Mark 10:4 – “They said, ‘Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.’”
Extended Explanation
In response to Jesus’ question about what Moses commanded, the Pharisees point to the law in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, where Moses allowed a man to issue a certificate of divorce. The certificate was meant to officially document the separation, providing legal protection for the wife. By mentioning this, the Pharisees focus on the fact that divorce was permitted in the Law of Moses. However, their response shows that they were missing the point—they were viewing the law as an endorsement of divorce rather than as a concession made due to human sinfulness. Jesus is about to clarify that this allowance wasn’t God’s ideal, but a response to human failure.
Historical Context
The Pharisees’ reference to Moses comes from a time when women in Israelite society were vulnerable. Without legal documentation, a divorced woman could be left in a precarious situation with no social or financial protection. The certificate of divorce was intended to protect her by making the separation official, giving her the ability to remarry and sustain herself. But over time, this provision was abused. Some men used it to divorce their wives for trivial reasons, and religious leaders debated the proper interpretation of the law. The Pharisees approached Jesus hoping to drag Him into this ongoing debate, but He wasn’t interested in legal arguments—He was focused on God’s original design for marriage.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the tension between God’s ideal will and His permissive will. God’s ideal for marriage is that it be a permanent union (Genesis 2:24), but because of human sinfulness, He allowed divorce as a concession to deal with brokenness. The Pharisees, however, were treating this permission as if it were God’s approval of divorce, which it wasn’t. This distinction is crucial because it reminds us that just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it’s what God desires.
In a theological sense, the allowance for divorce shows both the justice and mercy of God. Justice is seen in the protection of vulnerable women through the certificate of divorce, while mercy is shown in God’s willingness to accommodate human failure without abandoning His people.
Literary Analysis
The wording of the Pharisees’ response reveals their narrow focus on what is legally permitted, rather than on what is morally or spiritually right. The phrase “Moses permitted” indicates that they view the law primarily as a set of rules to follow, rather than as a reflection of God’s heart. Mark uses this dialogue to contrast the legalistic mindset of the Pharisees with the deeper, spiritual truth that Jesus will soon reveal.
By keeping the Pharisees’ answer short and matter-of-fact, Mark emphasizes their misunderstanding. They quote Moses correctly but miss the purpose behind the law. This sets up Jesus’ response, where He will redirect the conversation back to God’s original intent for marriage.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – The passage the Pharisees reference, where Moses outlines the process for divorce.
- Malachi 2:16 – “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, “does violence to the one he should protect.” This verse reveals God’s disdain for divorce and highlights the harm it causes.
- 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 soon reference this verse to emphasize the permanence of marriage.
- Matthew 19:8 – Jesus’ parallel teaching, where He says, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning against focusing solely on what is permitted instead of what is best. Just because something is allowed by law—whether in the Bible or in society—doesn’t mean it aligns with God’s will. Christians are called to pursue God’s ideals, even when they’re difficult, rather than settling for what is convenient.
This verse also reminds us to approach Scripture with humility, seeking to understand God’s heart behind His commands. Like the Pharisees, we can easily fall into the trap of using the Bible to justify our actions instead of allowing it to transform us. In today’s culture, where marriage is often seen as disposable, this passage challenges us to take seriously the commitment and responsibility of marriage as God intended.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He provided guidelines to protect people in the midst of their brokenness. He didn’t ignore the reality of sin or the harm it causes, but neither did He leave people without hope. The certificate of divorce was a way to protect women from exploitation and abandonment. But God’s love goes beyond just making accommodations for human weakness—His ultimate goal is to restore and redeem. Jesus’ teaching on marriage reflects this love, pointing people back to God’s original design and inviting them into a relationship marked by forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ role in this passage is to show that He fulfills the law by pointing back to God’s original intent for marriage. While Moses made a concession for divorce, Jesus is restoring the higher standard that reflects God’s perfect will. This connects to His broader mission: to redeem and restore what sin has broken, including human relationships.
Christ’s relationship with the Church is often described as a marriage (Ephesians 5:25-27), and His love for His people is the model for how husbands and wives are to love each other. Where human marriages often fall short, Jesus demonstrates the perfect, sacrificial love that never ends. His teachings on marriage aren’t just about human relationships—they reflect the deeper reality of His covenant with His people, a relationship that is permanent and rooted in grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the Pharisees focused on what Moses permitted instead of what God originally intended for marriage?
- What does this verse teach us about the difference between God’s ideal will and His permissive will?
- How can we avoid misinterpreting Scripture in ways that justify our actions rather than seeking God’s heart?
- In what ways can Christians today uphold the sanctity of marriage in a culture that often devalues it?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage challenge us to pursue forgiveness, commitment, and grace in our relationships?
- How can understanding Christ’s covenant with the Church help us better appreciate God’s design for marriage?