Matthew 19:6
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Context:To better understand the significance of Matthew 19:6, let’s first examine the context of the passage. In Matthew 19:1-9, Jesus is in the region of Judea and large crowds are following Him. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, approach Jesus with a question concerning divorce.
God’s Design for Marriage:In Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus references the creation account in Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, saying, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’” Jesus emphasizes the union of a man and a woman in marriage, where they become “one flesh” through their commitment and intimacy.
The Permanence of Marriage:In Matthew 19:6, Jesus declares, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” This verse emphasizes the permanence of the marital bond and highlights the divine origin of marriage. It signifies that when God joins a man and a woman in marriage, they become a unified entity that should not be separated by human actions.
Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce:Following Matthew 19:6, Jesus provides further insight into divorce in verses 7-9. He explains that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people’s hearts, but it was not God’s original intention. Jesus establishes a higher standard for marriage, stating that whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery unless the cause of divorce is sexual immorality.
Application and Lessons:a) God’s design for marriage: Matthew 19:6 reminds us that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, meant to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.
b) The seriousness of divorce: Jesus’ teaching indicates that divorce should not be taken lightly and should only be considered in cases of marital unfaithfulness.
c) Restoration and forgiveness: While divorce is a painful reality, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the possibility of restoration in broken relationships.
In summary, Matthew 19:6 underscores the sacredness and permanence of marriage, emphasizing that when God joins a man and a woman together, they become one flesh, and humans should not separate what God has joined. It teaches us about God’s design for marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships.
