Matthew 19:10
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry. Matthew 19:10
“They say to Him, His disciples, ‘If it is this, the case of the man with the wife, it conduces not to marry.’” (CG)
In the previous verse, Jesus pronounced His authoritative decree concerning divorce. So strong were His words taken in a society that openly tolerated it, we next read, “They say to Him, His disciples.”
In verse 3, it was the Pharisees who brought up the matter of divorce. Jesus made His statement, and it is not they, but Jesus’ disciples who respond. The Pharisees could agree or disagree with Jesus because they saw His words as an interpretation.
In Mark’s account, this response by the disciples is recorded as being later, in the house. Despite this, it is evident that they see Jesus’ words for what they are, a fixed and authoritative proclamation. As such, they say, “If it is this, the case of the man with the wife, it conduces not to marry.”
The disciples seem incredulous at the matter. What a burden it must have seemed! A man and a woman vowed before God to be faithful to one another in whatever wording a culture chose for such rites.
For example, it is generally stated in the US that the couple will stick it out through health and sickness, poverty or wealth, good times and bad times, etc. Other cultures may have their own choice of words to unite a couple, but it is generally accepted by normal functioning societies that the bond is expected to last... at least on paper.
The disciples’ response, however, shows that they understood this wasn’t always the case, maybe not even normally the case. Jesus’ response to their incredulity will be a stern warning to those who flippantly excuse divorce as an acceptable avenue in a “failed” marriage. To God, a marriage that follows His rules, despite the happiness of the union, is a successful marriage.
Life application: No wonder the Christian message is dying out around the world. When people realize God expects them to act morally in societies where morals are pretty much laughed at, it means the Bible, too, will be laughed at.
From there, society sees the mocking attitude of those who go from one marriage to another and, in turn, follow suit. What was once considered wholly unacceptable and a reason for being shunned in society suddenly becomes the standard.
And yet, the vows of marriage remain pretty much unchanged. “I promise these things before God...” When the marriage ends, there is no concern about the vows that were made. There is no dread of being held accountable for their actions.
This is true in churches as well as in society in general. Pastors have extramarital relationships, get divorced and remarried, and people continue to go to the churches they preach at. This means that what the Bible says has no value to them. If it did, they would not tolerate such things.
How willing are you to uphold the words of Scripture, even if you are miserable? Our happiness is not the main focus of Scripture. Rather, glorifying God with our lives is more important than what we want from moment to moment in our fleeting existence.
Let us attempt to honor God, being responsible for the words we utter in vows to those we have united with in marriage.
Lord God, may we be faithful concerning the words we speak and the vows we make. Help us to be people who are willing to put You above all else, knowing that these lives are temporary and will someday be behind us. We have an eternity in Your presence to look forward to. So, Lord, help us to have this eternal perspective even now. Amen.
