Marriage & Divorce, Part 2: The Nature of Marriage | Mark 10:1–12

Last time, we saw that the Pharisees were “testing” Jesus (v. 2), asking Him a question to cause Him problems.  Jesus brought them back to Scripture, demonstrating God’s consistent teaching on the matter.  In doing so, Jesus affirms God’s Word on marriage.  As such, we can learn a good deal about marriage here, though none of it is popular today.

Jesus affirms God’s definition of marriage.   Adam and Eve were created “male and female,” a biological reality that logic demands.  He speaks of “the two” (v. 8), for marriage doesn’t consist of more than two parties.   He also said that those two “shall become one flesh,” affirming the blessing of sexual copulation in marriage while also emphasizing the necessity for a “male” and “female” compatibility.  The competing definitions of marriage, whether they be same-sex, polyamorous, etc., have no place in Jesus’s teachings.

Jesus affirms the inviolability of marriage.  The definition of marriage breaks down if we don’t understand this point.  If two people are married, then they should remain as they are, and not seek to be released (1 Cor 7:26–27).  Specifically, Jesus places the onus on the man to keep his marriage vows and not seek divorce (v. 9).

Jesus affirms God’s sovereignty over marriage.  God’s will for marriage should be fulfilled.  That will isn’t confusing; no husband should be deceived into thinking he “missed God’s will” by marrying one person when God had another down the road.  Rather, we should bow our knee to the God Who proclaims His hatred of divorce (cf. Mal 2:16).


Mark gives us the primary principle.  In Matthew 5:32/19:9 and 1 Corinthians 7:12–16, we read of exceptions—infidelity and abandonment do provide a release for spouses in impossible situations.  Even so, as much as possible, your goal should be to save the current marriage—‘till death do you part (cf. Rm 7:1–3).

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