Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.”
— Luke 20:34-35
These words of Jesus can surprise people. Marriage is one of the deepest and most meaningful relationships we experience in this life. It brings companionship, family, joy, sacrifice, growth, and covenant love. So when Jesus says there will be no marriage in the age to come, many wonder: What does that mean? Will relationships be lost? Will heaven be less beautiful than earth?
Not at all. Jesus is revealing something greater.
1. Marriage Is a Gift for This Present Life
Jesus begins by saying, “Marriage is for people here on earth.” Marriage is one of God’s good gifts for life in this present world.
Marriage serves many purposes:
- Companionship — “It is not good for the man to be alone.”
- Family and raising children
- Mutual support and comfort
- Growth in love, patience, and sacrifice
- A picture of Christ’s love for His church
Marriage is sacred and powerful. But it belongs to the order of this present age. It is designed for life on earth, where people are born, grow, work, struggle, age, and die.
2. The Resurrection Changes Everything
Jesus then points to “the age to come.” He speaks of resurrection life—a world beyond death, decay, sorrow, and limitation.
In eternity:
- Death will be defeated
- Sin will be gone
- Loneliness will vanish
- Relationships will be pure and complete
- God’s presence will fill everything
Marriage, as we know it now, will no longer be necessary because the needs it serves in this world will be fully satisfied in God’s kingdom.
3. Heaven Will Not Be Less—It Will Be More
Some people fear this teaching because they think heaven means losing what they loved most on earth.
But Jesus never teaches loss in that sense. He teaches fulfillment.
The love, joy, connection, and intimacy we taste in marriage are shadows of something greater. Earthly marriage points beyond itself to eternal union with God and perfect fellowship with His people.
In heaven, no one will say, “I wish things were like earth again.” The reality will far surpass the symbol.
4. Even the Best Earthly Gifts Are Temporary
Jesus reminds us that even the greatest blessings here are not ultimate. Houses, careers, possessions, achievements—and even marriage—belong to this temporary age.
That does not make them unimportant. It means we must hold them with gratitude, but not worship them.
Healthy people enjoy gifts while remembering the Giver.
5. Our Greatest Relationship Is With God
The center of eternity is not marriage—it is God.
Many people spend life chasing human love while neglecting the love of God. Yet every human relationship is limited. Only God can fully satisfy the human heart.
The deepest joy of heaven will not be reunion alone, though that will be precious. It will be seeing Christ, knowing Him fully, and being forever in His presence.
6. What This Means for Us Today
If You Are Married
Treasure your spouse. Build a loving, faithful, joyful marriage. It is a sacred gift for this season of life.
If You Are Single
Your life is not lesser. Marriage is not the ultimate prize. Christ is.
If You Have Lost a Spouse
Take comfort. Eternity is not emptiness—it is fullness beyond what words can describe.
If You Long for Heaven
Jesus reminds us that the best is not behind us. It is ahead for those who belong to Him.
Final Thought
Marriage is beautiful, but temporary. Christ is glorious and eternal.
Every wedding points to a greater future feast. Every loving marriage whispers of a coming kingdom where joy will be complete.
So honor marriage now—but live for eternity.
Because in the age to come, we will not lose love. We will enter its fullness.
