Mark Lesson 32 (2023)

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

(Mark 10:1-12)

Open it:

1. What do you think makes a marriage strong and lasting? How do the people you work with view people with struggling or failed marriages?

Explore it:

1. Read verses 1-2. Where did this episode take place? Why did the Pharisees go to see Jesus? How do you think the Pharisees expected to trick Jesus?

2. Read verses 3-4. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees’ question? Why do you think Jesus brought Moses into this discussion? What did Moses allow in divorce?

3. Read verses 5-9. How did Jesus explain Moses’ instructions? What do we learn about the Pharisees from Jesus’ explanation of Moses’ words? How did Jesus describe the relationship between the Law and the will of God? What does “they are no longer two, but one” mean? What overriding principle did Jesus want us to follow?

4. Read verses 10-12. Why did this topic of divorce come up a second time that day? What specific instructions did Jesus give regarding divorce? How did Jesus protect women with his instructions?

Apply it:

1. What is one specific step you can take to show respect for the sanctity of marriage?