Mark 10:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They countered with the question, "Why then did Moses allow it?" He explained that this concession was due to the hardness of heart among the people of that time, which made adherence to the original law unrealistic. Even the disciples found such a strict interpretation challenging, prompting them to seek clarification later (Mk. 10). Upon confirming His teaching that permitted divorce solely for the infidelity of one partner, they remarked that it might be better not to marry at all. However, the Lord responded that it would be unreasonable to expect everyone to live without marriage. Yet, those who are naturally incapable of marrying or who choose to dedicate themselves to the service of the Kingdom of God receive the gift of celibacy through divine grace and must remain faithful to that calling.

Thus, irrespective of the answer Christ provided— which the Pharisees hoped would align with their expectations—He would risk contradicting Himself (Matt. 5:31-32). Moreover, while Christ consistently maintained that divorce was not permissible except on the grounds of adultery, the Mosaic Law allowed for divorce without imposing clear limitations, stipulating merely that a certificate of divorce be issued (Deuteronomy 24:1).

The Evangelists relay Christ's answer in a similar manner, varying only in the sequence of His statements. In Matthew’s account, Christ first references the divine order of marriage in Paradise before addressing the law of Moses and responding to the Pharisees' challenge. In contrast, Mark’s account begins with Christ prompting His questioners to declare the Mosaic law on divorce before He clarifies the rationale behind that law and subsequently turns to the principles established in Eden. The foundational strength of Christ's reasoning is rooted in His appeal to the divine institution of marriage. God initially created one man and one woman (Gen. 1:27), thus conveying that the marital bond is intended to be unbreakable. This teaching is further affirmed by a direct command from the Creator: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

When Christ responded to them, as depicted in the Gospel of Matthew, He initially referred to the divine institution of marriage in the Garden of Eden, and then to the regulations set forth in the Law of Moses. In contrast, Mark's account highlights the Law of Moses first, followed by the principles established in Paradise. Thus, while Matthew has the Pharisees questioning Christ on Mosaic Law, Mark depicts them inquiring about the law pertaining to paradise. Despite these differences, the core of the message remains consistent.

Both Gospel writers present the words of Jesus in a concise manner, ensuring that the essence of His teaching is accurately transmitted. The specific details may vary based on the author's narrative style, but the fundamental truth remains intact in both accounts.