1. After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee. He went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River.
2. Large crowds followed Jesus, 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 people will become one body.’
6. So the two are not two, but one. God joined the two people together. No person 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 and marry again is if his first wife has been unfaithful to him.”
10. The followers said to him, “If that is the only reason a man can divorce his wife, then it is better not to marry.”
11. Jesus answered, “Not everyone can accept this truth about marriage. 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 other 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 that he could put his hands on them and pray for them. When his followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to Jesus.
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?”
17. Jesus answered, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. But if you want to have life forever, obey the commands.”