Jesus on Marriage in Heaven: What the Bible Says

Marriage is a foundational institution in many cultures and religions.

It binds two people together in a profound and often spiritual union.

But what does Jesus say about marriage in the afterlife?

This question has intrigued theologians and laypeople alike for centuries.

In this article, we’ll explore Jesus’ teachings on marriage in heaven, as revealed in the Bible, and unpack their implications for us today.

Understanding Marriage in Earthly Terms

Before diving into what Jesus said about marriage in heaven, it’s essential to understand the context of marriage during His time on Earth.

In the Bible, marriage is frequently highlighted as a sacred covenant:

Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Ephesians 5:31-32: Paul refers to this union as a profound mystery, likening it to Christ’s relationship with the Church.

Marriage was designed to reflect deep unity and commitment.

It was not only a personal agreement but also a reflection of divine relationships and community bonds.

The Question from the Sadducees

The pivotal moment regarding Jesus’ teaching on marriage in heaven comes from an encounter with the Sadducees, a group that denied the resurrection of the dead.

They posed a hypothetical question to Jesus to trap Him:

Matthew 22:23-28: The Sadducees asked Jesus about a woman who had married seven brothers (one after another, each dying without leaving children).

They wanted to know whose wife she would be in the resurrection.

This scenario was based on the practice of Levirate marriage, described in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man was required to marry his deceased brother’s widow to preserve the family line.

Jesus’ Response

Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees is profound and directly addresses the nature of marriage in the afterlife:

Matthew 22:29-30: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.”

Key Points from Jesus’ Teaching

#1. Marriage is an Earthly Institution: Jesus clarifies that marriage is part of the earthly experience.

It serves specific purposes here but isn’t a part of the afterlife.

#2. Life in the Resurrection: In heaven, the dynamics of relationships change.

People won’t marry or be given in marriage.

Instead, they’ll be “like angels.”

This doesn’t mean we become angels but that we’ll experience a form of life that transcends earthly relationships.

#3. Knowledge of Scriptures: Jesus rebukes the Sadducees for not understanding the Scriptures or God’s power.

This emphasizes the importance of a deep, scriptural understanding when considering theological questions.

The Implications for Us

Jesus’ teaching on marriage in heaven offers several insights for our lives and beliefs:

#1. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Institutions

Marriage, as precious and significant as it is, is a temporary arrangement designed for earthly life.

This perspective can provide comfort for those who’ve lost spouses or experienced broken relationships.

In heaven, our connections will transcend earthly bonds.

#2. A Higher Form of Existence

Being “like angels” suggests a higher state of existence where human relationships are transformed into something more profound.

While we may not fully understand what this looks like, we trust that God’s plan for the afterlife is perfect and beyond our current comprehension.

#3. The Importance of Spiritual Preparation

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to focus on preparing spiritually for eternity.

Relationships and institutions here are vital, but they point us to a greater reality that we should strive to understand and be ready for.

Common Misconceptions Addressed

Does This Mean We Won’t Recognize Our Spouses in Heaven?

Not necessarily.

While Jesus says there’s no marriage as we know it, this doesn’t imply we won’t recognize or have relationships with our loved ones.

Our connections will likely be even more meaningful and profound.

What About the Bonds We Formed on Earth?

The love and relationships we cultivate here reflect God’s love.

In heaven, these bonds will be perfected and fully realized, not erased.

As 1 Corinthians 13:12 states, “For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”

Biblical Perspectives on Heaven’s Relationships

The Bible provides glimpses into the nature of heavenly relationships:

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
1 Thessalonians 4:17: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

These verses highlight a state of joy, reunion, and eternal presence with God and one another.

Conclusion: Embracing the Eternal Perspective

Jesus’ teachings on marriage in heaven remind us that our earthly experiences are shadows of a more excellent reality to come.

While marriage is a beautiful and significant part of our lives now, in heaven, we’ll experience relationships in ways that far surpass our current understanding.

Focusing on our spiritual journey and preparing for this eternal future can enrich our lives and relationships here and now.

Let’s embrace this eternal perspective with hope and trust in God’s perfect plan for us.

By reflecting on Jesus’ teachings and the promises of the Bible, we can gain a deeper appreciation for both our earthly and heavenly relationships, grounded in the assurance of God’s love and wisdom.

FAQs: Jesus on Marriage in Heaven

1. What did Jesus say about marriage in heaven?

Jesus said that in the resurrection, people “neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).

This means that the institution of marriage is an earthly practice and doesn’t continue in the same form in heaven.

2. Will we recognize our spouses and loved ones in heaven?

While Jesus indicated that marriage as we know it won’t exist in heaven, this doesn’t mean we won’t recognize or have relationships with our loved ones.

Our connections in heaven will be transformed into something more profound and perfect.

3. What does it mean to be “like angels” in heaven regarding marriage?

Being “like angels” refers to a different state of existence where earthly relationships, including marriage, are transcended.

It signifies a higher, more spiritual form of life that goes beyond the earthly institution of marriage.

4. Does this mean marriage isn’t important?

Not at all.

Marriage is a significant and sacred covenant designed for life on Earth.

It reflects deep unity and commitment and is a metaphor for Christ’s relationship with the Church.

However, its purpose is fulfilled in the earthly realm.

5. How should this teaching impact our view of marriage and relationships now?

Understanding that marriage is temporary encourages us to value our relationships deeply while recognizing their earthly nature.

It also shifts our focus towards spiritual preparation for eternity, where relationships will be perfected.

6. What happens to the bonds formed in marriage once we’re in heaven?

The love and bonds we form on Earth are reflections of God’s love.

In heaven, these relationships will be perfected and fully realized, not lost.

We’ll experience a deeper and more complete form of love and connection.

7. What is the broader significance of Jesus’ teaching on marriage in heaven?

Jesus’ teaching highlights the temporary nature of earthly institutions and points us to a greater reality.

It encourages us to prepare spiritually for eternity and trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives and relationships beyond this world.

8. Does Jesus’ teaching mean there’s no family in heaven?

Jesus’ teaching focuses on the marriage institution rather than family.

While earthly family structures may change, the Bible suggests we’ll be united with loved ones in a state of joy and eternal presence with God.

9. What does the Bible say about relationships in heaven?

The Bible portrays heaven as a place of profound joy, reunion, and eternal presence with God. Verses like 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and Revelation 21:4 indicate that our relationships will be perfected, and we’ll experience no more pain or mourning.

10. How can we prepare for the relationships we’ll have in heaven?

Preparation involves deepening our spiritual lives, understanding God’s word, and nurturing our relationships on Earth with love and faith.

Recognizing that our earthly connections are reflections of heavenly realities can guide us in living meaningfully now.