Jesus spoke clearly and meaningfully about marriage, framing it not just as a social contract but as a sacred covenant instituted by God. In passages like Matthew 19:4-6, He underscores the unity and permanence of marriage, declaring that what God has joined together should not be separated. Jesus elevated the conversation around marriage by affirming its divine purpose—one rooted in love, commitment, and spiritual unity. His strong words on divorce reflect the seriousness with which He viewed this covenant, allowing it only under specific circumstances and emphasizing reconciliation and faithfulness.
Yet, Jesus also offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging that not everyone is called to marriage. In Matthew 19:10-12, He honors the path of singleness for those who choose it for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Whether through His miracle at the wedding in Cana or His teachings on mutual respect and sacrificial love, Jesus highlights the beauty and challenge of both marriage and singleness. His insights provide timeless wisdom for anyone navigating relationships today. Keep reading for a deeper dive into Jesus’ profound and practical teachings on love, commitment, and spiritual partnership.
Marriage is a significant institution in many cultures and religions, and Christianity is no exception. If you’ve ever wondered what Jesus said about marriage, you’re in the right place. This article will explore Jesus’ teachings on marriage, providing you with a clear and concise understanding of His perspective.
Jesus’ Teachings on Marriage
The Importance of Marriage
Jesus regarded marriage as a sacred and significant covenant. In Matthew 19:4-6, He responds to the Pharisees’ questions about divorce by referring to the creation story in Genesis:
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a divine institution created by God, where two individuals become one. He underscores the permanence and unity of the marriage bond, highlighting its sanctity.
Divorce and Its Implications
One of the most direct teachings of Jesus on marriage involves His stance on divorce. In the same passage in Matthew 19, the Pharisees ask Jesus why Moses allowed divorce if marriage is meant to be permanent. Jesus responds in Matthew 19:8-9:
“Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Here, Jesus clarifies that divorce was allowed due to human hardness of heart, not because it was God’s intention. He sets a high standard for marriage, permitting divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. This teaching underscores the seriousness with which Jesus views the marriage covenant.
Marriage in the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus also addresses the nature of marriage in the afterlife. In Matthew 22:30, when questioned by the Sadducees about whose wife a woman will be in the resurrection, Jesus responds:
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
This indicates that marriage is an earthly institution designed for our time on Earth and that our relationships will be transformed in the resurrection.
The Wedding at Cana
One of the first miracles Jesus performed was at a wedding in Cana, as described in John 2:1-11. During this event, Jesus turned water into wine, saving the host from the embarrassment of running out of wine. This miracle is significant because it shows Jesus’ approval of marriage and His willingness to bless such occasions with His presence and power.
Practical Lessons from Jesus’ Teachings on Marriage
Commitment and Faithfulness
Jesus’ teachings on marriage stress the importance of commitment and faithfulness. The idea that marriage is a lifelong bond reflects the need for spouses to remain dedicated to each other through all circumstances. This commitment mirrors God’s unwavering love and faithfulness to His people.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
While Jesus permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality, His teachings also emphasize forgiveness and reconciliation. Marriage requires both partners to forgive each other’s shortcomings and work towards resolving conflicts. This reflects the broader Christian principle of forgiving others as God has forgiven us.
Love and Sacrifice
Marriage, according to Jesus, involves selfless love and sacrifice. In Ephesians 5:25, Paul writes:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This instruction reflects Jesus’ example of sacrificial love. In a Christian marriage, both partners are called to love each other selflessly, putting the other’s needs above their own.
Jesus’ Broader Perspective on Relationships
Singleness and Marriage
While Jesus highly values marriage, He also acknowledges the calling of singleness. In Matthew 19:10-12, after discussing the strictness of marriage, Jesus says:
“Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Jesus recognizes that some people may choose to remain single to dedicate themselves more fully to God’s work. Both marriage and singleness are valid and honorable states in the eyes of God.
Equality and Mutual Respect
Jesus’ interactions with women and His teachings promote mutual respect and equality within marriage. For instance, in a cultural context where women often had fewer rights, Jesus consistently treated women with dignity and respect, setting an example for His followers to do the same.
Conclusion
So, did Jesus ever mention marriage? Absolutely. His teachings on marriage are profound, emphasizing its sanctity, commitment, and the selfless love required to maintain it. Jesus upholds marriage as a divine institution but also recognizes the value of singleness for those who are called to it.
By understanding Jesus’ perspective on marriage, you can gain deeper insights into how to cultivate a strong, loving, and enduring marital relationship. Whether you’re married, considering marriage, or single, Jesus’ teachings offer valuable principles that can guide your relationships and enrich your spiritual journey.
Remember, marriage is more than just a legal contract—it’s a sacred bond that reflects God’s love and commitment to us. By following Jesus’ teachings, you can build a marriage that honors God and brings joy and fulfillment to both partners.
FAQs on Jesus and Marriage
1. What did Jesus say about marriage?
Jesus emphasized the sanctity and permanence of marriage, highlighting that it is a divine institution where two individuals become one flesh (Matthew 19:4-6). He taught that what God has joined together, no one should separate.
2. Did Jesus allow divorce?
Jesus allowed divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. He clarified that divorce was permitted due to human hardness of heart, but it was not God’s original intention (Matthew 19:8-9).
3. What did Jesus say about marriage in the afterlife?
Jesus taught that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven (Matthew 22:30).
4. Did Jesus ever attend a wedding?
Yes, Jesus attended a wedding in Cana where He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This event demonstrates His approval of marriage and willingness to bless such occasions.
5. How does Jesus’ teaching on marriage emphasize commitment and faithfulness?
Jesus’ teachings underscore the importance of lifelong commitment and faithfulness between spouses. He highlights that marriage is a covenant meant to endure through all circumstances.
6. What does Jesus say about singleness?
Jesus acknowledges singleness as a valid and honorable state for those who choose it for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:10-12). He recognizes that some may remain single to dedicate themselves more fully to God’s work.
7. How should love and sacrifice manifest in a Christian marriage?
In a Christian marriage, love and sacrifice should reflect Jesus’ love for the church. Husbands and wives are called to love each other selflessly, putting the other’s needs above their own (Ephesians 5:25).
8. What is the significance of Jesus’ interaction with women in the context of marriage?
Jesus’ respectful and dignified treatment of women set a precedent for mutual respect and equality within marriage. His actions and teachings promote the idea that both partners in a marriage should be treated with equal respect and dignity.
9. What practical lessons can we learn from Jesus’ teachings on marriage?
From Jesus’ teachings, we learn the importance of commitment, faithfulness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and selfless love in marriage. These principles are essential for building strong, enduring marital relationships.
10. How can understanding Jesus’ perspective on marriage enhance our relationships?
Understanding Jesus’ perspective on marriage can help you cultivate a strong, loving, and enduring relationship. His teachings provide valuable principles for maintaining a marriage that honors God and brings joy and fulfillment to both partners.
