Matthew 19:9-10

Illustration of Matthew 19:7-9 NLT -- The Pharisees asked, "So why did Moses give a command allowing a man to divorce his wife by writing a certificate of divorce?" Jesus answered, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you refused to accept God's teaching. But divorce was not allowed in the beginning. I tell you that any person that divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of the sin of adultery. The only reason for a person to divorce and marry again is if his first wife had sexual relations with another man."

Illustration of Matthew 19:10-12 NLT -- The followers said to Jesus, "If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, then it is better not to marry." Jesus answered, "Not every person can accept this truth {about marriage}. But God has made some people able to accept it. There are different reasons why some men cannot marry. Some men were born without the ability to make children. Other men were made that way later in life by other people. And other men have given up marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. But the person that can {marry} should accept this teaching {about marriage}."