You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32
Meditate. What does it take to live out the “until death do us part” vows?
God made a commitment to mankind and sealed it with a rainbow. Are you keeping your commitment to God…and to your spouse, if you are married?
Jesus was sitting on the hillside above the Sea of Galilee with His disciples and a few hundred—a multitude—of followers. The sound of His voice can be heard all over this mountain by those who came to hear this young Rabbi, known as a great teacher and miracle worker. Maybe today He would heal someone right here? It is possible that they expected a physical healing, but it is just as likely that Jesus will be healing someone mentally or spiritually.
Earlier in the morning, the Rabbi spent a few minutes speaking to them about the evils of adultery and now He is tying it together with marriage and divorce. The law that He was referring to was in Moses writings in Deuteronomy. We know that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, but that it was really God’s words. Divorce was not part of God’s plan for mankind, but He gave us free will—our own choice. Some couples chose divorce, and Moses told them how to do it, by the husband merely giving his wife a letter. If she has been unfaithful, then according to the another Deuteronomy passage, both she and the unfaithful man will be stoned at the city gates. Brutal punishment.
Suppose a man marries a woman but she does not please him. Having discovered something wrong with her, he writes a document of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house. Deuteronomy 24:1
The wife does not please the husband, so he divorces her! What a life! I recall a young couple in my church who just weren’t happy…even with two children, they decided that they were happier apart. Their marriage just ended. What has become of the “until death do us part” commitment? Divorce seems acceptable today. For many years, fifty percent of marriages in the United States have been known to fail—ending in divorce. Now that statistical number has been noted to be 40-50%. More success in marriage. Why is that? Are more couples listening to Jesus advice? Is adultery a motiving factor or of any influence at all? Are they really more committed to each other? Do more couples just live together, not bothering to get married?
Jesus was continuing to teach on the evils of adultery. What are your views on purity issues?
Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You made it clear that adultery is wrong. Help people within my family, friends, neighborhood, and community to see and value marriage and be devoted to communication and commitment that is necessary to make a marriage lasting.
Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!” Psalm 40:16 (NLT)
© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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