THE disciples reaction to Christ's teaching on marriage was one of shock and dismay. In the climate of their time, where marriage discipline had become very lax, the disciples saw great difficulty in anyone being able to begin to approach the teaching which Jesus had given. Their response was to say that it was better not to marry at all.

When we face the teaching of Jesus on marriage there is no doubt that the possibility of keeping this ideal is very hard, and the likelihood of failing very real, and if we are serious about keeping the ideal, it may be thought better not to risk failure, and so avoid marriage altogether.

The reply Jesus gives to the disciples dilemma is rather enigmatic, but one thing is certain Jesus is not commending an approach which the disciples have suggested. If God has given marriage to be the ideal, where human life can find completeness, then whatever the difficulties it is not the way forward to renounce marriage altogether.

This has been the mistake which those seeking holiness and purity have been encouraged to take by certain religious teaching. I believe this is what Jesus is referring to in verse 12. Certain areas in the visible church have branded marriage as a lower state of life than celibacy. Celibacy has been promoted by Catholic theology as a holier state. Marriage has been renounced for the kingdom of God's sake. In this teaching celibacy is felt to put a person on a higher plain than that of marriage, and so celibacy of the priesthood, and the monastic life, has grown up as a way to greater holiness, and by this means marriage is given up in order to gain greater reward before God.

There is no doubt that such teaching is contrary to the whole tenure of Scripture, and a contradiction of the teaching of Jesus concerning marriage. Any idea that we gain merit before God in this way is repugnant to the Gospel which teaches that our standing before God is through the merit of Christ and not through human and personal merit.

However celibacy or abstinence from marriage is sometimes accepted for the kingdom of God's sake. In this case it is the call of God to service in some way that makes marriage impossible, and a hindrance to the proper carrying out of God's call. However this is an exception, not a rule.

In verse 12 Jesus also points out that the renouncing of marriage is thrust upon people sometimes by circumstances. Some people have been born with an aversion to marriage, and this surely is an expression of the disorder Satan has brought into the world through the fall of Adam. Others because of the action of men have been made eunuchs, or even perhaps by upbringing or abuse have been so damaged that any thought of marriage is impossible.

But having said this Jesus plainly is saying that these are contrary to the norm, and the norm is the ideal in marriage Jesus has presented.

Verse 11 is the key verse here. It is a fact that the ideal in marriage Jesus sets forth produces violent opposition from the world. If such teaching is presented from the pulpit, the preacher will find strong opposition against it. Natural fallen humanity will not accept such restrictions in marriage, and will oppose any attempt to impose this. However this does not mean that the ideal should not be promoted, and Jesus says it can be accepted by those to whom such acceptance is given.

The fact is that it is only in Christ and new life in him that God's creative purpose in marriage can be accepted, and it is only by the new creation in the believer that the ideal is seen in its beauty, and a disposition given that longs for that ideal. It is by this new principle within the believer that a true Christian goes forward.