Marriage, Forgiveness, and Jesus' Welcome

Question 1: How Long Should Marriage Last?

Jesus taught that marriage is not temporary. Read what He said:

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

For the Leader: The sermon anchored on Matthew 19:6, showing that marriage is a lifelong covenant. Expect answers like: 'Jesus said marriage should last forever because God joins the husband and wife together.' If a child mentions divorce in their home, gently affirm that Jesus loves every person in their family and His grace covers all. Redirect the conversation back to God's good design rather than family specifics. Time: 3 minutes.

Question 2: Why Did Moses Allow Divorce?

The Pharisees asked about Moses' rule. Jesus answered:

Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

For the Leader: The preacher emphasized that Moses' certificate was a concession, not a command. The sermon also taught that the exception for porneia refers to illegitimate unions that broke Old Testament law, not a reason to end a true marriage. Expect answers like: 'Moses allowed it because people had hard hearts, but that was not God's original plan.' Redirect away from blame and toward God's good design. Time: 3 minutes.

Question 3: How Many Times Should We Forgive?

The sermon connected marriage to unlimited forgiveness. Jesus also taught this in another passage:

Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'

For the Leader: Matthew 18:21-22 was referenced to show that forgiveness sustains covenant love. Expect answers like: 'We should forgive again and again without counting, because Jesus forgives us completely.' Remind children that forgiveness does not mean hiding sin; they should still tell a trusted adult if they are hurt or unsafe. Time: 4 minutes.

Question 4: What Picture Does Marriage Show Us?

The preacher used Ephesians 5 to explain that marriage points to something greater. Paul wrote:

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

For the Leader: This frames marriage as a living parable of Christ's faithful love for His people. The sermon also stressed that Christians are to marry Christians (2 Corinthians 6:14), but for this age group focus on the gospel picture. Expect answers like: 'Marriage shows how Jesus loves His church and never leaves her.' If a child feels confused by family brokenness, point them to Jesus' perfect faithfulness as their hope. Time: 3 minutes.

Question 5: What Did Jesus Say About Kids?

Right after teaching on marriage, Jesus welcomed children:

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

For the Leader: The transcript included Matthew 19:14 to show Jesus' tender welcome. Expect answers like: 'Jesus wants children to come to Him, and the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.' Use this to assure every child of their value in God's family. Time: 3 minutes.

Application Prompt

This week, practice being a 'good forgiver' in your home. When a sibling or parent annoys you, stop and pray. Ask Jesus to help you forgive the way He forgives you, so your family can show God's love to others.