MARRIAGE IN HEAVEN
“For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”
Matthew 22:30 (NASB)
For the full context of Matthew 22:30, read verses 22:23-33. The Sadducees tried to trap Jesus with a theological puzzle of how marriage would work in the afterlife to prove their belief that an afterlife didn’t exist. Like all other traps people tried to spring on Jesus, this one didn’t work either. Jesus used Scripture to disprove the Sadducees while also giving us insight into the marriage relationship in eternity.
For married couples, the revelation in this verse that in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage can be saddening. A healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime is indeed a beautiful thing. The thought of experiencing such intimacy in this life only to lose it for eternity can be puzzling. If marriage is a gift from God and He brought together Adam and Eve, how can taking it away in heaven be a good thing?
Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees forces us to consider the ultimate purpose of marriage. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul links the marriage relationship to Christ’s relationship with the church. Everything exists by God and for God: even marriage. All the powerful, loving and sacrificial acts in marriage pale in comparison to what Jesus did for us, and as we love God and obey Him, each facet of our lives draws us into a greater understanding of His divine plan and a greater intimacy with Him.
Heaven won’t take away any of our joy, but will only add to and perfect it. Even if marriage doesn’t exist in heaven, the intimacy we long for will be experienced more fully. We don’t have the exact specifics on how this will work, but, as with all our questions, we have to trust that God knows what He’s doing.
APPLICATION: If you’re married, take time to pray for greater intimacy with your spouse, on your own and with your spouse. Thank God that the intimacy you experience now will be even greater on the other side of eternity. If you aren’t married, ask God for His intimacy now and pray for your future relationship if that’s what you want. If you are intentionally staying celibate, thank God for the intimacy you can have with Him now and ask Him for a double portion of it in this moment.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. You put it on earth to give us a greater understanding of who You are and how You love us. Help us to love better and to keep our eyes on the true intention: greater intimacy with You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?