Read Matthew 19:1-12 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What two questions did the Pharisees ask Jesus (verses 3 and 7)? What did this reveal about their hearts?
2. How did Jesus point to God’s original design for marriage?
3. What did Jesus ultimately point to as the source of help in any relationship (verse 11)?
Reflect
The start of marriage was created by God, and Jesus spoke to the seriousness of it when he was questioned by religious leaders. His responses not only addressed their questions but reinforced the weight of marriage. Jesus’ teaching on reasons for divorce was later expanded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7, and it included unfaithfulness, abandonment, and abuse. Divorce shouldn’t be as easy as signing a document. It should be as hard as amputating a part of your body.
Anything that God is a part of carries a seriousness. Marriage is always marked with a public ceremony in which you make a vow, committing to another person. This isn’t a man-made construct. It isn’t high stakes dating. It’s divine. Only God can join us together in marriage, which is why there’s such weight to it.
No matter what season you’re in – married, dating, single for a season, or single for a lifetime – you’re called to build the Kingdom and you need God’s help to do it. Weigh the seriousness of marriage. Count the cost. And steward your life and relationships accordingly.
Respond
In your current relationship status, what small daily choices can you make to weigh the seriousness of marriage? Write down at least two practical things you can do today, and follow through on one of them.