Jesus taught and acted in ways that showed he deeply respected the institution of marriage during his time on earth. Christ was on a mission to reveal God’s heart in various aspects of human life, one of which was the sacred institution of marriage. His profound understanding and respect for this sacred union are evident in various instances throughout the Gospels.
In this article, we will explore how Jesus, through his actions and words, honored and elevated the concept of marriage.
The following are five key ways in which Christ honored marriage:
He Honored Marriage by Performing His First Miracle at a Wedding
One significant demonstration of Jesus’ high regard for marriage is found in his first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1–11). By choosing a wedding celebration as the backdrop for his inaugural miracle, Jesus implicitly communicated the importance of marriage.
By choosing this occasion to perform his first miracle, Jesus sets the tone, showing that marriage deserves not only societal recognition but also divine favor and blessings. It signifies that marriage is a reason to rejoice, a reflection of God’s goodness in bringing two people together.
The implications are clear: Jesus values and blesses the covenant of marriage, setting a precedent for believers to celebrate this sacred bond.
He Honored Marriage By Emphasizing Its Divine Origin
When questioned about the permissibility of divorce, Jesus didn’t shy away from affirming the sacred foundation of marriage. He reminded the Pharisees that “from the beginning” God “made them male and female” and declared, “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 19:4-5). This reference to Genesis affirms that marriage was not a human invention but an integral part of God’s original design for humanity.
By emphasizing its divine origin, Jesus elevates marriage to a sacred status, reminding us that marriage is an integral part of God’s divine plan for humanity, deserving the utmost respect and fidelity.
He Honored Marriage by Declaring Its Permanence
Further solidifying his stance, Jesus declared, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Matthew 19:6). This powerful statement rejects the notion of casual divorce and underscores the intended permanence of marriage.
The implications are significant, as Jesus establishes a standard that urges believers to approach marriage with a commitment to its enduring nature, fostering stability and resilience within the marital relationship. Jesus recognized the challenges couples face, yet he held up the ideal of a lifelong commitment, a testament to the enduring nature of love and the sacred vow shared before God.
This principle, while often debated and interpreted differently within various Christian denominations, underscores the importance of commitment, forgiveness, and striving to overcome challenges within the marital covenant.
He Honored Marriage by Using It As a Metaphor for the Kingdom
Jesus didn’t confine his teachings on marriage to mere pronouncements. He used powerful parables to illustrate its deeper significance. In Matthew 22:1–13, Jesus employed the metaphor of a marriage feast to teach about the kingdom of heaven. The parable of the wedding feast portrays the Kingdom of Heaven as a banquet, an invitation extended to all, regardless of their past or social standing.
This parable not only underscores the importance of marital union but also symbolizes the ultimate union between Christ and his followers. In using marriage as a metaphor for the kingdom, Jesus elevated the significance of the covenant, emphasizing its spiritual and eternal dimensions.
The implications are far-reaching, inviting believers to recognize the profound connection between earthly marriages and their ultimate fulfillment in the heavenly union with Christ.
He Honored Marriage by Welcoming Children and Embracing Family Values
Jesus’ warmth towards children, as seen in Mark 10:13–16, extends to the family unit as a whole. He welcomes children, blesses them, and emphasizes the importance of childlike faith. This gesture signifies the value Jesus placed on families within the context of marriage.
In blessing the children, Jesus indirectly blessed the families they belonged to, recognizing the integral role marriage plays in raising future generations. It highlights the importance of nurturing and cherishing the family, a cornerstone of a healthy and fulfilling society.
The implications extend to the understanding that marriage is a foundation for building a nurturing and faith-filled environment for the next generation.
Taken Together
The above study shows that Jesus’ attitude toward marriage during his earthly ministry was characterized by a deep reverence for the sacred covenant. The core message repeated in each point above is that marriage is a gift, a divine covenant to be treasured, nurtured, and protected.
In conclusion, Jesus’ approach to marriage transcends mere cultural norms or legal contracts. He elevates it to a divinely ordained institution, a reflection of God’s love, and a symbol of the enduring covenant between him and humanity. Through his miracles, teachings, and interactions, Jesus honored marriage, offering a timeless message of commitment, love, and the enduring potential for joy and growth within this sacred union.
About the Author
Pastor Martin Kiogora is a certified marriage counselor who has ten years of experience counseling couples in Kenyan churches and communities. He has a background in Christian Theology and Counseling and is passionate about helping couples navigate the challenges and joys of marriage.
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