The Divine Union: What Jesus Said About Marriage

Marriage is a powerful and complex institution that has been a fundamental component of human society for centuries. While it has evolved and taken on various forms throughout history, marriage remains a central aspect of our lives, shaping our relationships, families, and even legal systems. With such cultural and personal significance, it comes as no surprise that many have turned to religious teachings for guidance on this sacred bond. In particular, Jesus Christ’s words on marriage hold immense weight for Christians worldwide. In this article, we will explore what Jesus said about marriage and how his teachings continue to impact our understanding of this revered union. Let’s delve into the profound wisdom that Jesus imparted on this timeless topic.

Marriage is one of the most sacred and significant institutions in Christianity. It is a covenant between a man and a woman, with God as the foundation. As believers, it is essential to understand what Jesus said about marriage and how it should be honored and protected.

The Sanctity of Marriage

In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus reminds us that God created man and woman to be united in marriage and become one flesh. He emphasizes the sanctity of marriage by stating that it is not something to be casually entered into, but a lifelong commitment before God.

Jesus also speaks against adultery in Matthew 5:27-28, stating that even thinking lustfully about another person is considered as committing adultery in God’s eyes. This shows the seriousness of the marriage covenant and how it should be respected.

The Role of Husbands

As the head of the household, husbands have a significant responsibility in upholding their role in marriage. In Ephesians 5:25, Jesus instructs husbands to love their wives just as He loved the church and gave Himself up for her.

This means that husbands are called to sacrifice their own wants and needs for the sake of their wives, just as Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. Husbands should also be leaders who guide their families with love, compassion, and humility.

The Role of Wives

Wives also have an essential role in marriage as stated in Ephesians 5:22-24. They are called to submit themselves to their husbands as they would submit to Christ. This submission does not mean being inferior or less valuable but rather recognizing the God-given roles within marriage.

Just like how Christ submitted Himself to God’s will for our sake, wives are called to submit to their husbands out of reverence for Christ. This does not make them less equal but rather promotes unity and harmony within the marriage.

Divorce and Remarriage

In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus explains that divorce was permitted by Moses because of people’s hardness of heart, but this was not God’s original plan for marriage. Jesus makes it clear that divorce should only be considered in cases of infidelity.

He also states that remarriage after a divorce is considered adultery, except in the case of sexual immorality. This shows the seriousness of the marriage covenant and how it should not be entered into lightly or taken for granted.

Love and Forgiveness

Jesus emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness in marriage in Matthew 18:21-22. He instructs His disciples to forgive their brothers seventy-seven times, showing that forgiveness should be unlimited.

This principle can also be applied to marriage, where love and forgiveness are necessary to maintain a healthy relationship. Marriage is a continuous journey of learning to love and forgive just as Christ has forgiven us.

In conclusion, Jesus has spoken extensively about marriage and has given us clear guidelines on how it should be upheld. As believers, we are called to honor and protect this sacred covenant between a man, a woman, and God. By following the teachings of Jesus, we can have healthy and fulfilling marriages that bring glory to God. Let us strive to follow His instructions wholeheartedly in all aspects of our lives, including our marriages.

Marriage According to Jesus

Jesus had much to say about marriage during his time on earth. As the Son of God, he knew the true purpose and importance of this sacred union between a man and a woman. In this article, we will explore what Jesus said about marriage and the significance of his teachings for couples today.

God’s Design for Marriage

In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus refers to the creation story in Genesis and reaffirms God’s design for marriage. He says, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Through these words, Jesus emphasizes that marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. This union is divinely ordained by God himself, and should not be broken by any human force.

The Sanctity of Marriage

Jesus also spoke about the sanctity of marriage in Mark 10:9 when he said, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This statement reinforces the seriousness of this union in God’s eyes. Marriage is not just a legal contract or a social arrangement; it is a spiritual covenant before God.

For Christians, this means that their marriage should be treated with reverence and respect. They should strive to honor their vows and fulfill their responsibilities towards their spouse as ordained by God.

Two Become One

In the same passage from Mark 10:8, Jesus says that “the two shall become one flesh.” This phrase highlights the significant merger of two individuals into one entity through marriage.

But what does this really mean? First and foremost, it means that a husband and wife are deeply connected to one another, both physically and emotionally. They are no longer two separate beings, but united as one.

Furthermore, this oneness also extends to their spiritual connection. As believers in Christ, a Christian couple is united in their faith and commitment to following God. This unity allows them to support and strengthen each other in their spiritual journey.

The Role of Husband and Wife

Jesus also gives us insight into the roles of husband and wife in a marriage. In Ephesians 5:22-23, it says, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church.”

This does not mean that women are inferior to men or that they should blindly obey their husbands. Rather, it means that wives should respect and submit to their husbands’ leadership within their marriage, just as the church submits to Christ.

On the other hand, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loves his church (Ephesians 5:25). This includes putting their spouse’s needs above their own and actively working towards building a strong marriage.

Divorce is Not an Option

When it comes to divorce, Jesus makes it clear that this should not be an option for Christians unless there are biblical grounds for it (Matthew 19:9). In Mark 10:11-12 he says, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

For Jesus, marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken except under extreme circumstances such as sexual immorality or abandonment (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Forgiveness and Restoration

Lastly, Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness and restoration in marriage. In Matthew 18:22-23, he says, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This means that we should always be ready to forgive and work towards reconciliation in our relationships, including marriage.

As Christians, we are called to love one another and show grace just as God has shown us grace through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. This includes extending forgiveness and working towards restoring a broken relationship.

In summary, Jesus’ teachings about marriage emphasize its divine purpose and design. He calls for husbands and wives to love and respect each other, honor their commitment before God, and work towards building a strong and lasting union.

As couples navigate through the challenges of marriage, they can turn to the teachings of Jesus for guidance on how to love and serve one another as Christ loves his church. By following his example, couples can create a godly marriage that reflects the unconditional love of our Savior.

1) What did Jesus say about the purpose of marriage?
Jesus taught that marriage was intended to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman, joining them together as one flesh in the eyes of God.

2) Does Jesus speak about divorce and remarriage?
Yes, Jesus condemns divorce and teaches that it should only be done in cases of sexual immorality. He also warns against remarrying after a divorce, as it is considered adultery.

3) How does Jesus describe the relationship between husbands and wives?
Jesus stresses the importance of mutual love and respect between husbands and wives. He also teaches that husbands are called to sacrificially love their wives, just as Christ loves the Church.

4) Is marriage important to Jesus?
Yes, marriage is highly valued by Jesus and he performed his first public miracle at a wedding, showing his support for this sacred union.

5) Did Jesus have any specific instructions for married couples?
Yes, Jesus instructed married couples to become one flesh and to love each other unconditionally, just as God loves us. He also emphasized the importance of forgiveness in maintaining a strong marriage.

6) How can we apply Jesus’ teachings on marriage in our modern world?
We can apply his teachings by valuing our spouses, honoring our commitments, avoiding divorce unless absolutely necessary, and seeking guidance from God when faced with challenges in our marriages. Additionally, we can strive to model the sacrificial love that Jesus showed towards us in our own relationships.

In conclusion, from the various teachings and interactions of Jesus in the Bible, it is evident that marriage holds great significance in his teachings and was intended to be a sacred union between a man and a woman. Jesus emphasized the importance of commitment, love, and selflessness in marriage, and also spoke against divorce and adultery.

Jesus’s teachings on marriage highlight the vital role it plays in human society as well as the spiritual realm. He provides guidance for successful marriages by emphasizing forgiveness, communication, and mutual respect.

However, Jesus’s teachings on marriage also serve as a reminder that we are all imperfect beings and that marriage requires effort and sacrifice from both partners. His words encourage us to rely on God’s strength and grace to overcome challenges in our marriages.

Moreover, Jesus also highlights the seriousness of the commitment made in marriage by using strong language such as “what God has joined together let no one separate.” This reminds us of the sacredness of marriage and discourages casual relationships or rethinking commitments.

In today’s ever-changing society where the concept of marriage is constantly being challenged, it is essential to turn to Jesus’s words for guidance. His teachings on marriage are timeless and provide a solid foundation for building healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Therefore, as we reflect on what Jesus said about marriage