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Matthew 19:10 (BSB)
His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”” — Matthew 19:10
In this moment, the disciples are grappling with a tough conversation about marriage and divorce. They're feeling a mix of surprise and concern, thinking that if being married is so complicated, maybe it’s better to just stay single! You can almost feel their anxiety as they throw their hands up, questioning whether it's worth it at all. Imagine being in their shoes, realizing that love and commitment come with hard choices. This verse shows their raw emotional reaction, highlighting the seriousness of relationships and the weight of their decisions.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' followers who was also a tax collector. You can picture him as someone who had a unique perspective on life—used to dealing with tough situations and people's judgments. He included this detail to show us how even those closest to Jesus had questions and doubts. Matthew wanted to portray the real struggles of following Jesus, making it relatable for anyone reading. He understood that navigating relationships can be tough, and he wanted us to feel that too.
This was written in a time when society had very different views on marriage and relationships. People had strict rules, and divorce was often common. Imagine a world where your worth was often tied to your relationships, and breaking them could lead to serious consequences. This setting highlights the weight of the disciples' words; they were trying to navigate a system that didn’t always support love and commitment in the way Jesus was teaching about. This cultural backdrop helps us see the radical nature of His message.
This verse matters today because it speaks to the heart of what many people still wrestle with: the complexities of love and commitment. You might find yourself asking similar questions about relationships: Is it worth the risk? What if it gets too hard? This verse invites you to reflect on the significance of your choices and the value of commitment in a world that often makes it seem easier to walk away. It’s a reminder that love is not just about the good times, but also about navigating the tough moments together.
To live out this verse, take a moment to reflect on your own relationships. Are there commitments you’ve made that you need to revisit? This week, consider having an honest conversation with someone you care about. It might be a friend, family member, or partner. Discuss your thoughts on commitment and what it means to you. Show them you’re willing to work through challenges together. This could strengthen your bond and help you both grow!
Leading up to this moment, Jesus has just shared some pretty heavy teachings about marriage, specifically about how it’s meant to be a lifelong commitment. The disciples, likely shocked by how serious He is, respond with this line. It’s like you can hear the tension in the air as they realize that love isn't just a feeling but a commitment that comes with responsibilities. After this exchange, Jesus continues to explain the beauty of being single and how some choose that path for the Kingdom. This verse is a pivotal moment that captures their struggle to understand the depth of what Jesus is asking of them.
What does this verse make you think about your own views on commitment and relationships? Do you see it as a burden or a beautiful challenge?
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