Matthew 19:8
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
أَجَابَ: «بِسَبَبِ قَسَاوَةِ قُلُوبِكُمْ، سَمَحَ لَكُمْ مُوسَى بِتَطْلِيقِ زَوْجَاتِكُمْ. وَلَكِنَّ الأَمْرَ لَمْ يَكُنْ هَكَذَا مُنْذُ الْبَدْءِ.
What Does This Mean?
Jesus explains to the Pharisees that Moses allowed divorce because of people's stubborn hearts, but this was not God’s original intention for marriage.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a favorite toy and always break it. Your parents might let you keep breaking it, but they wish you would be more careful with your things from the start. Jesus says something similar about divorce - people were allowed to do it because of their stubbornness, but God wanted marriage to last forever.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this Gospel around A.D. 80-90 for a Jewish-Christian audience living in a time when Roman and Jewish customs influenced daily life. Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' questions about divorce by clarifying God's original intent for marriage, which aligns with divine will.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse reminds couples to commit fully to their marriages, avoiding easy exits due to temporary hardships or personal desires. It encourages fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the lifelong commitment of marriage.
Topics
marriagedivorcehardness of heartGod's intentioncommitmentfaithfulness
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hardness of heart' mean?
'Hardness of heart' refers to stubbornness or reluctance to change one’s ways. In this context, it indicates people's unwillingness to follow God’s original plan for marriage.
Why did Moses allow divorce according to Jesus?
Jesus explains that Moses allowed divorce because the hearts of people were hard and they were not willing to follow God’s ideal. He accommodated this hardness as a concession, but it was not God's original intention.
Is divorce ever acceptable in Christian marriages?
While divorce is generally discouraged by Jesus, there are exceptions such as cases of infidelity or abandonment. Each situation should be evaluated carefully with guidance from Scripture and church leaders.
How can couples prevent the hardness of heart that leads to divorce?
Couples can maintain a strong relationship through regular communication, praying together, seeking counseling when needed, and prioritizing God’s will over personal desires in marriage.