Jesus Quotes About Marriage - PowerfulJesus.com

Marriage is a profound and sacred institution, and understanding Jesus’ perspective on it can be enlightening and transformative.

If you’re seeking clarity on what Jesus said about marriage, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive deep into Jesus’ teachings and explore His views on marriage, relationships, and the values that underpin them.

The Sanctity of Marriage

Jesus emphasized the sanctity and permanence of marriage.

In the Gospel of Matthew, He reaffirms the importance of marriage as an institution created by God.

When the Pharisees questioned Him about divorce, Jesus replied:

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” – Matthew 19:4-6 (NKJV)

Key Takeaways:

Unity: Marriage is about becoming one.

Jesus highlights that marriage is a union where two individuals become inseparable.

Divine Bond: It’s a sacred bond ordained by God, not just a social contract.
Indissolubility: Jesus underscores the permanence of marriage, suggesting that it’s a lifelong commitment.

The Purpose of Marriage

Jesus’ teachings suggest that marriage serves several vital purposes beyond companionship and procreation.

It’s about love, mutual support, and reflecting God’s relationship with humanity.

“But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” – Mark 10:6-9 (NKJV)

Key Purposes:

Companionship: A partner to share life’s journey with.
Mutual Support: Providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
Reflecting Divine Love: Mirroring the unconditional love God has for His people.

Marriage and Commitment

Commitment in marriage is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings.

He speaks to the unwavering dedication that spouses should have towards each other, reinforcing that marriage is not a temporary arrangement but a lifelong journey.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:6 (NIV)

Important Aspects of Commitment:

Faithfulness: Being loyal and devoted to your spouse.
Endurance: Weathering life’s ups and downs together.
Unconditional Love: Loving your partner as Christ loves the church.

Divorce and Remarriage

Jesus’ stance on divorce is clear and firm.

He taught that marriage should not be dissolved lightly and highlighted that divorce and remarriage could lead to adultery.

“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” – Matthew 19:9 (NKJV)

Key Points on Divorce:

Seriousness of Divorce: It’s permissible only under specific circumstances, primarily unfaithfulness.
Adultery: Remarrying after divorce can be seen as committing adultery, emphasizing the seriousness with which Jesus views marital vows.

The Role of Love in Marriage

Love is the cornerstone of Jesus’ teachings on marriage.

He consistently highlights love as the greatest commandment and the guiding principle for all relationships, including marriage.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34 (NIV)

Love in Marriage:

Sacrificial Love: Love that puts the needs of your spouse above your own.
Unconditional Love: Loving your spouse without conditions or expectations.
Forgiving Love: Being willing to forgive and move past grievances.

Marriage and Forgiveness

Marriage requires a forgiving heart.

Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness are crucial for maintaining a healthy and enduring marriage.

He instructed His followers to forgive not just once or twice but continuously.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

Forgiveness in Marriage:

Frequent Forgiveness: Be ready to forgive repeatedly, as mistakes and misunderstandings are inevitable.
Healing: Forgiveness is key to healing and maintaining a strong marital bond.
Grace: Extend grace as Jesus does, fostering a nurturing environment.

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

Jesus’ relationship with the Church is often likened to a marriage, symbolizing His deep love and commitment.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on this metaphor, encouraging husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)

Symbolism in Marriage:

Sacrificial Love: Just as Christ sacrificed for the Church, spouses should be willing to make sacrifices for each other.
Commitment: Reflecting the unwavering commitment Christ has towards the Church.
Purity and Devotion: Striving for purity and devotedness in the marital relationship.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on marriage are profound and timeless.

They call for a deep, unwavering commitment, underscored by love, forgiveness, and mutual support.

If you’re navigating marriage or preparing for it, let these teachings guide you. Reflect on the sanctity of marriage, the commitment it demands, and the love that should permeate every aspect of this sacred union.

Remember, marriage is more than just a partnership; it’s a divine bond that mirrors God’s love for us. Embrace it with reverence, dedication, and a heart full of love.

References:

Matthew 19:4-6 (NKJV)
Mark 10:6-9 (NKJV)
Matthew 19:9 (NKJV)
John 13:34 (NIV)
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)

By understanding and embodying these principles, you can build a marriage that not only withstands the test of time but also glorifies God.

FAQs: Jesus Quotes About Marriage

1. What did Jesus say about the sanctity of marriage?

Jesus emphasized that marriage is a sacred and divine union, created by God.

He taught that marriage joins two people into one flesh, making them inseparable.

This is highlighted in Matthew 19:4-6, where He states, “What God has joined together, let no man separate.”

2. How does Jesus view divorce?

Jesus’ view on divorce is strict.

He taught that marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment and that divorce should only occur under specific circumstances, such as sexual immorality.

In Matthew 19:9, He states that remarriage after divorce, except in cases of infidelity, is akin to committing adultery.

3. What purposes of marriage did Jesus highlight?

Jesus’ teachings suggest that marriage serves several important purposes:

Companionship: Providing a partner to share life’s journey.
Mutual Support: Offering emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
Reflecting Divine Love: Mirroring God’s unconditional love for humanity.

4. How does Jesus define commitment in marriage?

Jesus underscores that commitment in marriage means being faithfully devoted and supportive throughout life’s challenges.

In Matthew 19:6, He emphasizes that marriage is a bond that should not be broken lightly, indicating a deep, lifelong commitment.

5. What role does love play in Jesus’ teachings on marriage?

Love is central to Jesus’ teachings on marriage.

He taught that spouses should love one another unconditionally and sacrificially, just as He loves humanity.

John 13:34 commands us to “love one another” as He has loved us, which applies profoundly to marital relationships.

6. Why is forgiveness important in marriage according to Jesus?

Forgiveness is crucial in marriage.

Jesus taught that we should forgive repeatedly, just as God forgives us.

In Matthew 18:21-22, He advises forgiving “seventy-seven times,” signifying that forgiveness should be limitless, fostering healing and maintaining strong marital bonds.

7. How does Jesus’ relationship with the Church relate to marriage?

Jesus’ relationship with the Church is often used as a metaphor for marriage, symbolizing His deep love and commitment.

Ephesians 5:25 encourages husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, suggesting that marriage should reflect this sacrificial and devoted love.

8. Can remarriage after divorce be considered adultery according to Jesus?

Yes, according to Jesus, remarrying after divorce can be considered adultery unless the divorce was due to sexual immorality.

This is stated in Matthew 19:9, highlighting the seriousness of the marital commitment and the sanctity of the vows taken.

9. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings to modern marriages?

Applying Jesus’ teachings to modern marriages involves:

Valuing the sanctity of marriage: Treating it as a sacred, lifelong commitment.
Practicing unconditional love: Loving your spouse as Jesus loves humanity.
Emphasizing forgiveness: Being ready to forgive and heal from conflicts.
Reflecting divine love: Seeing marriage as a reflection of God’s love for us and striving to embody that in your relationship.

10. What should I do if I’m struggling in my marriage?

If you’re struggling in your marriage, consider these steps based on Jesus’ teachings:

Seek guidance through prayer and scripture: Reflect on the principles Jesus taught about love, commitment, and forgiveness.
Communicate openly with your spouse: Honest communication can address many issues.
Seek support: Consider counseling or support from a trusted community or church group.
Remember the sanctity of your vows: Reflect on the commitment you made and work towards honoring it.

11. Are Jesus’ teachings on marriage still relevant today?

Absolutely.

Jesus’ teachings on marriage emphasize timeless values like love, commitment, and forgiveness.

These principles are foundational for building and maintaining healthy, fulfilling marriages in any era.

12. How can I strengthen my marriage according to Jesus’ teachings?

To strengthen your marriage:

Prioritize unity: Focus on becoming ‘one flesh’ as Jesus described.
Embrace love and forgiveness: Love your spouse unconditionally and forgive often.
Commit fully: View your marriage as a lifelong journey and commitment.
Reflect divine love: Strive to emulate the love and devotion Jesus has for the Church in your relationship.