Divorce, Double Standards, and the Heart of God's Kingdom (Sermon on the Mount Series)

Explore how Jesus confronts divorce and remarriage in first-century Jewish culture by exposing the double standards that marginalized women and distorted God's vision of marriage. Continuing the Sermon on the Mount Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford break down Matthew 5 and Matthew 19, unpacking Jesus's radical reinterpretation of Deuteronomy 24 and its implications for relationships, gender roles, lust, adultery, and the grace of God’s Kingdom.

Rather than offering a rigid rulebook, Jesus reframes divorce not as a legal loophole but as a heart issue—warning men about consumer-based relationships, and liberating women held captive by oppressive systems. The episode also dives deep into purity culture, the damage of shame-based teachings, and the lifelong journey of reshaping our vision of marriage, sex, and human connection through the lens of Jesus' compassion and truth.

Key Takeaways: • Jesus Redefines Adultery to Liberate and Confront – How His interpretations of Deuteronomy 24 and Genesis 1-2 elevate women and expose patriarchal hypocrisy. • Exposing the "Any and Every Reason" Divorce Culture – Tracing how first-century rabbis debated the legal basis for divorce and how Jesus upended their assumptions. • God’s Ideal vs. Human Concession – Understanding how the Bible presents marriage not as personal fulfillment but as covenant and responsibility. • When Divorce Is Permissible – The tension between theology and pastoral care, and how Scripture permits divorce in cases of adultery, abuse, and abandonment. • Reforming Our Views on Purity, Sex, and Intimacy – A vulnerable conversation about how shame, legalism, and false reward systems impacted personal stories and how to teach new generations differently.

Guest Highlights: • Seth Erie – Makes a joyful surprise appearance at the end of the episode, dropping hilarious and heartfelt commentary with dad Mike and a shoutout to Chick-fil-A, Tim Tims, and the entire Vox community.

Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5 & Matthew 19 • Deuteronomy 24 & Exodus 21 – Foundational references for divorce in the Torah • 1 Corinthians 7 – Paul’s insight on divorce and abandonment • The Mishnah – Jewish oral tradition illuminating the debates between Rabbi Shammai and Rabbi Hillel • Teachings from Tim Mackie and David Instone-Brewer on biblical divorce and remarriage

Don’t miss this rich, challenging episode that will stretch your theology, deepen your empathy, and help reshape how we talk about relationships in the church. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to join the ongoing conversation.

As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts as we journey together. Email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We’re also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Support the Voxology Podcast: Patreon Official Website: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Check out our Spotify music channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre

Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy



As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy