Deuteronomy 24:1-4 seems to be the backdrop to the teaching that Jesus picks up on next. This command from Moses dealt with limiting divorce to certain causes (“indecency”), formalizing the process to protect women who were divorced, and emphasizing the permanency of the divorce (and thus, the seriousness of marriage). (Lloyd-Jones) There were two schools of thought about that command in Jesus’ day, according to Grant Osborne. One way of thinking concluded that only sexual immorality and immodesty were reasons to divorce. Another broadened the reasons to include many causes, such as “if she spoiled a dish for him.” Jesus begins by referencing what the people had heard (vs. 5:31).

Jesus sides with a more conservative way of thinking. Sexual immorality (a very broad term in itself) is the only ground for divorce. The ESV Study Bible says that “Jesus is prohibiting divorce for the many trivial reasons that were used so frequently in the first century, leading to widespread injustice, especially for women whose husbands suddenly divorced them.”

Jesus is also saying that such sinful actions on the part of one spouse (the husband in this case) have repercussions on the other. If the woman divorced in such a way remarries, then she commits adultery – as well as her new spouse. This implies that where divorce is obtained due to sexual immorality, the second marriage of the innocent party does not begin with adultery.

So, what about re-marriage for our friends and family members who have experienced divorce not due to sexual immorality on either part (or to “desertion” by an unbelieving partner as later described by Paul)? What also does it say for family and friends who have caused a divorce? Is re-marriage an option? I believe Scripture is generally teaching here with Jesus and with Paul’s extended discussion that those so divorced should refrain from re-marrying. Each situation is unique, and my general statement can’t cover every situation. The church leadership can help believers who have been divorced understand how this biblical teaching may apply in their unique situation.