This sermon tackles the difficult and sensitive topic of divorce and remarriage as addressed by Jesus in Mark 10. The sermon highlights that Jesus's teaching is not a set of general rules but a lesson in discipleship, calling followers to pursue God's design for marriage. Jesus points back to the beginning of creation, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and that a follower of Christ should tenderheartedly pursue their spouse’s flourishing. The sermon acknowledges that we all have a story of divorce and offers specific guidance for those who are single, divorced, or married, emphasizing that Jesus offers grace and wholeness to all. It concludes with a powerful illustration of communion as a marriage covenant offered by Jesus.

I unpack:

• The context behind the Pharisees' question about divorce, revealing it as a test for Jesus rooted in their hard-heartedness.
• How Jesus reorients the conversation back to God's original design for marriage as a lifelong covenant, not a contract to be broken for any reason.
• The high calling for all believers—single, married, or divorced—to tenderheartedly pursue marital flourishing, whether in their own relationships or in supporting others.

📖 Key Passage: Mark 10:1-12
🎧 Listen and reflect: A married congregant once said that marriage may not always be happy, but it can always be redemptive. What is one way you can be redemptive in your relationships this week?