Mark 10:3 – “What did Moses command you?” he replied.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question about whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Instead of answering directly, He asks them what Moses commanded in the Law. This strategy shifts the conversation and forces them to think about what the Scriptures actually say rather than focusing on their personal interpretations or legalistic debates. By directing them to Moses, Jesus is not dismissing the Law but preparing to highlight its deeper meaning and God’s original intent for marriage, which goes beyond legal permissions and focuses on lasting, committed relationships.
Historical Context
The Pharisees based much of their teaching on the Law of Moses, including rules regarding marriage and divorce. The key passage they would have had in mind was Deuteronomy 24:1-4, where Moses allowed for divorce by issuing a certificate. However, this allowance was not a command but a concession due to human sinfulness and the “hardness of heart” that Jesus later mentions (Mark 10:5). By asking the Pharisees to recall Moses’ command, Jesus is guiding them to recognize that Moses regulated divorce to protect people, but that wasn’t God’s original plan for marriage.
Jewish society in Jesus’ time was divided over the grounds for divorce. Some believed a man could divorce his wife for trivial reasons, while others believed it should only happen in serious situations like adultery. Jesus wasn’t engaging in their debate. Instead, He was leading them toward the truth that marriage was meant to be permanent.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of correctly interpreting God’s Word. The Pharisees had misused Moses’ words to justify divorce when they should have been focused on preserving the sanctity of marriage. Jesus demonstrates that knowing Scripture isn’t enough—we need to understand the heart behind it.
It also reveals the problem of legalism: when people look for ways to follow the “letter of the law” while ignoring the deeper meaning. God’s commands aren’t meant to be manipulated for convenience. Instead, they reflect His holy will and loving purpose for our lives.
Literary Analysis
Jesus’ question is significant because it puts the Pharisees on the defensive. By asking them what Moses commanded, He exposes their knowledge of the Law while subtly pointing out that their understanding is incomplete. This question leads to a discussion about the deeper principles of marriage that Moses’ law was meant to protect. The verse sets the stage for Jesus’ explanation that God’s intention for marriage existed long before Moses ever gave laws about divorce.
Mark’s use of dialogue here creates tension, as the Pharisees are being challenged to examine their own interpretation of Scripture. This literary approach is typical of Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus often uses questions to reveal deeper truths.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – The passage where Moses permits divorce under certain conditions.
- Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Jesus will reference this foundational passage shortly to emphasize God’s design for marriage.
- Matthew 5:31-32 – “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery…” This passage shows how Jesus redefines the discussion of divorce by pointing back to God’s original design.
- Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” This verse reminds us that Scripture must be understood through God’s guidance, not just legalistic interpretations.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern Christians, this verse teaches us the importance of going beyond surface-level knowledge of Scripture. Knowing what the Bible says isn’t enough—we need to understand God’s heart behind His commands. Many people today are tempted to cherry-pick verses or interpret the Bible in ways that fit their personal preferences. But Jesus shows that faithful interpretation requires humility, a willingness to look deeper, and a heart aligned with God’s truth.
It also reminds us of the importance of viewing marriage as a sacred covenant, not a temporary arrangement. While society may treat marriage lightly, God’s design is for it to be a lifelong commitment grounded in love, forgiveness, and grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He gave His people laws not to restrict them, but to protect them from the consequences of sin. The allowance for divorce was not meant to be a blessing or a “get-out” clause—it was a way to manage brokenness in a fallen world. But God’s ultimate plan for marriage is rooted in love, unity, and permanence. His loving character is reflected in the fact that He desires the best for His people, including stable, lifelong relationships that reflect His covenant with humanity.
This verse shows that God’s commands are never burdensome or arbitrary. They flow from His love and His knowledge of what is best for us, even when our sinful hearts struggle to see it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s law and the embodiment of its true meaning. While the Pharisees were focused on rules, Jesus revealed the heart of the matter: God’s original intent for marriage and the importance of maintaining it. By pointing them to Moses, Jesus highlights His role as the ultimate interpreter of God’s will.
Additionally, marriage in Scripture often points to the relationship between Christ and the Church. Just as God intended marriage to be an unbreakable covenant, Jesus’ relationship with His followers is permanent and secure. Ephesians 5:25-27 draws a parallel between the love of a husband for his wife and Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church. Even when humans fail to live up to the ideal of marriage, Jesus’ grace offers redemption and restoration.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus asked the Pharisees what Moses commanded instead of directly answering their question?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of understanding the heart behind God’s commands?
- How can we avoid interpreting Scripture in a way that justifies our personal desires?
- In what ways can we support and uphold God’s design for marriage in today’s society?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage and relationships reflect His love for the Church and for individuals?
- When have you encountered situations where understanding the intent behind God’s Word helped you make a better decision?