What Jesus Says About Marriage

Matthew 5:31-32

Summary
In Matthew 5:31–32, Jesus addresses the topic of marriage and divorce. Rather than simply giving us a list of acceptable reasons for divorce, Jesus calls us to see marriage as God intended: not merely a contract for personal happiness, but a sacred covenant worth fighting for. While Scripture recognizes that there are circumstances in which divorce is permissible, Jesus challenges us to pursue our marriages with humility, perseverance, and sacrificial love. And for those who have experienced the pain of divorce, we are reminded that God's grace is greater than our failures.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus addresses the subject of marriage and divorce in the Sermon on the Mount? What does this teach us about the importance of marriage to God?
2. Jesus speaks with extraordinary authority when he says, “But I say to you.” Why does Jesus have the authority to define what marriage is and how we should approach it?
3. What is the difference between viewing marriage as a contract and viewing it as a covenant? How might these two perspectives shape the way someone approaches difficulties in marriage?
4. Our culture often presents marriage primarily as a means of personal happiness and fulfillment. What is missing from this understanding of marriage?
5. Why is it dangerous to enter marriage with the expectation that it should be easy? How can a biblical understanding of marriage help us navigate seasons of difficulty?
6. One of the challenges in fighting for our marriages is making sure we are telling ourselves the right story. What are some false narratives we might believe about our spouse or our marriage? How can we replace these with truth?
7. How can God use the challenges and disappointments of marriage to make us more like Christ? What might spiritual growth through marriage look like in everyday life?
8. What does it look like to continue pursuing your spouse in love, especially when the feelings of affection or romance are not as strong as they once were?
9. Why is it important to deal honestly and humbly with problems in marriage rather than ignoring them or allowing resentment to grow?
10. How can Christian community help strengthen marriages? What role should the church play in encouraging struggling couples and supporting those who have experienced divorce?
11. Jesus recognizes that there are circumstances in which divorce is permissible, even as he calls us to fight for our marriages. How can we uphold God's design for marriage while showing compassion and grace to those who have experienced divorce?
12. What is one practical step you can take this week to honor God's design for marriage? For those who are married, how can you more intentionally love and serve your spouse? For those who are not married, how can you encourage and strengthen the marriages of others?