Scripture: Matthew 19:3-12 (WEBBE)
3 Pharisees came to him, testing him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
4 He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’
6 So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”
7 They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce and divorce her?”
8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.
9 I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
10 His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
11 But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.
12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus is approached by the Pharisees with a question about divorce, intending to test Him. Their inquiry sets the stage for a profound teaching on the nature of marriage, its sacredness, and the importance of faithfulness in relationships.
1. The Sacredness of Marriage:
Jesus responds to the Pharisees by directing them back to the original intent of marriage as established by God at the beginning of creation. He quotes Genesis, reminding them that God made humans male and female and that in marriage, the two become one flesh. Jesus emphasizes the unity and permanence of marriage, stating, “What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart” (Matthew 19:6).
This response highlights the sacredness of the marital bond. Marriage is not merely a social contract; it is a divine covenant in which two individuals are united by God. The one-flesh union is meant to be a lifelong commitment, reflecting the faithfulness and unity that God desires in our relationships.
2. The Challenge of Faithfulness:
The Pharisees press further, asking why Moses allowed for divorce. Jesus explains that the provision for divorce was given because of the hardness of human hearts, but this was never God’s original intention. Jesus underscores that divorce is not part of God’s design for marriage, and He warns that divorcing for reasons other than sexual immorality and remarrying results in adultery.
This teaching may seem difficult, and even the disciples recognize the challenge it presents, suggesting that it might be better not to marry at all if the commitment is so demanding. Jesus acknowledges that not everyone can accept this teaching, but He affirms that those who are called to marriage must approach it with a commitment to faithfulness, reflecting God’s unwavering love.
3. The Gift of Singleness:
Jesus then introduces the concept of singleness as a calling for some. He speaks of eunuchs—those who are unable to marry either by birth, by circumstances imposed on them, or by choice for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus recognizes that singleness, like marriage, is a gift and a calling that requires grace to embrace.
This teaching expands our understanding of vocation. Whether called to marriage or singleness, each person is invited to live out their calling with faithfulness and dedication. Jesus’ words remind us that both paths are valid and honorable in the eyes of God, and each comes with its own challenges and blessings.
4. The Call to Reflect God’s Love:
At the heart of Jesus’ teaching on marriage and singleness is the call to reflect God’s love and faithfulness in our lives. In marriage, we are called to embody the unity and permanence of God’s covenant with His people. In singleness, we are called to devote ourselves fully to the Kingdom of Heaven, living in a way that honors God.
Jesus’ words challenge us to consider how we approach our relationships—whether in marriage, singleness, or other forms of commitment. Are we striving to reflect God’s love and faithfulness in all that we do? Are we seeking to honor the sacredness of the commitments we make?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage and the calling of singleness. Help us to honor the commitments we make, reflecting Your love and faithfulness in our relationships. Give us the grace to live out our vocations with integrity and devotion to You. May our lives be a testimony to the sacredness of marriage and the joy of serving You, whether in marriage or singleness. Amen.
Contemplation:
Take a moment to reflect on your own relationships and commitments. How can you more fully embody the love and faithfulness that Jesus speaks of in this passage? Whether you are married, single, or considering your vocation, ask God to guide you in living out His will for your life with faithfulness and grace. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you honor Him in all your relationships and commitments.