Verses 16-18 seem to have a rather random selection of extra teachings. John the Baptist marked a clear dividing line in the history of God's working with Israel and the world. Everything in the law and the prophets was pointing forward to Jesus and the kingdom of God. John also was pointing the people to Jesus, the difference was that John actually saw Jesus. Jesus was something that was going to happen at some point in the future, but was something that was imminent.
Now the good news is being preached. We are no longer looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, rather we are announcing that He is here and the good news is now clear. So there is now a spiritual war going on. During Jesus' earthly ministry the Pharisees and other religious leaders tried to put a stop to it. Ever since then different groups at different periods and in different ways have sought to infiltrate the kingdom.
Verse 17 is a warning about misunderstanding the relationship between the old and new covenants. The new covenant fulfills the old, it does not nullify it. The law reflected the heart of God.
Verse contains Jesus' words on divorce. This is part of much longer sections in Matthew and Mark on the topic, and it is important to see it in its context. See my comments on Mark 10:1-12 and Matthew 19:1-12.
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