[Jesus speaking]
Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Jesus confirmed this passage in Genesis, speaking of the design of God. The God of the universe created us to be married to one wife. This unity is designed with clear intent from the creator. Jesus speaks here of a man (husband) and a wife coming together in intimacy sexually, financially, relationally, and from a commitment to live together and share dreams and goals in life. It is the requirement to follow the creator’s design.

Why is it that marriage is between a husband and a wife and that we are not to casually divorce?

Here are a few reasons I can think of, (though I am sure God has more): 1) He made Eve to be a helpmate to Adam, making her from his rib, 2) He made marriage a sacred convent between one man and one woman. Covenants are a higher level than a promise, they are made for life, 3) When a man and a woman marry, many challenges present themselves. At times our spouses can be harder to love. (I know I have been so for my wife). Sexual intimacy in a monogamous relationship is one of the things that connects us together. And the covenant of marriage keeps us together. 4) Children grow up with more confidence and encouragement, in general, when their parents are married. Many children from divorced families will blame themselves for the breakup. Discipline in the home, faithfulness modeled, and unconditional, sacrificial love displayed are great seeds to plant.

Jesus says it here:
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Marriage is not merely about “getting our needs met.” It is about honoring God in our covenant, and serving him faithfully. There are always exceptions to the rule: for example, adultery and physical abuse. But I have even seen many marriages recover from these if the offending spouse repents. The point is to honor God first in marriage as the Creator. Then honor our spouse, as well.

Lord, thank you for this passage. Thank you for loving us so deeply. And thank you for creating marriage to be between a husband and a wife. Help me to be a husband who loves my wife well. May I double my efforts to serve and lead our house.