Was Jesus Married?

The Bible contains no direct statement saying Jesus was either married or single. And yet, claims of a new historical finding have raised the question again, and they are the same claims that were presented some years back in the completely discredited and nonsensical book, "The DaVinci Code." I was reviewing a series of lessons I taught refuting that book, and came across this section, so relevant to the news story of the day:


Biblical reasons why I believe Jesus was not married:

First, consider the evidence of Jesus’ stated purpose and mission.

Jesus came to earth with a purpose, and everything about His life revolved around that purpose. Taking a wife would be inconsistent with that purpose.
Bible study - Matthew 20:28; Luke 4:43; 19:10; John 3:17; 10:10; 18:37

Even as a child, Jesus was single-mindedly fixed on His purpose, to the exclusion of all else, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?" (Luke 2:49)

Second, consider the evidence of Jesus’ abject poverty.

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Luke 9:58)

This is not the description of a married man. Certainly it is not the description of a responsible married man. If Jesus treated His wife this way, He was a poor husband, and it is not possible for me to accept Jesus as being anything but perfect at anything He undertook to do.

Third, consider Paul’s argument about married leadership in the church.

Paul was unmarried: I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. (1 Corinthians 7:8)

And yet he argued that it was perfectly right and proper for church leadership to be married: Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? (1 Corinthians 9:5)

Wouldn’t Paul have used his best examples to prove this point? If Jesus, the founder and leader of the church had a wife, wouldn’t Paul have mentioned it here?

Fourth, consider Jesus’ words from the cross to John.

BIBLE STUDY - John 19:25-27

Jesus, in His dying moments, in the manner of the first-born son, remembered to provide for the care of His mother. Mary Magdalene was standing beside her at the time, but Jesus provided nothing for her.Wouldn’t He have provided for His wife, if He had one?

Finally, consider that the Bible DOES talk about Christ’s bride!

Jesus’ bride is not a person, but rather the Church.

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready (Revelation 19:7) (See also Revelation 21:2; 22:17

Summary
The recent claim that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married is fascinating fiction, but false history. Nothing about the claim is true.

The Bible teaches that Jesus, both during His earthly ministry, and even now, loves only one bride - His church.