How does Matthew 19:5 define the purpose of marriage in God's design? Setting the Scene Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ questions about divorce by reaching back to Genesis, anchoring marriage in God’s original intent rather than in later cultural concessions. Key Verse “‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’” (Matthew 19:5) Purpose Unveiled—One Flesh Union • Marriage exists to create a new, indivisible unity—one man, one woman, one flesh. • This unity is physical, emotional, spiritual, and covenantal. Leaving and Cleaving • “Leave” indicates a decisive shift of primary loyalty from parents to spouse. • “Be united” (literally “glued”) speaks of an unbreakable bond. • Genesis 2:24, quoted by Jesus, reveals this was God’s intention “from the beginning,” long before sin distorted relationships. Covenantal Permanence • Jesus concludes, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:6) • Marriage is God-joined, not human-devised; humans therefore lack authority to dissolve it at will. Reflecting God’s Image • Genesis 1:27 shows male and female together bearing God’s image. • The one-flesh union mirrors divine unity—distinct persons, perfect harmony. Companionship and Complementarity • Genesis 2:18: “It is not good for the man to be alone.” • Marriage provides a God-designed companion who complements and completes. Fruitfulness and Legacy • Genesis 1:28 links marriage with “Be fruitful and multiply.” • Malachi 2:15 highlights God’s pursuit of “godly offspring” through marital faithfulness. Christ and His Church: Foreshadowed • Ephesians 5:31-32 quotes Matthew 19:5, then calls the mystery “profound” concerning Christ and the church. • Earthly marriage points to the redemptive, unbreakable union between the Savior and His people. Living It Out Today • Guard the exclusivity of the marital bond—emotionally, sexually, spiritually. • Honor permanence by rejecting casual divorce and cultivating reconciliation. • Celebrate complementarity, valuing each spouse’s distinct gifts. • Embrace fruitfulness—physical, spiritual, or both—investing in the next generation. • Model Christ-like love and submission, preaching the gospel through the marriage itself. |
    |