Matthew 19: 9 - A Deadly Exception

This book supports the long-held traditional and biblical position on marriage divorce and remarriage.To Love & To Cherish Until Death Do Us Part.Marriage is to be permanent. This is not a new - or bad - idea.Jesus declares that its Gods way from the beginning.A man and a woman become one flesh ...for GOOD!What therefore God has joined together let not man separate. (Matt 19:4-6)Yet today marriage is widely dishonoured.Divorce and remarriage are commonplace.Jesus teaching is largely misunderstood - or ignored.Matthew 19:9 is one of the most misused verses in the Bible.This PhD study (Australian College of Theology) shows why the exception clause is found (twice) in Matthews Gospel and nowhere else. Sexual immorality is no trivial offence and offers no easy escape from marriage. In the context of a legal question it has a straightforward and deadly meaning. By the Law as written it attracts real not metaphorical death! Any man who writes sexual immorality on his wifes divorce certificate hands her a death sentence! Does Jesus advocate this for Christians today? No. We must not rush straight to Christian application but appreciate that Jesus was tested on the Law and turns the tables on his lawless testers. Whoever divorces for this or for any cause (Matt 19:3) may prove to be hard-hearted and join the ranks of the hypocrites who oppose Jesus (Matt 23:25). Still there is good news: Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. (Matt 5:7)God desires mercy and mercy requires mercy - especially when two imperfect people live together in marriage. Matthew 19:9 is best read in the light of Jesus words on forgiveness recorded immediately prior. ITS A GAME CHANGER!