Mark 10:1-12 The Depth of Marriage: A Reflection of Christ and His Church

The Depth of Marriage: A Reflection of Christ and His Church

Mark 10:1-12

Introduction

Have you ever stood beside a calm pool, looking at the bottom, only to be fooled by the reflection? It might seem shallow, but in reality, it could be much deeper than it appears. If someone assumes it is only a few feet deep and jumps in without knowing how to swim, the result could be disastrous.

This passage presents a similar problem. The Pharisees approached Jesus with a question about divorce, but they failed to grasp the depth of what they were discussing. They were relying on the law, not realizing that its full weight would only bring condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:6). Jesus, however, revealed the true purpose of marriage—one that points far beyond human relationships to the eternal commitment between Christ and His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:31–32).

Background & Context

As Jesus traveled beyond the Jordan, large crowds gathered, and as was His custom, He began teaching them. His teaching was more than just moral instruction—it was the proclamation that the kingdom of God had arrived. He was introducing a shift from reliance on the law to life through the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:4–6; Joel 2:28).

Jesus’ ministry was one of life, forgiveness, grace, and adoption. His perfect obedience fulfilled the law, His sinless life made Him an acceptable sacrifice, and His death and resurrection opened the way for salvation through faith and repentance (Romans 3:21–26).

The Pharisees’ Trap: Justifying Themselves Through the Law

The Pharisees came with a question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” But their intent was not sincere. They were trying to trap Jesus (Mark 12:13–14).

Jesus turned the question back on them, asking what Moses had commanded. They responded that Moses allowed divorce. Jesus then explained that this was permitted because of the hardness of their hearts. The law’s provision for divorce was not an endorsement—it was a concession due to human sinfulness (2 Corinthians 3:7–11; Genesis 6:1–3).

Jesus made a statement that brought confusion. The law allowed divorce for specific reasons. But Jesus said if one divorced and remarried, by the letter of the law they were still in adultery (Mark 10:11–12). He points beyond the law to original creation (Genesis 2:24). The law was a lesser ideal—one that assumed sin would be present. But God’s original design was a world with no sin, and no divorce. Divorce is a byproduct of man’s evil heart; it was accounted for because of our failure, not design.

God’s Design for Marriage

Jesus then pointed the Pharisees back to the beginning:

“From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:6–9; Genesis 2:18–24)

This was a direct reference to God’s original design. Marriage was established as a permanent, covenantal union—one flesh, never to be separated.

Divorce was never part of God’s perfect plan. It exists because of human sin (Malachi 2:16). History shows how easily people distort marriage for selfish reasons. For example, King Henry VIII repeatedly dissolved marriages for personal gain. But Scripture paints a different picture of marriage—one that is meant to reflect something far greater.

Marriage as a Picture of Christ and the Church

Paul reveals in Ephesians 5:31–32 that marriage is a profound mystery pointing to Christ and His Church. Just as a husband and wife become one, Christ is forever joined to His people (Revelation 19:6–8; Revelation 21:2).

Marriage today is commonly viewed as the union of two people “in love,” or two people compatible enough to build a life together. But the purpose of marriage is deeper—it is a living testimony of Christ’s love for His Bride. When we enter marriage, are we seeing it this way? Do we realize we are called to reflect to the world the love and commitment Jesus has for those who are His own?

Would pastors hastily preside over a wedding if they believed they were affirming this man as a faithful example of Christ and this woman as a faithful example of the Church (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 2:3–5)? Would we enter marriage with such ease if we understood that it’s a visible gospel to the world?

The Disciples’ Question and Jesus’ Clarification

Later, when Jesus was alone with His disciples, they asked about this teaching again. Jesus made it clear:

“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11–12)

This teaching was difficult, but it reinforced that marriage is not simply a human contract—it is a divine covenant. Jesus’ words may have offered equity between men and women (in contrast to common views in that culture), but more importantly, He elevated the sanctity and permanence of marriage as God intended.

Conclusion

Marriage is not merely about compatibility, romance, or personal fulfillment. In modern culture, marriage is often reduced to a checklist—shared interests, physical attraction, and mutual willingness to commit. It is seen as the reward of “falling in love” or the formalization of a long-term relationship. But that vision falls far short of what Scripture teaches (Romans 12:2).

Jesus pointed us back to God’s original design, where marriage serves a higher purpose: it is a living parable of Christ’s love for His Church (Ephesians 5:25–32). Just as Christ sacrificially gave Himself for His Bride and remains faithful to her, marriage is meant to reflect that holy covenant to the world (Revelation 21:2).

When we understand this, it transforms how we view everything about marriage—from who we marry, to how we love, lead, forgive, and serve within it (Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

When we enter into marriage, are we seeing it as a divine calling to reflect the love, sacrifice, and faithfulness of Christ? Would pastors approach wedding ceremonies differently if they truly believed they were affirming a man as a living example of Christ and a woman as a living example of the Church (Philippians 2:14–16)?

So what should we take away?

  • We should be careful and reverent in encouraging, entering, and presiding over marriages (Hebrews 13:4).
  • We must remember that marriage is not built on feeling, but on covenant faithfulness and Christ-centered love (Malachi 2:14–16).
  • And we should celebrate marriage as a reflection of the gospel itself—Christ, who loved us and gave Himself up for us, and His Bride, who clings to Him in trust and joyful submission (Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:2).

Marriage is not about man’s convenience. It’s about God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Scripture References

  1. 2 Corinthians 3:4–6 – The new covenant is based on the Spirit, not the written law, which only brings death.
  2. Joel 2:28 – A prophecy of God pouring out His Spirit, signifying the coming of the new covenant.
  3. Mark 12:13–14 – Another instance where the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with legalistic questions.
  4. 2 Corinthians 3:7–11 – The law brought condemnation, but the ministry of the Spirit brings true righteousness.
  5. Genesis 6:1–3 – Human corruption led to divine judgment, showing the deep sinfulness of man.
  6. Genesis 2:18–24 – God created marriage as a union between man and woman, designed for companionship and unity.
  7. Ephesians 5:31–32 – Paul reveals that marriage is a symbol of Christ’s relationship with the Church.
  8. Revelation 19:6–8 – The marriage of the Lamb, where the Church is presented as Christ’s bride.
  9. Revelation 21:1–4 – The new Jerusalem, prepared as a bride for Christ, showing the eternal union of God with His people.
  10. Revelation 21:9 – The Church is described as the Bride, the wife of the Lamb, signifying eternal unity with Christ.
  11. 1 Timothy 3:1–7 – Qualifications for overseers, who must be faithful in marriage.
  12. Titus 2:3–5 – Older women are to teach younger women how to love their husbands and families.
  13. Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to this world but be transformed by renewing your mind.
  14. Colossians 3:18–19 – Instructions for Christian households, emphasizing mutual responsibility in marriage.
  15. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 – The character of love as patient, kind, and enduring.
  16. Philippians 2:14–16 – Shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.
  17. Hebrews 13:4 – Let marriage be held in honor among all.
  18. Malachi 2:14–16 – God speaks against divorce and calls marriage a covenant.
  19. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

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