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Right before Jesus began talking about the "marriage/divorce" (putting away) issue, he made sure his enemies understood that he was not intending to say something contrary to Moses' Law. He assured those listening that not one little thing would change before all was fulfilled (verse 18). All would be fulfilled at the cross; thus, his teachings were applicable to those who heard him and must not be interpreted to mean something different from Moses' teaching found in Deuteronomy 24:1, 2, which was the center of the controversy regarding marriage and divorce.
Jesus was very clear in his endeavor to prevent any misunderstanding regarding what he was about to say, to include verses 31-32. Nevertheless, and despite the fact that we Christians contend that Jesus kept the Law perfectly (Heb. 4:15), some attempt to pervert other passages in their endeavor to convince others that Jesus actually contradicted the Law of God that allowed a divorced woman to "go and be another man's wife."
The Alleged Changes
In several instances Jesus currently is accused (not by enemies, but by "friends") of teaching contrary to Moses’ teachings, under which he lived and was expected to follow, both by God and the people. But it should be crystal clear to true friends of Jesus that he was not taking issue with Moses, but with the false notions of the Jews. They had turned away from Moses and were "Teaching for doctrine the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:9), which was the very reason Jesus came to earth. In his ministry he endeavored to explain and teach the Law, which required correcting false notions, not changing the Law before the cross. Just look at verse 19:
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
In view of the above text, how can an honest person argue that Jesus did a 180-degree turn by changing a MAJOR doctrine that would immediately and adversely affect the lives and souls of many? Such a charge has Jesus doing what he said he was not going to do. Furthermore, the actions he is charged with taking would actually make matters much WORSE, rather than better, which is not in harmony with Hebrews 8:6 that tells us "he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
Now look at verse 20:
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Is it not clear that Jesus intended to do some CORRECTING of religious teachers, rather than changing the established word of God? Dear reader, it is CRYSTAL clear; and if you love truth you will see this and join me in rebuking those who falsely charge our Lord.
Last, but not least, God placed this false doctrine in the category of "doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1-3), which should seriously discourage evangelists from propagating it. It not only goes against plain biblical teaching, but an extremely high percentage of people will be driven away from the Lord when they are told they must divorce and live celibate. Thus, instead of saving people with this false teaching, the true result is that the preachers who promote it are causing many to be lost, which could include themselves.
It is a serious matter when one accuses Jesus of having taught contrary to the Law, especially when that change is the devil's most successful doctrine that breaks up marriages (homes and families), imposes celibacy, and drives believers away from the church and the Lord, and which requires perverting or disregarding the lucid teaching of the apostle Paul recorded in 1 Corinthians 7. Jesus did not change the Law before the cross; therefore, while he was alive he did not teach contrary to the Law of Moses.
Perhaps you are now wondering how I explain verse 32 to harmonize with the idea that Jesus did not change the law that allowed the divorced woman to marry. It is very simple, but it goes beyond the scope of this article to address it. It is fully addressed in some of the suggested reading material below.
Suggested reading for further study:
http://www.totalhealth.bz/divorce-and-remarriage-it-has-been-said.htm
Albert Barnes Comments on passages that some have concluded are Jesus' teaching contrary to the Law.
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-5.html
"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"
Jesus and The Law (5:17-19)
Mark Copeland
http://executableoutlines.com/matt/mt5_17.htm
Put Away But Not Divorced
(280-pages, free as PDF file)
http://www.totalhealth.bz/publications.htm
Four Lessons
http://www.totalhealth.bz/Open-Bible-Study-Regarding-Who-Has-Right-To-Marriage.pdf
Who May Marry
(Free Tract, PDF file download)
http://www.totalhealth.bz/divorce-and-remarriage-who-may-marry.htm
Smith/Waters Debate
Discussion regarding when what Jesus said, recorded in Matthew 19:9, was to go into effect. Was it when it was said or after the cross?
http://www.totalhealth.bz/smith-waters-divorce-complete.pdf
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