What is the meaning of Matthew 19:10? His disciples said to Him Jesus had just finished His uncompromising teaching on divorce (Matthew 19:3-9). The disciples respond directly to Him, showing that they take His words seriously and literally. • They have walked with Christ long enough to know He speaks with divine authority (Matthew 7:28-29). • Their immediate conversation with Jesus mirrors other moments when they sought clarification—Mark 10:10, “When they were indoors again, the disciples asked Him about this matter”. • Their reaction proves that Scripture’s standard for marriage is not man-made but revealed by the Lord Himself (John 14:21). If this is the case The “case” refers to Jesus’ statement: “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). • The Lord limits legitimate divorce to a single ground, underscoring God’s hatred of casual separation (Malachi 2:16). • His words echo God’s original intent—one flesh for life (Genesis 2:24). • Mark 10:11-12 restates the standard without exemptions, highlighting the seriousness of covenant-breaking. between a man and his wife Marriage is defined by God, not culture. • Genesis 1:27-28 establishes male and female as complementary image-bearers called to fruitful union. • Ephesians 5:31 quotes Genesis, then ties marriage to Christ and the church, elevating its sacredness. • Proverbs 18:22 reminds, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD”. it is better The disciples measure the weight of lifelong fidelity and conclude that, given such high stakes, remaining unmarried might be preferable. • Their reaction reflects the human tendency to weigh commitment against perceived hardship (Luke 14:28-30). • Scripture never portrays marriage as easy; rather, it insists it be entered with full understanding of its permanence (1 Corinthians 7:28). • Yet God declares marriage “very good” (Genesis 1:31 when combined with 2:24) and a channel of blessing (Psalm 128:3-4). not to marry Jesus will soon explain that celibacy is a gift, not a command (Matthew 19:11-12). • Paul echoes this: “I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God” (1 Corinthians 7:7). • Singleness allows undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35), yet marriage remains honorable (Hebrews 13:4). • The choice to remain single must be guided by calling, not fear of commitment. summary The disciples’ startled response underscores the gravity of Jesus’ teaching: marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, dissolved only by sexual immorality. Recognizing the weight of that commitment, they momentarily wonder if singleness is safer. Jesus will soon clarify that both marriage and celibacy are good gifts, each to be embraced according to God’s calling. This verse challenges believers to approach marriage with reverence, counting the cost yet trusting God’s design as perfect and trustworthy. |
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