In this week’s message, Pastor Mark explores the biblical perspective on marriage and divorce, emphasizing that while God’s design for marriage was originally perfect, human brokenness has distorted it. It traces how divorce was addressed in the Old Testament and how interpretations of these laws evolved, sometimes to justify unjust divorces. Jesus confronted this distortion in his teachings, calling out those who manipulated scripture for personal gain. The message highlights that while divorce is not God’s desire, it is a provision due to human brokenness and should not be seen as an unforgivable sin. It also emphasizes Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His people, using marriage as a reflection of His relationship with the church, and encourages believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage while extending grace and support to those who have experienced divorce.
Reflection Questions
- What stuck out in today’s message? What did you find challenging and encouraging? Did you learn anything new?
- What emotions or thoughts do you have entering this conversation? What previous experience are you bringing into this conversation Jesus’s words about divorce?
- Read Matthew 5:31-32. How is this passage similar to the section before (verses 27-30)? How is it different? How are the verses connected?
- What cultural debate of the time is Jesus speaking into? How does this help you better understand what he is saying in this passage?
- How do these verses (like all of the topics Jesus discusses in v.21-48) relate to not seeing others as an image of God?
- What do these verses reveal about God’s design for marriage? Was there any brokenness or hurt that shaped your view of marriage today?
- Write your own definition of a good marriage based on what Jesus says. How is this definition the same or different from your view of marriage before reading this passage?
- How can we uphold and encourage faithfulness in marriage, both in our own relationships and in supporting others?
