What Jesus Did! 'Divorce and Adultery' — Mark 10:10-12

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Later, when [Jesus] was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject [of divorce] again. He told them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery."
— Mark 10:10-12 NLT

Key Thought

In a world which takes divorce lightly despite the carnage left in the lives of the ex-spouse and any children from the marriage, God reminds his people that he takes seriously the sin of divorce when it does not have a basis in his will. He views unscriptural divorce and remarriage as adultery — betrayal of the original marriage covenant that the husband and wife made with him and with each other. He hates divorce and doesn't want it to happen among his people. Why? Is it because he wants to limit or punish or harm his people? No! Is it because of the damage done to the ex-spouse and any children and their faith? Yes! Can this problem of divorce be overcome? Yes, I do believe forgiveness and a new start is possible with grace. But as far as it is possible with us, divorce must be prevented. Even more, the reasons that can lead to divorce should be overcome. As Christian men and women, we must learn to make homes into relationships full of love, joy, and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today's Prayer

O Father, forgive us and help us. So many people in our time feel the pain of abandonment and loss because a spouse has left them. Others have grown up wondering what they did wrong because a parent abandoned them and their family. Heal our wounds. Heal our land. Pour out your Spirit and restore our love for each other in our homes. Help us, O Lord, find the way back to your grace and power so that we can be a people of solid marriages, loving families, and compassionate ministry. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Malachi 2:15-16
  • 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
  • John 8:1-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:10-12 NLT — "Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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