Mark Chapter 10: Verses 2-5
Some of the Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question. “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”
Jesus answered them with a question. “What did Moses say about the law of divorce?”
“Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can divorce his wife and send her away.”
But Jesus responded, “He wrote this only as a concession to your hard heart.”
The Pharisees only reason for asking this question was to trap Jesus. It was not at all a genuine enquiry. And Jesus knew their hearts. They were only interested in doing what was legally permitted so that they could do what they wanted without changing their attitudes. Jesus isn’t interested in how we keep to the letter of the law, but in the attitude of our hearts.
Just because something is legally permissible, whatever it might be, doesn’t mean it’s right – especially if we’re pushing the boundaries to get what we want. On the outside all might look just and right, but we must always remember that Jesus looks at the heart. And He is never fooled, no matter how much of a spin we put on things.
Dear Lord,
Help me keep my heart pure and my conscience clear. And help me never to make judgements just to suit my wants. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.