The New Testament Gospel of Luke does not contain a direct teaching from Jesus on the topic of divorce that is as explicitly detailed as found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. In those other gospels, Jesus directly addresses the permissibility of divorce, often framing it within the context of God’s original intent for marriage. Luke’s gospel, however, approaches the subject with a different emphasis, primarily focusing on the indissolubility of marriage and the grave consequences of remarriage after divorce. This absence of explicit divorce-related teachings, compared to other Gospels, makes the interpretation of Jesus’ views on this matter in Lukes narrative a complex subject of theological discussion. For example, while Matthew includes exceptions for marital infidelity, Luke omits such stipulations.
The significance of Luke’s treatment of marriage lies in its implication of the sanctity of the marital bond. This absence of explicit allowance for divorce, coupled with strong statements about the implications of remarriage, underscores the gravity with which the marital commitment is viewed. Understanding this nuanced portrayal is vital for interpreting Christian perspectives on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Historically, this passage has been cited in arguments for the permanence of marriage and against easy justifications for divorce, influencing canon law and theological discourse within various Christian denominations.
