Our passage for study is the first episode in a set of six which deal with Jesus' teachings on the coming of the kingdom, 16:14-18:14. This first episode is made up of a set of sayings followed by an illustrative story. In both the sayings and the parable, Luke continues his theme of "the great reversal." In the face of the coming kingdom, good people under the law are condemned and repentant sinners under grace are blessed. Luke goes on to point out that the coming of the kingdom of God is evidenced by the replacement of the unchangeable law with a new word from God, an evidence more impressive than a visit by someone from the underworld.

v14-15. Jesus has just finished making the point that it is not possible to stand in the face of the coming kingdom and "serve the things of this world." Foolish as it may seem, this is exactly what "the children of light" do. The Pharisees ("who loved money" - Luke's comment) react with cynicism. Jesus' response is straight to the point. They may have some righteous standing in the sight of their religious cronies, but in the eyes of God their status is nothing; they should beware!

v16. The Old Testament ("The Law and the Prophets") dispensation comes to an end in the ministry of John the Baptist. Standing at the end of the old and the beginning of the new, John is privileged to announce the coming of this new dispensation (covenant), the era of the long-promised kingdom of God, of God's eternal reign in Christ. As the kingdom bursts into the world in the life and teachings of Jesus, the Pharisees, in fact, all people "are being forced up against it", and in this confrontation many will be broken. So, be warned.

v17-18. To make the point that the kingdom of God is indeed "at hand", Jesus points out how the ethic of the dawning kingdom has already transcended the Law of Moses, and it must be remembered that to alter even the minutest element of God's Law is an anathema. Yet, this is exactly what is happening, for the Mosaic Law on divorce is being replaced by a new "utopian" ethic. Although the Mosaic Law allowed divorce, the radical demands of the kingdom dictate the opposite. So then, the "fulfilling" (the perfect completing) of Mosaic law illustrates that a new age has dawned and anyone with even the slightest understanding of the Old Testament would know it.

v19-31. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus does not represent Jesus' teaching on the hereafter. The description, in the parable, of Hades and of souls at death going into the underworld for punishment, is not part of New Testament teaching. The parable serves to illustrate two points alluded to by Jesus in the sayings recorded in verses 16 to 18: First, in the dawning of the kingdom of God there is a great reversal, the "righteous" are set aside, the "poor" are blessed. So, beware! Second, the Old Testament clearly points to the dawning of the kingdom of God in Christ. If a person cannot see the evident signs in the Old Testament, then nothing will be clear to them. So, look and believe.

We have all been touched by divorce. We have watched as a friend, or family member, has gone through a marriage break down. Some of us have actually gone through a divorce ourselves. So, we all know the pain.

In touching the topic of divorce, I don't want to suggest it's the main point of our passage. Jesus simply touches on the issue of divorce to make a point to the Bible students of his day. The Mosaic Law allowed for divorce, and remember, God's Law is unchangeable, yet Jesus now announces that, as far as God is concerned, divorce is as good as adultery - it's not on. Jesus, in a sense, is "fulfilling" the Law, completing it in perfection. A person with even the slightest understanding of the Old Testament couldn't help but read the significance. God's eternal reign is upon us; repent and believe.

I should also point out that theologians are divided on what Jesus is actually saying. Is he saying divorce is adultery, or is he saying that remarriage is adultery? I think divorce constitutes adultery; remarriage is simply the usual consequence.

We cannot avoid the horror of Jesus' words here. So much so that we join with the apostles who once commented, given the perfection of this demand, "it's better that a person not marry", because marriages do break down. Yes, they do break down, and how will we face the shame and guilt if it happens to us? I'm sorry to say, the church doesn't help us much on this one. In my church, the Anglican church, the remarriage of a divorcee is not permitted, unless of course your royalty (I know, I shouldn't by cynical). Each diocese applies the rule differently; in my diocese, if you are willing to label your partner as an adulterer you can be remarried in the church, or better, if you show yourself to have a lively faith in Jesus your remarriage will be approved. The logic here is beyond me. Surely, the greater the faith the greater the responsibilities.

To those of us whose marriages have failed, who stand condemned before the Judge of the universe, I remind you, as I remind myself, that if you stand with Jesus, the Judge sees nothing but the perfection of his obedient Son. His mercy covers every sin. To those whose marriage has not failed, I remind you that we are all adulterers, we have all left our partners in spirit, if not in deed, at some time or other. So, before we condemn others, let us remember we all stand condemned before the Judge of the universe.

Marriages do break down, so let us work at respect and consideration toward our partners. And if that cold hand should touch you, remember that even in the depth of despair there is one who sees you as the apple of his eye.

Consider the way your church deals with the issue divorce and how your congregation applies the issue in the life of your church family.