Jesus' Teachings On Marriage

Hey everyone, let's dive into something that's been on a lot of people's minds, especially those considering or currently in marriage: what did Jesus actually say about it? It's a pretty loaded topic, and sometimes things get lost in translation or interpretation over the years. We're going to break down what the Gospels tell us directly from the mouth of Jesus himself. When we look at the scriptures, particularly in Matthew 19 and Mark 10, we see Jesus engaging in conversations about marriage, divorce, and the sanctity of the union. He wasn't just giving his opinion; he was referencing the foundational principles laid out from the very beginning of creation. He took it back to Genesis, reminding everyone that God's original design for marriage was a lifelong, exclusive commitment between a man and a woman. He emphasized that what God has joined together, no one should separate. This is a pretty strong statement, guys, and it really underscores the seriousness with which God views marital bonds. It's not just a contract; it's a sacred covenant. He was responding to questions about divorce, which was a contentious issue even back then, with different schools of thought on when and why it was permissible. Jesus, however, steered the conversation towards the ideal, the divine intention, rather than the societal concessions. He essentially said, 'Look, Moses allowed divorce because your hearts were hard, but it wasn't like that from the start.' This is a crucial distinction. He's acknowledging the reality of human imperfection and sinfulness that leads to the need for such allowances, but he's also pointing us towards a higher standard, a more perfect way. The implications of this teaching are huge. It suggests that marriage, in its purest form, is meant to be unbreakable. This isn't always an easy pill to swallow in our modern world, where divorce rates are high and societal norms are constantly shifting. But Jesus' words provide a compass, pointing us back to an unwavering truth about the nature of marital commitment. He wasn't necessarily saying marriage is bad, but rather that its intended design is one of profound, enduring union. When we consider this, it encourages us to approach marriage with the utmost seriousness, preparation, and commitment. It's about striving for that divine ideal, even when faced with the realities of life's challenges. So, when people ask if Jesus thought it was better not to marry, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. His teachings focus on the quality and commitment of marriage, advocating for its original, intended permanence. He also, as we'll see later, talks about singleness as a valid and even preferable state for some, which adds another layer to the discussion.

The Original Design of Marriage

Let's really unpack what Jesus meant when he took us back to the beginning – to Genesis. When Jesus refers to the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2, he's not just telling a story; he's laying down the blueprint for marriage. He's telling us, "Hey guys, this isn't some human invention that we can just mess with." He’s pointing to a divine institution, established by God himself. The text says, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This phrase, one flesh, is incredibly profound. It signifies a union that goes beyond a legal contract or a mere partnership. It implies an intimate, spiritual, and physical oneness. It means two individuals, distinct yet united, becoming a new entity. This wasn't just about procreation; it was about companionship, mutual support, and a shared life that reflects God's own relational nature. Jesus emphasizes this oneness in Matthew 19:6: "So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." The emphasis here is on divine joining. It’s not just about two people deciding to get married; it’s about God’s active participation in and affirmation of that union. This is a pretty big deal, guys! It means that a truly biblical marriage is not just a human agreement that can be dissolved at will. It’s a covenant recognized and sealed by God. Therefore, human interference – like divorce – shouldn't break it. Jesus is essentially saying that the ideal is a lifelong, indissoluble bond. He acknowledges that societal norms and interpretations around divorce, like those permitted by Moses, were concessions to human weakness and the hardness of hearts. But he redirects us to the original, perfect intention of God. This original design, guys, is the bedrock upon which Jesus builds his teaching on marriage. It's about a deep, unwavering commitment that mirrors the faithfulness of God. When we understand this, it changes how we view marriage preparation, the challenges within marriage, and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s not about finding the perfect person, but about two imperfect people committing to build a perfect union through God’s grace. The emphasis on oneness also highlights the importance of exclusivity in marriage. It’s a union meant only for the two individuals involved, free from the interference or influence of others, including parents or societal pressures. It’s a sacred space where a man and woman forge a new family unit, built on a foundation of love, trust, and mutual devotion, as ordained by God from the very start.

Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what Jesus said about divorce and remarriage, because this is where things often get a bit heated and misunderstood. When the Pharisees came to Jesus, trying to trap him, they asked, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?" (Matthew 19:3). This question was designed to put Jesus in a difficult spot, as there were different interpretations of the Law on this matter. But Jesus, being Jesus, didn't just give a simple 'yes' or 'no'. He immediately pulled it back to the original design of marriage we just talked about. He said, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 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). His point was clear: God's initial plan was for marriage to be permanent, a complete union of two individuals into one. Then, he directly addressed the issue of divorce: "So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (Matthew 19:6). This is the core of Jesus' teaching on divorce: it is not a man-made option to be exercised lightly. It’s a violation of the divine union. However, the Pharisees pressed him, asking, "Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?" (Matthew 19:7). Here’s where Jesus makes a crucial distinction. He explained that Moses' command was a concession, a legal framework developed because of the