Luke 16:18
Parallel Accounts
Mark 10:11-12 and Matthew 5:32 & 19:9
Context
- Jesus has just finished reinforcing the idea that the law is everlasting, and taking this account alongside of Matthew 5:17, he shows that he did not come to abolish the law.
Luke’s reason for recording
- Luke takes the opportunity to show how Jesus actually upheld the law where the Pharisees failed to do so.
The Seventh Commandment
- “You shall not commit adultery.”
- Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.
- Jesus: divorce + remarriage = adultery.
Why divorce + remarriage = adultery
- The Law says sexual intercourse IS marriage. (Exodus 22:16 and Deuteronomy 22:28)
- Therefore, according to definition, sexual intercourse with anyone else is adultery.
Why the confusion?
- The Pharisees mistook Moses’ allowance (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) for command.
- Jesus reveals (Matthew 19) that God never intended for there to be divorce.
- God hates divorce (Malachi 2:13-16).
- The marriage covenant mirrors God’s covenant with his people.
Parallels between covenants
- Both require devotion to one.
- Both require striving to become one.
- Both give something that can be found nowhere else.
However…
- Divorce (and sexual immorality) show a disregard for covenant.
- Disregard for marriage makes it easier to disregard covenant with God.
The importance of covenant
- Covenant is the backbone of the biblical story.
- Covenant provides security from the selfishness of man.
- It reveals what is to be received for what is given.
- Once security is found in knowing what will be received one can concentrate on what needs to be given.
Can a Christian divorce?
- Opinion: No, a Christian should not divorce, but should constantly strive to do their part in the marriage covenant.
- But Jesus says divorce is permissible if there is sexual immorality.
- Are we playing the same game as the Pharisees?
- Look at the rest of scripture.
- If the marriage covenant mirrors God’s covenant, then we should pay attention to the example of Hosea.
- When their marriage is in trouble a Christian should do everything they can to remain married, but if a spouse ultimately leaves there is little that can be done (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Transformation Expectation
- We need to get back to seeing things the way God designed them.
- Sexual intercourse IS marriage.
- Marriage is supposed to be an example of God’s love for his people.
- Therefore, we should strive to make our marriages just that.