Jesus Against Adultery

9I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)

Thoughts: Jesus strengthens marriage by restricting reasons of divorce to vow breaking.  Jesus sought to reform marriage back to its original intention of permanency with the single exception of divorce.  Jesus knew that such a strict standard would be broken and tested.  Yet, his intention was to protect the hearts of his people and also the integrity of their relationship made in a vow before God.  Adultery was a terrible sin that is now downplayed in the West.  Purity in heart and in relationship insured trust and safeguarded the raising of children, and enabled spiritual growth.  Jesus said that to marry again except for the cause of adultery is to commit adultery- marrying someone else's spouse.  Jesus saw sexual immorality as a way to destroy a relationship, and thus encouraged us all to avoid it. The intimacy of a sexual relationship is special and unique and is to be guarded.
     Perhaps it is helpful to also remember that Jesus protected the woman caught in adultery from those who wanted to stone her.  He said, "Neither do I condemn you."  This is great grace- a second chance.  It is obvious from other passages Jesus hated adultery.  When he condemned Israel for rejecting him and the Father, he called them "a wicked and adulterous generation."  Yet Jesus told the woman caught in the act that while He didn't condemn her, He also wanted her to go and sin no more (give up her adulterous ways).  

Prayer: Lord, let my heart be true to my spouse.  Keep me from the lust of the world and to long to be faithful and true to the love you give me.