Last week I was made more aware of the proposed or accepted position that Jesus was married.  This occurred by way of TV ads, personal conversations and phone calls I had received.  As I reflected on this, it made me acknowledge the confusion that reigns in the realms of religious denominations and how secular viewpoints can sometimes affect church beliefs.  My observations would indicate that if we truly ‘know’ Jesus and understand Him we can come to a confident position on this question.

Scripture teaches many things about marriage by a number of God’s representatives.  The writer of Proverbs says that a man who finds a wife finds a good thing and favor with God.  This could very well coincide with the position Paul relates to in 1 Corinthians 7 each should have a spouse because of the immorality in the world.  God calls immorality sin, so one with a spouse is less likely to be tempted by it, thus finding favor with God by not sinning.  Paul clearly says that those marrying are not sinning (cf. 1 Cor 7:28) but he also indicates in this same chapter, verses 32-35, that those who are married find themselves with “divided interests.”  The unmarried are concerned about the things of the Lord while the married are concerned with things of the world and how they may please their spouse.  Paul does not attempt to put restraints on us, only to “secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.”

The demands of a marriage make it highly unlikely that Jesus was ever married to any woman.  As we study the Gospels and we observe Jesus in action we clearly see One who is focused, committed, and undeterred from His mission of seeking and saving those who are lost.  Having said these things I would be remiss in not covering that Jesus is “betrothed” or promised in marriage!  He will be married! He is the self-proclaimed groom and the church He died for will be His “Bride”!  Revelation 19:7-9 tells us of the wedding day in the future for each of God’s little children who has found their way into His flock.  What a glorious promise!  What a glorious hope!  Is it yours?

Copyright © 2003, Nolan P. Rutter