Matthew 19:1-12

After Jesus finished teaching them, he left Galilee and made his way toward the district of Judea, east of the Jordan River. Massive crowds followed him and he healed all who were sick. The Pharisees were intent on putting Jesus to the test with difficult questions, so they approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” “Haven’t you read the Scriptures about creation?” Jesus replied. “The Creator made us male and female from the very beginning, and ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and live with his wife. And the two will become one flesh.’ From then on, they are no longer two, but united as one. So what God unites let no one divide!” They responded, “So then why did Moses command us to give a certificate of divorce and it would be lawful?” Jesus said, “Moses permitted you to divorce because your hearts are so hard and stubborn, but originally there was no such thing. But I say to you, whoever leaves his wife for any reason other than immorality, then takes another wife is living in adultery. And whoever takes a divorced woman in marriage is also living in adultery.” His disciples spoke up and said, “If this is the standard, then it seems better to never get married.” “Not everyone is meant to remain single—only those whom God gives grace to be unmarried. For some are born to celibacy; others have been made eunuchs by others. And there are some who have chosen to live in celibacy for the sacred purpose of heaven’s kingdom realm. Let those who can, accept this truth for themselves.”