Divorce and Christ
Silver lining
Look at the audience
I think when people think of divorce and Christ they normally just shut down thought and accept that Christ condemned divorce. But you really have to look at it more closely. I do not mean a history lesson or assert right or wrong here but we must look at the situation that was present and make sense of what Jesus said, remembering His Love for the “least of these”.
Around the year 0 we would find women as property of men. We would find such a overbearing patriarchal society that we would cringe. All the laws benefited the man over the female. Any position of respect that a woman had was due to family, stemming from a man. Marriage was totally at the man’s pleasure. A woman without a man or her father’s house was nothing. Divorce went against the woman in shame and ostracized her from community.
In those times no worthy man could divorce his wife and leave her destitute. It was just a horrible situation.
(for a moment think of Christ’s treatment of women, including a whore and an adulteress. – Just Love and compassion)
Even Gods' word only makes sense in context. What Christ said to Pharisees was different than what he instructed his disciples.
So that in those days a divorced woman was kicked out of her house, with or without the children and cast aside. She was scorned. Her survival literally depended on compassion and love of others. Now when you put into context when Jesus says “10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” In Mark 10, you get a sense for what He was saying. Christ was not in love with laws. When he gave a strict command he meant it for our well being. And mostly for the well being of the “least of these”.
It is fun to note that right after saying this he commanded his disciples (who seemingly did not like children) to bring on the kids!! It almost sounds like a birthday party.
Two Chalices
Do not shake your head, lend a hand.
I would hope when you read this you send out some love for folks who just cannot keep their marriage together. Maybe give a call out to someone who is suffering in divorce. Let them know that you do not judge them, only love them.
Then let us give thanks for the truly great women like the Gloria’s, Hillary’s, Condelissa’s, Theresa’s and Madeline’s and Eleanor’s that have recently helped to raise up all humankind by elevating the respect for all woman.
Christ did not condemn divorce. Christ helped to protect the women. Good job buddy!
