1-7>

1. The Pharisees tested Jesus with questions on divorce.

1) Asked Jesus about divorce in the territory of Herod the tetrarch, who was someone who violated his marriage.

2) To baffle Jesus with a theological question which even the Jewish Rabbis could not agree on.

Read <Deut 24:1-2>

2. What is “something indecent” mentioned here?

* Among the Jewish Rabbis, there were predominantly two views：

1) Shammal School (Conservative Views) - something indecent solely meant the act of adultery.

2）Hilel School (Liberal View) - something indecent could mean anything that causes the husband to be embarrassed, disgraceful or even displeased.

3. Jesus brought out the view of divorce clearly.

* Read < Mk 10:5-8>

* Quite a number of Pastoral view is that Christians should not divorce in whatsoever situation.

1) Read <Mat 19:8-9> - Exceptional clause: except for sexual immorality <Porneia>.

2) Read <1 Cor 7:15> - Desertion by non-believing spouse.

3) Broad meaning and examples of sexual immorality.

4. There are great challenges in applying the divorce principles in concrete situation.

* Every divorce situation must be carefully and holistically looked at.