1
After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee and went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River.
2
Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
3
Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trick him. They asked, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for any reason he chooses?"
4
Jesus answered, "Surely you have read in the Scriptures: When God made the world, 'he made them male and female.'
5
And God said, 'So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body.'
6
So there are not two, but one. God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them."
7
The Pharisees asked, "Why then did Moses give a command for a man to divorce his wife by giving her divorce papers?"
8
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.
9
I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of adultery. The only reason for a man to divorce his wife is if his wife has sexual relations with another man."
10
The followers said to him, "If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, it is better not to marry."
11
Jesus answered, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but God has made some able to accept it.