The Purpose of Marriage - Matthew 19:1-15

The practice of the father of the bride ‘giving away’ the bride goes all the way back to the first 2 chapters of the Bible, Genesis 1-2. We will see Jesus talk about it in today’s passage!

Where is one of the biggest places we get to practice giving and receiving forgiveness? Within our marriages!

As we look at Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, we are going to see Jesus model for us how to respond to all the “What about this issue,” or “what about that issue” questions that people ask us to weigh in on.

Jesus teaches on the purpose of marriage - V. 4-6

I love Jesus’ question, “Have you not read?” He’s saying, “Let’s go back to the Bible, and before talking about what’s a sin against God’s design, let’s clarify God’s design and purpose for marriage and sexuality!”

In ‘incorporating’ the first marriage in Genesis 1-2, God gave us the purpose of marriage and family. Every marriage starts a new family that is intended to help each other and any children they might have flourish and become responsible contributors to God’s world.

Jesus teaches on divorce - V. 7-9

In verse 7 they were referring to Deut. 21:1-4, where Moses instructed a man determined to divorce his wife to write out a certificate saying the divorce was not her fault. This was to protect her in those ancient times. This is one of the times in the Law of Israel God regulated what he didn’t condone (see Mal. 2:13-17) to protect those who were most vulnerable.

Jesus’ words in verse 9 mean that the two spouses were supposed to be together “as long as they both shall live.” To jump to another relationship without clear biblical grounds is to sin against your marriage vows.

In addition to adultery as grounds for divorce and presumably remarriage 1 Corinthians 7:15 allows divorce in cases where one spouse abandons their vows, and many pastors like me would include abuse under that.

Jesus’ disciples understand how serious marriage is - V. 10-12

In verse 11 Jesus makes clear he expects His disciples to apply God’s design in their lives – “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given” – Jesus’ disciples.

In verse 12 Jesus is using eunuch as a euphemism for being celibate, the Christians commitment to only have sex within their own marriage between one man and one woman.

In every age God’s plan for human sexuality has been mocked and ridiculed by those who reject it. But Christians know that obedience to God in this area will lead to greater fulfilment than giving in to sexual temptation. Some have learned that because of the consequences sin in this area has brought into their life and relationships.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor people who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. - 1 Cor. 6:9-11