What Does Jesus Say About Marriage?

Marriage is a fundamental part of human relationships, deeply rooted in cultural, social, and religious traditions.

When it comes to understanding marriage from a Christian perspective, Jesus’ teachings provide clear and profound guidance.

In this piece, we’ll explore what Jesus says about marriage, looking at His words in the Gospels and their implications for relationships today.

Jesus’ View on Marriage

Marriage is Sacred

Jesus emphasized that marriage is a sacred union.

In Matthew 19:4-6, he says:

“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.”

Here, Jesus underscores that marriage is more than a social contract; it’s a divine covenant.

He quotes Genesis to affirm that marriage is part of God’s design for humanity.

The Purpose of Marriage

Marriage, according to Jesus, is not just about companionship or mutual support.

It’s a relationship that mirrors the unity and commitment God desires with His people.

In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul explains this connection, reflecting Jesus’ teaching:

“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

This passage highlights that marriage symbolizes the intimate and committed relationship between Christ and the Church.

Faithfulness in Marriage

Jesus places a high value on faithfulness in marriage.

In Matthew 5:27-28, he expands the commandment against adultery:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Here, Jesus moves beyond the physical act of adultery to address the intentions and thoughts.

He calls for purity and loyalty in every aspect of the marital relationship.Divorce and Remarriage

Divorce is a complex issue, and Jesus addresses it with clarity and compassion.

In Matthew 19:8-9, He responds to questions about the legality of divorce:

“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.”

Jesus acknowledges that while divorce was permitted under Mosaic Law, it was not part of God’s original plan for marriage.

He emphasizes the importance of preserving the marital bond unless there are severe breaches, like sexual immorality.

The Role of Love in Marriage

Central to Jesus’ teachings is the command to love one another.

This is especially important in marriage.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus says:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

In the context of marriage, this means loving your spouse with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates.

This kind of love is patient, kind, and forgiving, as described in 1 Corinthians 13.

Practical Implications of Jesus’ Teachings on Marriage

Understanding what Jesus says about marriage is one thing, but applying these teachings in everyday life is another.

Let’s look at how you can live out these principles:

Building a Strong Foundation

Commit to the Sacredness of Marriage:

View your marriage as a holy covenant, not just a contract.

Recognize that your union is part of God’s design and treat it with reverence.

Prioritize Unity:

Work towards becoming ‘one flesh’ with your spouse.

This involves deep emotional, physical, and spiritual connection.

Practice Faithfulness:

Be loyal in both action and thought.

Avoid anything that could compromise your commitment to your spouse.

Navigating Challenges

Handle Conflicts with Love:

Disagreements are inevitable, but approach them with the aim of reconciliation and understanding.

Use Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and love to guide your actions.

Seek Help When Needed:

If you’re struggling in your marriage, don’t hesitate to seek counsel from trusted advisors or religious leaders.

Remember, preserving your marriage aligns with Jesus’ emphasis on its sanctity.

Consider Divorce Seriously:

Before considering divorce, reflect deeply on Jesus’ teachings.

Understand the gravity of this decision and explore every possible way to restore your relationship.

Loving Like Jesus

Embrace Sacrificial Love:

Put your spouse’s needs above your own.

This doesn’t mean neglecting yourself, but rather, finding joy in serving and loving your partner as Jesus loves you.

Communicate Openly and Honestly:

Build a relationship based on trust and transparency.

Keep the lines of communication open and address issues as they arise.

Grow Together Spiritually:

Strengthen your bond by nurturing your faith together.

Pray, read scripture, and participate in religious activities as a couple.

Stories of Marital Faithfulness

The Bible also provides stories that illustrate Jesus’ teachings on marriage.

One such story is that of Aquila and Priscilla, a couple mentioned in Acts 18.

They were tentmakers who worked closely with Paul and were known for their strong partnership in ministry.

Their relationship exemplifies unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to their faith and mission.

Another story is that of Mary and Joseph.

Their marriage faced unique challenges, yet they remained faithful to each other and to God’s plan.

Their journey highlights the importance of trust, patience, and perseverance in marriage.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on marriage are profound and transformative.

He calls us to view marriage as a sacred covenant, to love faithfully and sacrificially, and to approach challenges with compassion and grace.

By embracing these principles, you can build a marriage that not only endures but thrives, reflecting the love and commitment that Jesus exemplifies.

Remember, marriage is a journey of growth and partnership, and with Jesus’ guidance, it can be a beautiful reflection of God’s love for us all.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Marriage?

What is the significance of marriage according to Jesus?

Jesus views marriage as a sacred union, a covenant created by God.

He emphasizes that marriage is part of God’s original design for humanity and that it should be treated with reverence and commitment.

How does Jesus describe the purpose of marriage?

Jesus teaches that marriage serves as a reflection of the unity and commitment between Christ and the Church.

It is designed for deep companionship, mutual support, and to embody the loving relationship that God desires with His people.

What does Jesus say about faithfulness in marriage?

Jesus places a high value on faithfulness in marriage, both in action and in thought.

He extends the commandment against adultery to include even lustful thoughts, calling for purity and loyalty in all aspects of the marital relationship.

What are Jesus’ views on divorce?

Jesus teaches that while divorce was permitted under Mosaic Law due to human hardness of heart, it was not part of God’s original plan.

He allows for divorce only in cases of sexual immorality and emphasizes the importance of striving to preserve the marital bond.

How does Jesus command us to love in marriage?

Jesus instructs us to love one another as He has loved us, which involves selfless, sacrificial love.

In marriage, this means putting your spouse’s needs above your own and loving them with patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

How can couples apply Jesus’ teachings on marriage in their daily lives?

Couples can apply Jesus’ teachings by:

Committing to the sacredness of their marriage.
Prioritizing unity and deep connection.
Practicing faithfulness and avoiding actions or thoughts that could compromise their commitment.
Handling conflicts with love and seeking reconciliation.
Seeking help and counseling when needed.
Making decisions about divorce with serious reflection on Jesus’ teachings.
Embracing sacrificial love and communicating openly and honestly.
Growing together spiritually through shared faith activities.

Are there any Bible stories that illustrate Jesus’ teachings on marriage?

Yes, the stories of Aquila and Priscilla, and Mary and Joseph, provide powerful examples of marital faithfulness, partnership, and commitment.

These stories highlight the importance of unity, mutual respect, and perseverance in marriage.

How can couples handle conflicts in their marriage according to Jesus’ teachings?

Couples should approach conflicts with the goal of reconciliation and understanding.

Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness should guide their actions, encouraging them to address issues calmly and constructively.

What does “becoming one flesh” mean in the context of marriage?

“Becoming one flesh” means that in marriage, two individuals are joined in a deep, intimate, and holistic union.

This includes emotional, physical, and spiritual connection, reflecting the deep bond intended by God.

Why is it important to view marriage as a covenant rather than just a contract?

Viewing marriage as a covenant emphasizes its sacred and lasting nature.

Unlike a contract, which can be broken or renegotiated, a covenant is a binding promise that reflects God’s unwavering commitment to His people, calling for a deeper level of dedication and respect in the marital relationship.