In Matthew 19:11, Jesus says to his disciples, "But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given." This verse occurs within a larger context in which Jesus is discussing the topic of marriage and divorce with his disciples. In this particular verse, Jesus is addressing the disciples' astonishment at his teaching on the sanctity of marriage and the difficulty of divorce.

The verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus emphasizes the high standards for marriage and the significance of the marriage bond. In the preceding verse, Jesus affirms the principle of lifelong marriage, stating that "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6). This sets the stage for Jesus's further elaboration on marriage and divorce, including the verse in question.

In interpreting this verse, it is important to consider the broader themes and context of Jesus's teachings on marriage and divorce. At the heart of this passage is the concept of God's original design for marriage as a lifelong, sacred union between a man and a woman. Jesus's teaching challenges the prevailing cultural norms and attitudes towards marriage and divorce, emphasizing the divine intention for the sanctity of the marital bond.

The phrase "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given" points to the fact that not everyone is able to understand or accept the high standards that Jesus sets for marriage. This verse acknowledges the difficulty and countercultural nature of Jesus's teachings on marriage and divorce, implying that it requires a special capacity or willingness to receive and embrace these teachings.

One key theme in this verse is the idea of divine grace and revelation. The phrase "save they to whom it is given" suggests that the ability to receive and understand Jesus's teachings on marriage and divorce is a gift from God. This points to the spiritual nature of understanding and embracing the truth about God's design for marriage. It also underscores the necessity of divine assistance in living out these teachings in a world that often devalues the sanctity of marriage.

The broader context of Jesus's teachings on marriage and divorce in this passage also highlights the themes of commitment, faithfulness, and the preservation of the marital bond. Jesus's emphasis on the permanence of marriage and the serious implications of divorce challenges the prevailing cultural attitudes towards marriage and relationships. It emphasizes the need for personal responsibility, sacrificial love, and a mutual commitment to the well-being of the marital relationship.

Symbolically, this verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual depth and significance of marriage as a divine institution. It calls attention to the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacred nature of the marital bond and the need for a spiritual perspective in understanding and navigating the challenges of marriage. It also points to the need for divine grace, guidance, and empowerment in living out God's design for marriage in a world that often devalues and distorts the meaning of this union.

In conclusion, Matthew 19:11 offers a profound insight into Jesus's teachings on marriage and divorce, highlighting the spiritual nature of understanding and embracing God's design for marriage. It challenges cultural norms and attitudes, emphasizing the need for divine grace and revelation in living out the sanctity of the marital bond. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of marriage in God's plan and the spiritual resources needed to uphold its sacredness in a world that often trivializes and distorts this union.