The response of the disciples to Jesus' instructions about marriage, divorce and remarriage would be humorous if it wasn't so sad.  Upon hearing Jesus say that a man should stay married and not put his wife away, the disciples responded, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."  In other words, "If you can't get rid of the woman, it is better not to have one."  The disciples were reflecting the corrupted view of God's intentions that was so deeply rooted in first century Jewish life.  The Scribes and Pharisees had so twisted the intent of God and the concessions of Moses that a man could put his wife away (divorce her) if he didn't like the way she cooked!  Jesus elevated the status of marriage and women when He pressed the intention of God that a man and a woman remain true to one another for life.  Jesus also understood the reality that we live in a broken world and He knew as we know that people can be unbelievably mean and unfaithful.  For that reason, Jesus gave at least one reason that divorce is permitted, sexual unfaithfulness.  He did not command divorce but He did allow for it.  Paul gave another reason in 1 Corinthians 7, the departure of an unbelieving spouse.  Justifiable divorce allows for justifiable remarriage.  I know this discussion generates a lot of heat in the church.  I have struggled with this for many years.  I actually changed my postion on this matter a few years ago when teaching through 1 Corinthians.  I held the postion I was taught in college (the "hard-line") but when I finally began to consider the whole counsel of God it really began to make sense to me.  God has an intention that has not changed...yet, we live in a less than ideal world and some concessions are made for the well being of those He loves.   There are always consequences to living life contrary to God's intentions.  The divorced and the remarried know this better than anyone.  As a church we should not complicate their lives with self-righteous attitudes.  The mercy of God is higher than the heavens, the blood of Jesus was sufficient for all the sins of all mankind, the resurrection of Jesus makes new life truly possible no matter where we come from and the Holy Spirit resides in all who call upon the name of the Lord.  Living in the Kingdom of God means we live in the reality of these truths.

For anyone wondering about the relevance of Jesus' teaching for today, Matthew 5 would be a good place to start.  The powerful forces of anger, contempt and sexual lust are the first three paragraphs of Jesus' lesson.  Here we are almost 2,000 years later and the same things are major problems in our culture.  We have gun violence only because we have unbridled anger and contempt.  Imagine a world where seething anger and contempt for others wasn't even a factor!  As followers of Jesus, through trust and training, we can, by the power of the Holy Spirit overcome anger and contempt AND sexual sins.  I know some people are uncomfortable with this subject in church, in mixed company, with children present etc.  I'm not exactly giddy about addressing this subject.  However, if the world is becoming "hyper-sexualized", why wouldn't we speak Jesus' words lovingly and tactfully to people struggling with these forces?  There are single people, married people, men and women all struggling from time to time with sexual issues.   Teens are wondering about their own sexuality, their sexual orientation, sexual hang-ups, problems and temptations galore.  Jesus didn't avoid this subject and with good reason.  Sexual activity between a man and a woman married to each other can provide a life-time of covenant intimacy.  Sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage often produces a lifetime of regret and baggage.  Some people, simply curious about sexual matters have found themselves now mastered by what was once a casual pursuit.  Sexual addictions are present even in the church.  However, if we are willing to face these matters with the truth of Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, surrounded by a church that wants to help, we can be people of "clean hands and pure hearts."  Lord, let us be that generation as we take Your words and power to our own hearts, for our good and Your glory.  AMEN!