In this passage, we see a debate between Jesus and the Pharisees on the topic of divorce.  Typically, this passage becomes an air-tight theology on divorce, but this is not the aim of this passage.  Instead, He uses the conversation about legal divorce in the 1st century to expose and rebuke the Pharisees for exploiting and demeaning women.   

Jesus is not giving a full discourse on divorce.    He’s trying to protect women who are being used and abused, and he is declaring that life in God’s kingdom protects the vulnerable. 

While Jesus is addressing a specific case study here, in the whole of the Scriptures, there are, however, reasons where divorce may be an option.  Divorce is never easy, and God’s will is fruitful marriages where partners yield to one another in love and service, AND also for the vulnerable to be cared for and given a voice and freedom from evil.

Teaching Slides

Teacher: Caleb Sprinkle

Text: Mark 10.1-16