Divorce and marriage1After teaching these things Jesus left Galilee and went to the region of Judea on the far side of the Jordan.2As usual, large crowds followed Him and He healed the sick among them.3Some Pharisees came to Him with another trick question. "Are there any circumstances in which under the law a man is allowed to divorce his wife?" they asked.4-5Jesus replied: "Surely you have read that in the beginning the Creator made both male and female and said: 'Because of this, a man is to leave his father and mother and become one with his wife; the two then become one flesh.'6This being the case, they are no longer two separate individuals. But by their union they have become one. Therefore because God has joined them together and made them one, no one should dare to separate them!"7The Pharisees then asked: "If this is the case, why did Moses legislate that a man could give his wife a certificate of divorce and separate from her?"8Jesus answered: "It was only because of the hardness of your hearts that Moses permitted you to divorce your wives. But from the beginning this was never God's intention.9And I tell you clearly that whoever divorces his wife, and then marries another woman, is guilty of adultery in God's eyes, unless the wife has been unfaithful sexually"10The disciples said to Jesus: "It would be better not to marry at all, if that bond between a husband and wife is so great."11To this Jesus replied: "Not everybody is prepared to accept this word of truth. It is for those to whom such grace is given.12Some are born eunuchs, others are castrated, but there are those who have renounced marriage so they can devote themselves to the work of the Kingdom of heaven. But that is for those who can accept such a sacrifice."Children13Some small children were brought to Jesus so that He could lay His hands on them and pray for them. The disciples rebuked those who bothered Jesus in this way.14But He told them: "Allow these little ones to come to Me. Don't hinder them. Remember, the Kingdom of heaven belongs to those who know they are God's little children."15Having prayed for them, Jesus then moved on.A wealthy man talks to Jesus16A man came to Him and asked: "Teacher, what good deed can I do to ensure I receive eternal life?"17Jesus replied: "Why do you question Me about doing good? God is the only One who is good. So if you want to enter into His life, obey His commandments."18-19"But which of them?" the man asked. Jesus answered: "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother and love your neighbour as you love yourself."20"I have kept all these commandments; what else do I still need to do?" the young man asked.21Jesus told him: "In your case, if you really want to be perfect, you need to go and sell all your possessions and give to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven and you can come and follow Me."22He went away sad when he heard this, for he was very wealthy.23Jesus then said to His disciples: "I tell you this truth, it is difficult for a wealthy person to enter into the Kingdom of heaven.24I tell you clearly that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter God's Kingdom."25The disciples were really amazed when they heard Jesus say this and asked Him: "Who can possibly be saved then?"26Jesus looked straight at them and said: "It is impossible for man to save anyone; but all things are possible for God!"27Then Peter said: "We have sacrificed everything to follow You! What will our reward be?"28Jesus told them: "I tell you the truth, that at the fulfilment of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me faithfully will also sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.29Everyone who has left behind homes, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or possessions on My behalf will receive a hundred times as much as he has sacrificed, and will also inherit eternal life.30Many who in this world seem to have everything will then have nothing, and many who appear to have nothing will have everything!"
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)