39 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:3)

The Pharisees sought to trick Jesus by asking Him what they thought was a tough question about divorce. Matthew says they were "testing Him" (v. 3), meaning they weren't serious about their question. They just wanted to catch Jesus between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

So they asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?" (v. 3).To put it in modern-day lingo, can you get a no-fault divorce for any reason you want?

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6)

God hates divorce no matter how genuine the reason; He made them one and does not put asunder “For the Lord God of Israel says

That He hates divorce,

For it covers one’s garment with violence,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

“Therefore take heed to your spirit,

That you do not deal treacherously.” (Malachi 2:16)

Even if your spouse turns and rejects Christ, Apostle Paul says, the believing one sanctifies the unbelieving one and makes the children holy (1 Corinthians 7:13). If such as spouse becomes a problem to your faith, you can live apart until a more suitable time but you must continue to pray for such a person.

One Flesh

In God's eyes, a husband and his wife are one flesh! This must be the reason why Adam, when he first saw his wife, said in Genesis 2:23: "...This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man."

One man and one woman in a marriage relationship equals one flesh. This is God's arithmetic! This is referring to a fusion of husband and wife, two distinct elements into one. At this point, they become inseparable; cannot be "disjoined" anymore. It has become a permanent and life long relationship. This is nothing but a great mystery! The word of God attests to this in Ephesians 5:32.

Marriage a Divine Institution

Therefore, marriage is not a human institution but a divine one, ordained, established, cultivated, and protected by God himself.

And by the way, this is not just for Christians. God recognizes all marriages, even those between two non-Christians because marriage is a divine institution given to the human race (Matthew 19:4-6).

This is why John the Baptist could condemn Herod Antipas for his adultery (Matthew 14:1-4). God even recognized the marriage of a pagan ruler such as Herod.

He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, (Matthew 19:8)

The hardening of the heart is the root of divorce. The hardening of the heart is at the root of all failure in relationships.

Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” (Matthew 19:27)

You cannot follow everything that comes your way. You will be without direction. You will go nowhere. It is only on social media that you can follow every one which I definitely do not recommend – choose wisely.

The disciples had to leave something behind to follow the Lord. There was a personal sacrifice involved to follow the Lord. They did not follow the Lord only when it was convenient for them to follow the Lord. Following the Lord wholeheartedly will demand you sacrifice certain things, give up certain things.

I have counted all things loss for the knowledge of the excellency of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8).

Following the Lord at great personal sacrifice will bring you….

1.Eternal rewards

2.Physical Blessings also

So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (Matthew 19:28-30)

Chapter 19