Gospel October 4

Mark 10:2-16 (Proper 22)


"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if a wife divorces her husband and marries another she commits adultery." (10:10-11)


Some think that the issue of divorce is a problem of the modern era. I suspect it has been problem for much longer. In reading this text we gain a sense that it was an issue in Jesus' time, and learn that even the laws of Moses dealt with the issue. Divorce was a problem in the church then, as now. Each of the gospels raises the issue, and Matthew even mentions it twice. Paul's letter to the Corinthians also raises the issue (1 Cor 7:10-11).

Jesus' position on divorce was relevant in the political arena of his time as well. In the background of this controversy is the marriage of Herod Antipas to his brother's wife, Herodias, while his brother was still living. Both divorce and a relationship prohibited by Jewish law are on the menu here. Politically it was a major issue. Herod offended his former wife's father and almost caused war with the Nabateans as she fled to her father, King Aretas. Herod also offended the Jewish religious leaders. For Herod it was a sensitive issue, and criticism was not welcomed.

If Jesus' antagonists are doing more than raising a social or moral issue - they may be trying to push a political agenda as well.

He asked his questioners the basis for their views. The response was based on Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This permitted divorce on the grounds of 'some indecency'. What constituted an indecency was a matter of extensive debate amongst the rabbis. The conservative view allowed divorce for unchastity or adultery. The more liberal view allowed it for more trivial reasons.

Where does Jesus fit in the spectrum of views? For him divorce is not on the agenda. His argument is based not on the Deuteronomistic law but on the plan of creation. Man and woman are made 'one flesh' in marriage. It is God's arrangement for relationship. It is God's plan for closeness, for intimate community and communion.

So the question is this: Whose will is to be done - the will of God or the will of man?

Sin breaks relationships.
Why did Moses permit divorce? 'Because you were stubborn' is Jesus response.

Divorce is a fact of life in our communities today. It comes at a cost. Broken relationships, emotionally damaged children, conflicted grandparents and confused friends and relatives. Loyalties are tested and communities suffer when divorce occurs. No wonder it was not part of the 'original plan.

Can divorce be avoided? I doubt it. Sin and selfishness will always be present. What we must do is encourage good relationships within marriage, and help others see that happiness can be found as each gives to and for the other.

Matthew 5:32 records Jesus as allowing divorce in cases of marital infidelity, and Paul discerned that it was permissible if their non-Christian partner deserted a Christian spouse. Living in peace was the prerogative.

Our Australian lawmakers have given a blanket "OK" to divorce. That is not a Christian approach. Scot McKnight writes that a New Testament pattern is 'to discern the underlying reason for the relationship, and then to judge if that reason is acceptable' (The Blue Parakeet p. 133) As a balanced response to the situation, I'm with him on this one.


Other readings:

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

Job 1:1; 2:1-10/16-17/Genesis 2:18-24