A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 10:1-12)

“‘It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,’ Jesus replied. ‘But at the beginning of creation God “made them male and female.” “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’” (See Mark 10:1-12 for full text)

In Mark 10:1–12 Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders regarding divorce. Intent on trapping Jesus, their question was possibly designed to get him in trouble with Herod Antipas who had earlier killed John the Baptist for disapproving of his divorce and remarriage. Moses’ concession that a man could divorce his wife caused considerable debate. Jesus addressed the heart of the issue, however, by asking what Moses commanded. In the book of Genesis, it had been stated clearly that what God joined together no one should separate. The religious leaders mistook Moses’ permission for divorce as God’s approval of it. Furthermore, Jesus exposed the rabbinic position that excused men from any responsibility in adultery. Both participants are guilty, not just the woman. His response brought both justice and remarkable clarity to a significant social issue. 

KEY QUESTIONS: What are the justice issues related to divorce and remarriage in society today? How might I address the heart of this issue rather than just focusing on technical details? How can I lead with clarity through sticky social issues?