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.
12
There are different reasons why some men cannot marry. Some men were born without the ability to become fathers. Others were made that way later in life by other people. And some men have given up marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. But the person who can marry should accept this teaching about marriage."
13
Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so he could put his hands on themn and pray for them. His followers told them to stop,
14
but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children."
15
After Jesus put his hands on the children, he left there.
16
A man came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to have life forever?"