Khirbet Qana, Cana excavations with cellar, © bibleplaces.com, used by permission.

COVENANT FAITHFULNESS: MAN'S LAW VS. GOD'S LAW

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

Matthew 5:31-32

Is Jesus condemning divorced people as being adulterers? Or is something else going on here? In Jesus' day, divorce was an area where people had learned how to technically obey the law while quietly avoiding its spirit. Religious leaders debated the acceptable reasons a man could dismiss his wife, some teaching that men could divorce for any reason (even burning a meal) and others teaching it could only be for sexual misconduct. What had begun as a law meant to protect vulnerable women (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) had become a loophole. Divorce was common among men simply because they considered it their right, and women were considered property. Women did not have the same rights; the culture was unfair to women who suffered extreme consequences (poverty, shame, and instability).

Jesus redirects the conversation from legal permission to covenant faithfulness. Jesus expected men to treat their wives properly. He reminds His listeners that relationships are not disposable. The kingdom of God values steadfast love over convenience.

So how does this impact us today? Jesus is not just dealing with outward actions - He is describing the inner attitudes that lead to broken relationships. Marriage is a sacred bond, not one that can be easily broken when it becomes inconvenient or difficult. Jesus protects the vulnerable, upholds fidelity, and calls His followers to radical commitment in marriage—seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and perseverance rather than quick exits.

This is not a legalistic approach to marriage, but one that emphasizes spiritual and emotional dimensions. Jesus' teaching is not about condemnation, but transformation. Faithfulness requires daily commitment. Marriage is not simply a social contract, or a legal convenience. It is a spiritual covenant reflecting God's faithful love, and a commitment that impacts every aspect of life.

Faithful Father,

You have honored Your covenant with us, even when we have been unfaithful. Have mercy on us.

Forgive us where we have failed in our commitments. Forgive us for taking marriage lightly. Help us to honor the sacredness of marriage. Guide us in our relationships, protecting us from division and strife. Teach us to be committed and devoted, as You are to us. Help us to overcome our selfishness and look to the needs of those with whom we have deep relationships. Help us to be Your kingdom people.

Amen.

Marriage is hard. It requires great effort. Where have you been faithful, and where have you been tempted to “check out” emotionally or prioritize yourself over your commitment? God requires authenticity in all of our relationships, especially our marriages. Commit to honesty and integrity in all of your relationships today and do something intentional (i.e. a date, a letter of encouragement) to strengthen them. Ask yourself, "Am I nurturing this relationship, or merely maintaining it?" Pray for your spouse or pray for your close relationships if you are not married. The holiness of God is meant to permeate us entirely, not just our outward appearances.

The spirit of the law is about people, not rules. Divorce causes great pain and should be an absolute last resort in any marriage. Jesus deepens the call to kingdom righteousness by addressing marriage covenants and truthfulness in speech, reaffirming God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong, one-flesh union. Many of us are personally impacted by divorce. But our God is merciful and offers grace where we have failed. Let's live in God's grace as kingdom people.