Jesus and the Pharisees: A Conflict of Kingdoms
A Historical Novel Based on the Gospels
(Matthew 19:3–9; Mark 10:2–12)
The road beyond the Jordan was lined with travellers heading towards Jerusalem for the approaching feasts. Dust rose with every footstep, coating sandals and robes alike. Jesus walked ahead, His disciples following close behind, while crowds gathered along the roadside to hear His teachings.
From among them emerged a group of Pharisees, robes immaculate despite the swirling dust. Their eyes glimmered with calculated intent as they approached Him, seeking to trap Him with words that had ensnared many before.
One of them spoke, his tone falsely respectful.
“Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” (Matthew 19:3)
Silence fell around them. Disciples leaned forward, the crowds craned their necks to hear His reply. Divorce was a subject of fierce debate – the school of Hillel taught it could be done for almost any reason, while Shammai permitted it only for sexual immorality.
Jesus stood still, His gaze steady and filled with divine authority. He spoke, and His words cut through centuries of misinterpretation.
“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,” He said, His voice clear over the murmuring crowd, “and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4–5)
The Pharisees shifted uneasily as He continued.
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6)
One of them raised his hand quickly, eager to challenge.
“Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” (Matthew 19:7)
Jesus’ eyes blazed with both sorrow and authority as He answered.
“Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” (Matthew 19:8)
His gaze swept over them, unwavering.
“And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” (Matthew 19:9)
A stunned silence fell upon the crowd. Even His disciples looked at Him with wide eyes.
“If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry,” they whispered among themselves. (Matthew 19:10)
But Jesus turned to them, His expression softening with mercy and truth.
“Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given… There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” (Matthew 19:11–12)
The Pharisees stood speechless, their trap turned to dust before them. As Jesus walked away along the sunlit road, His disciples followed, their hearts heavy with conviction and wonder, for they had heard the voice of the Creator restoring the holiness of covenant love to its rightful place.
And behind them, the Pharisees watched in silent frustration, their laws and debates crumbling under the weight of a truth that revealed their own hardened hearts.