Discussion about Divorce and Marriage (7th entry)
We left Galilee and continued our journey to the region of Judea located at the east of the Jordan River. There were large crowds following us, but mostly because of Jesus because they want to look at how Jesus healed the sick people which is also known as doing a miracle. Along our way there were also some Pharisees following along too. However, along the way they tried to trap Jesus with question.
So, they asked, “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?” After hearing the question, Jesus asked them, “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” And Jesus only continued by answering the question, “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
However, the Pharisees did not stop but continued to give out more questions to Jesus, “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” Jesus replied patiently, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.”
After hearing these answers from Jesus, the Pharisees looks like that they are still not satisfied with the answers, so me and the other disciples just replied to them, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!” However, Jesus said, “Not everyone can accept this statement.” Later Jesus continues, “Only those whom God helps. Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
After hearing these words, I felt like I had learnt another lesson from Jesus about the relationships between male and female more clearly. Everyone including women should have their own rights on choosing their future and relationship with others. However, a man and a woman getting together means a responsibility, if they fail to secure this relationship it is okay, but we must be responsible for what is going to happen after that.
(410 words)
(Discussion about Divorce and Marriage - Matthew 19:1-12)
