“When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick. Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?” “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.” Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!” “Not everyone can accept this statement,” Jesus said. “Only those whom God helps. Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.”
Matthew 19:1-15 NLT
The love of God inside a believer changes every relationship in life. Jesus elevated marriage, defining it as a man and woman becoming one in God's eyes for life. God unites husband and wife in marriage. In their day, divorce was so common that one rabbi taught that a man could divorce his wife for burning dinner! In the Kingdom, marriage is more than just partnership; it is meant to change the soul and allow one to experience the love of God more fully. Our Lord taught a high view of marriage—so high that the disciples questioned if it was even worth getting married!
Jesus also elevated singleness, calling it the preferred way of life, where a person allows the longings in their hearts to be fulfilled directly by the Lord (and in community). Singleness is not a curse but a blessing. Our churches should value singleness, create community, and be a light to the world for those who are single—whether for a season or for life.
Jesus deeply valued children. His words have shaped Christians, who in turn shaped education, protection, and labor laws. Most of the world in Jesus’ time viewed children as lesser humans who needed to be ignored or put to work. Christians in the Roman world rescued unwanted children. The Lord gave clear commands on relationships; we can ignore them and hurt our lives or follow them, fight against our self-serving desires, and experience deeper love. In singleness, marriage, children, sex, celibacy, desire, media, and more—follow the life-giving way of Jesus.
Which command of Christ stands out to you today? What area of relationships needs some work in your life?
