Jesus' Teaching on Divorce

101 And he got up, and went into the country of Judaea on the other side of Jordan: and great numbers of people came together to him again; and, as was his way, he gave them teaching. 2 And Pharisees came to him, testing him with the question, Is it right for a man to put away his wife? 3 And he said to them in answer, What did Moses say you were to do? 4 And they said to him, Moses let us give her a statement in writing, and be free from her. 5 But Jesus said to them, Because of your hard hearts he gave you this law. 6 But from the first, male and female made he them. 7 For this cause will a man go away from his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; 8 And the two will become one flesh; so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Let not that which has been joined together by God be parted by man. 10 And in the house the disciples put questions to him again about this thing. 11 And he said to them, Whoever puts away his wife and takes another, is false to his wife; 12 And if she herself puts away her husband and takes another, she is false to her husband.

Jesus Blesses Little Children

13 And they took to him little children, so that he might put his hands on them: and the disciples said sharp words to them. 14 And when Jesus saw it, he was angry, and said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not keep them away; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Truly I say to you, Whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all. 16 And he took them in his arms, and gave them a blessing, putting his hands on them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 10:1-16

Commentary on Mark 10:1-12

(Read Mark 10:1-12)

Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant practice. He here shows that the reason why Moses' law allowed divorce, was such that they ought not to use the permission; it was only for the hardness of their hearts. God himself joined man and wife together; he has fitted them to be comforts and helps for each other. The bond which God has tied, is not to be lightly untied. Let those who are for putting away their wives consider what would become of themselves, if God should deal with them in like manner.

Commentary on Mark 10:13-16

(Read Mark 10:13-16)

Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ, that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their parents, nurses, and teachers.