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: Rachel Nesse, RachelN@cckc.church

[A husband] may divorce her even due to a minor issue, e.g., because she burned or over-salted his dish” ~ Rabbi Hillel, Mishnah

– Hard heartedness pursues self at the expense of others.

Today, it’s becoming increasingly something that people see as an achievement that you work toward. Instead of finding someone to build a life with, you sort of build your life and then you find someone to join with you to go forward. ~ World Magazine Interviewee

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)

– Following Jesus in marriage means tenderhearted pursuit of your spouse.

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

– Redemption is the end of the story.