How can we apply Jesus' response in Matthew 19:3 to modern marriage challenges? Setting the scene in Matthew 19:3 “Some Pharisees came to test Him. ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?’ they asked.” Jesus answers by returning to God’s original design “Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.’” • Marriage is created, not constructed—rooted in Genesis 1:27; 2:24. • Male and female distinction is affirmed as purposeful. • One-flesh union is covenantal, intended for permanence. • Human permission (“Is it lawful…”) yields to divine joining (“God has joined…”). Modern challenges, timeless answers • No-fault divorce culture ⟶ Remember God’s joining and pursue reconciliation first. • Redefinition of marriage ⟶ Hold to male-female complementarity as Jesus did. • Consumer mindset (“What do I get?”) ⟶ Embrace covenant faithfulness over convenience (Malachi 2:14-16). • Cohabitation and serial relationships ⟶ Honor marriage as set apart (Hebrews 13:4). • Emotional drift and technology distractions ⟶ Protect one-flesh intimacy through deliberate time, conversation, and prayer together. Practical commitments for couples today • Guard the heart against hardness by daily repentance and quick forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). • Love sacrificially and respect mutually (Ephesians 5:25-33). • Invite wise accountability—pastors, mentors, trusted friends. • Seek biblical counsel early, not only in crisis (Proverbs 15:22). • Celebrate the covenant: anniversaries, renewal of vows, shared worship. • Teach children the biblical story of marriage so the next generation inherits clarity, not confusion (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Guarding against hardness of heart Jesus later explains divorce allowances were “because of your hardness of heart” (Matthew 19:8). Hardness grows when: • Sin is hidden instead of confessed (1 John 1:9). • Communication collapses into silence or sarcasm. • Cultural narratives replace Scripture as the authority. Countermeasures include open confession, regular Scripture reading together, and active participation in a Gospel-centered church community. Blessings that follow covenant faithfulness • Deeper companionship—“no longer two, but one flesh.” • A living picture of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32). • Stability and security for children (Psalm 127:3-5). • A witness to a watching world that God’s design is good (Matthew 5:14-16). Living it out Jesus’ response in Matthew 19 redirects every marriage question back to the Creator’s intent. By embracing His definition, resisting cultural drift, and practicing covenant love, couples meet modern challenges with timeless truth and grace. |
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