Following Jesus: The Gospel of Mark / “Til Death Do Us Part”

May 21, 2023

Mark 10:1-12

Study Questions

1. Read Mark 10:1-5. How did the Pharisees attempt to test Jesus in this account? Why was this considered a test and not a sincere question? If God doesn’t approve of divorce why did He allow it?

2. Read Mark 10:6-9. According to Jesus’ response, what is God’s view of divorce? Is it different from our culture’s view? Why or why not? Read the following verses: Malachi 2:14-16; Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 5:31-32; Hebrews 13:4.

3. If you or someone you know has gone through a divorce, identify some of the painful results.

4. What is the biblical model for marriage according to Ephesians 5:24-27? How does divorce affect the representation of marriage between husband of wife as an allegory of Christ and the church?

5. Read Mark 10:10-12. How does this impact your view of sex outside of the marital covenant between a husband and wife (before, during, or after the covenant takes place)?

6. Can God offer forgiveness, grace and blessing if someone has been unfaithful, divorced, and/or remarried? See also: Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 28:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Isaiah 1:18; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Timothy 1:15. Have you experienced the Lord’s forgiveness and healing? Why/why not? What options do you have for biblical support and love?

7. What are some practical things that husband and wife can do to build up their marriage? What are some practical things which singles can do to prepare for a strong marriage, should they enter into that covenant?

8. What is the most important application you can take away from this passage and apply to your life this week?