Jesus on Divorce

Pastor: Adam Sharkey

Jesus on Divorce (Matthew 5:31–32)

Last week, Jonathan tackled a tough passage with honesty and grace. This week, we stepped into a subject that touches many lives—divorce—and Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.

Let’s be honest: few topics carry more emotional weight. Whether you've personally experienced divorce, watched someone close to you go through it, or carry wounds from a broken relationship, Jesus' words call us to lean in, not look away.

Jesus Enters the Debate

In Jesus' time, two rabbinical schools debated the meaning of “some uncleanness” in Deuteronomy 24:1. Rabbi Hillel said it could mean any cause—even something as trivial as a burnt meal. Rabbi Shammai argued it referred only to sexual immorality.

Jesus sided clearly with Shammai.

“Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery…”—Matthew 5:32 (NKJV)

He reframes divorce not as a personal convenience, but as a painful breach in the covenant God designed for marriage.

The Prototype: Marriage in God’s Eyes

From the very beginning, God gave marriage as a picture of unity, trust, and mutual love. Genesis 2:24 sets the tone:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”—Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)

But sin entered the story. Hard-heartedness, betrayal, and broken promises began to tear apart what God joined together. And so, God permitted divorce—not as a command, but as a concession to human sin.

What Does the Bible Really Say?

• Jesus allows divorce in cases of sexual immorality but hopes for repentance and reconciliation.

• Paul permits divorce when an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).

• The Bible does not support divorce simply due to falling out of love or general dissatisfaction.

God’s desire is always redemption, not destruction. Sometimes that means fighting for a marriage. Other times, it may mean seeking safety and wise counsel when there’s danger or abuse.

So What Do We Do With This?

1. If you’re married – Fight for your marriage. Forgive, communicate, and seek God's help daily.

2. If you’re divorced – There is grace. God meets you where you are, not where you should have been.

3. If you’re in a dangerous marriage – Get out and get help. God never asks you to endure abuse.

4. If you’ve remarried after an unbiblical divorce – Serve your current marriage with faithfulness and love. Confess the past, but walk forward in God’s grace (1 Corinthians 7:17).

5. If you’re considering divorce – Seek pastoral guidance. Don’t walk this road alone.

Final Thought

Marriage is hard. Divorce is harder. But God’s grace is deeper still. Whatever your story, Jesus' invitation is the same: Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

At Bridgepoint, we want to walk with you—whether you're newly married, long divorced, or unsure where to go from here. You are not alone.