Matthew 19:1-8 is about Jesus reaffirming the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage, highlighting the importance of commitment and fidelity in relationships.
1 Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.
2 And great crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?”
4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 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’?
6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”
8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 19:1-8
In Matthew chapter 19, we find Jesus teaching a crowd of people who have gathered around Him. The scene is set in the region of Judea, near the Jordan River, where Jesus often traveled to preach and perform miracles. The crowd consists of a diverse group of individuals, including His disciples, Pharisees, and ordinary people seeking His wisdom and guidance.
As Jesus speaks, a group of Pharisees approaches Him, testing Him with questions about divorce, hoping to trap Him with their inquiries. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to Jewish laws and traditions, are trying to challenge Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce. Despite their attempts to discredit Him, Jesus responds with profound wisdom and insight, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and God’s original plan for unity between husband and wife.
The setting is serene, with the gentle flow of the Jordan River in the background and the warm Judean sun casting a golden glow over the scene. Jesus stands tall and composed, surrounded by His attentive disciples and the inquisitive Pharisees, as He imparts timeless truths about love, commitment, and the sacred bond of marriage. The atmosphere is charged with tension as Jesus navigates the tricky questions posed by the Pharisees, ultimately revealing His divine authority and unwavering commitment to upholding God’s design for relationships.
What is Matthew 19:1-8 about?
This verse calls us to reflect on the sacredness of marriage and the importance of faithfulness within this union. Jesus reminds us of the deep commitment and love that should be at the foundation of this relationship by emphasizing God’s original plan for marriage. Through this teaching, we are prompted to consider the gravity of divorce and the impact it can have on individuals and families. Think about the significance of honoring the vows and promises made in marriage as you ponder this verse. Consider how faithfulness can strengthen the strong and enduring marital bond. Reflect on how you can uphold the sanctity of marriage in your own life and relationships, and strive to cultivate a deep sense of love and commitment within your partnerships. Let this teaching guide you in valuing and cherishing the sacred institution of marriage as intended by God.
Understanding what Matthew 19:1-8 really means
In Matthew 19:1-8, we find Jesus engaging with the Pharisees who are testing Him on the topic of divorce. This interaction forms part of a broader discussion on marriage, divorce, and the sacredness of the marital union. Jesus responds to the Pharisees by emphasizing the profound unity established in marriage, where two individuals become one flesh. This union is not merely physical but also spiritual, representing a bond that is meant to be enduring and unbreakable. The phrase “What God has joined together, let no one separate” underscores the divine origin and sanctity of marriage, highlighting it as a covenant ordained by God Himself.
Jesus further explains that the provision for divorce in Mosaic Law was a concession due to the hardness of human hearts, rather than God’s original design. This points to the ideal of marriage as a lifelong commitment based on love, respect, and faithfulness. Drawing from Genesis 2:24, Jesus reinforces the concept of leaving one’s family to be united with a spouse, emphasizing the foundational nature of marriage in God’s plan for humanity. The passage challenges us to view marriage not as a contractual agreement but as a sacred covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, as echoed in Ephesians 5:31-32.
In today’s society, where divorce rates are high and marriage is often undervalued, the message of honoring the sanctity of marriage remains relevant. By recognizing marriage as a divine institution, couples can approach their relationship with a deeper sense of commitment and reverence. Rather than viewing divorce as a quick solution to marital problems, individuals are encouraged to seek reconciliation, healing, and restoration in their relationships. This aligns with God’s desire for marital faithfulness, as expressed in Malachi 2:16, where He declares His hatred for divorce.
An illustrative anecdote can shed light on the transformative power of upholding the sacredness of marriage. Imagine a couple facing immense challenges in their relationship, contemplating divorce due to financial strain and communication breakdowns. Instead of giving up, they choose to seek counseling and spiritual guidance, investing in prayer, commitment, and effort to mend their bond. Through perseverance and a renewed understanding of marriage as a sacred union, they are able to rebuild their relationship, showcasing the redemptive potential inherent in honoring God’s design for marriage.
In conclusion, the passage in Matthew 19:1-8 calls us to cherish and protect the sanctity of marriage, viewing it as a divine covenant that requires our utmost dedication and fidelity. It urges us to seek unity, reconciliation, and God’s guidance in our relationships, striving to reflect His love and purpose in our marriages. By embracing these principles, we can cultivate stronger, more resilient marriages that embody the beauty and sacredness of God’s design for marital unity.
What does Jesus teach us about marriage and divorce?
Jesus teaches about the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce in this passage. He emphasizes that marriage is a sacred bond created by God, intended to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Jesus explains that divorce was permitted by Moses due to the hardness of people’s hearts, but it was not part of God’s original plan. He clarifies that divorce should only be considered in cases of unfaithfulness, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marriage.
Jesus’s teachings on marriage and divorce underscore the importance of upholding the sacredness of the marital union. He stresses the significance of honoring one’s commitment to their spouse and remaining faithful in the relationship. Jesus encourages individuals to approach marriage with reverence by emphasizing the permanence of marriage and the seriousness of divorce, understanding that it is a covenant before God that should not be taken lightly.
Through his teachings on marriage and divorce, Jesus calls for a deeper level of commitment, love, and respect within the marriage relationship. Jesus promotes a foundation of trust, faithfulness, and mutual respect between spouses by upholding the sanctity of marriage and discouraging divorce except in cases of unfaithfulness. His teachings serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and strengthening the marital bond, rooted in God’s design for love and unity within the union.
Application
Are you ready to fortify the foundation of your relationship, like a skilled architect perfecting a masterpiece? Let’s embrace the profound love and loyalty within marriage, akin to an unbreakable fortress protecting what matters most. Together, let’s pledge to nurture our bond, cultivating it like a precious garden that blossoms with each passing season. Are you prepared to weather the storms of life, knowing that our commitment is a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainties and distractions?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.