Like the phrase "Gentiles and tax collectors" yesterday, I think this teaching on marriage is often misunderstood. My mother was tortured by it every time it came up in the lectionary. She was also, not surprisingly, one of the only single mothers in our church.
The Message translation give light and clarity to the issue, so my mom doesn't need to feel like an adulteress anymore. Jesus says, "Moses provided for divorce as a concession to your hard heartedness, but it is not part of God's original plan. I'm holding you to the original plan, and holding you liable for adultery if you divorce your faithful wife and then marry someone else. I make an exception in cases where the spouse has committed adultery." My dad committed adultery. My mom didn't. This exception was never mentioned.
I love how Jesus closes out this issue, "Marriage requires a certain aptitude and grace. If you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it."
If you really want to get crazy, have kids.
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