The question of why Jesus didn't get married is one that has been asked for centuries. As the Christian religion holds that Jesus is the Son of God, the answer is often complicated and has been the source of much debate. There are several theories that attempt to explain why Jesus remained unmarried, and all of them offer insight into the beliefs of the Christian faith.
Theological Reasons
The most common explanation for why Jesus did not marry is based on theological grounds. It is believed that Jesus was in fact God in the flesh, and as such, it was not appropriate for him to be involved in an earthly marriage. The idea is that Jesus was sent to Earth to sacrifice himself for the sins of mankind, and marriage would have complicated this mission. This argument is supported by Jesus’ own words, when he said, “For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.” (Matthew 19:12).
Celibacy and the Priesthood
Another explanation for why Jesus didn’t marry is that it was an example of celibacy for those who wished to follow in his footsteps and become ordained ministers. By remaining unmarried, Jesus was setting an example of the importance of celibacy for those who wished to serve God completely. This is especially important for Roman Catholic priests, who must take a vow of celibacy in order to serve in the priesthood.
Symbolic Interpretation
Some people also believe that Jesus’ decision to remain unmarried was symbolic. Jesus’ relationship with the church is considered to be a “marriage” of sorts, and so his decision to remain single is seen as a sign of his commitment to the church. This interpretation is often used to explain why Jesus did not pursue an earthly marriage, as it would have been seen as a distraction from his true mission.
No matter what explanation is used to explain why Jesus didn’t get married, it is clear that his decision was based on his commitment to his mission and to the people he served. It is a reminder of the importance of sacrificing ourselves for the betterment of others, and it is an example that we can all strive to emulate.