CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Mark 10:1-12.

2. God’s Design for Marriage & Singleness – Jesus points back to creation to affirm God’s original intent for marriage (Mark 10:6–9), and also affirms the goodness of singleness (see Matthew 19:10–12). How does viewing marriage and singleness through God’s design rather than cultural norms shift our perspective? What are some ways both call us to faithfulness?

3. Following Jesus in Difficult Teachings – Many of Jesus' teachings on humility, service, and power are more well liked, but his sex ethic can feel difficult and countercultural (Mark 10:10-–2). Why do you think that is? How do we remain faithful to Jesus even when his teachings challenge our assumptions?

4. The Meaning of Marriage – In a world where relationships are often centered on personal happiness, Jesus presents marriage as a sacred covenant reflecting God’s love and faithfulness. How does seeing marriage this way impact the way we view commitment and sacrificial love (both in marriage and in other relationships)?

5. Grace & Redemption in Brokenness – Divorce is a painful reality for many. How can we hold both Jesus’ high view of marriage and the deep compassion he shows to those who struggle to live into God’s design for marriage and singleness? What does the gospel say to those who have experienced brokenness in relationships?

Title: Jesus Reaffirms
Reference: Mark 10:1-12
Speaker: Bill Gorman, BillG@cckc.church

This passage appears in the second of three prediction [of his death] cycles, in which Jesus teaches about discipleship. This is important to keep in mind, because this larger context determines what Jous says about marriage and divorce. He is not laying down generalized rules that can be applied easily to any situation. His purpose is more specific: he is teaching about how disciples orient their lives in the kingdom of God. They seek God's heart in Scripture and direct their lives toward service and care for others rather than living for themselves and satisfying their own desires. ~ Timothy Gombis

– Hard-Heartedness always pursues self at the expense of others.

– Following Jesus in marriage means tender-hearted pursuit of your spouse.

In other words, marriage is a covenant: It is a sacred relationship between a man and a woman and with God. The marriage covenant is not simply a contract, instead it is a binding, lasting, intimate commitment of love that is both horizontal and vertical. (Christ Community Paper: Exploring God’s Design for Human Sexuality)

– Whole-heartedly pursue the flourishing of marriages in Jesus’ family.

Neighborhoods and cities with a higher proportion of married, two-parent families tend to have lower crime rates, greater economic mobility for low-income children, and higher levels of civic engagement. ~ Brad Wilcox

Four Habits of Joy-Filled Marriage ~ Marcus Warner and Chris Coursey

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.