Jumping the Broom is a wedding custom among African American couples. Those who seek to reach across race and cultural lines could learn much from the institution of marriage. Both efforts often fail because of a seed of selfishness. This message from Mark 10:2-9 uses marriage to unveil ways that Christians can live out the reconciliation Christ has given to His church.
Sermon Outline
I. What women know about men
II. What men understand about women
III. Marriage compared to cross cultural relationships
IV. Successful relationships require:
- Humility (Romans 12:3-5)
- Forgiveness (Ephesians 4:1-6; 31-32)
- Selflessness (Philippians 2:1-6)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- If you are married, what genre of movie best describes your marriage? (Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Adventure, Drama or Romance). If you are not married, what type of marriages do you witness? Explain.
- If you are married, what issues are creating distance between you and your spouse?
- In what ways is marriage similar to racial reconciliation and/or cross-cultural relationships? Explain.
- Can you relate to “selfishly pursuing a relationship”? In what ways were you seeking to be satisfied or appeased? Has that ever occurred across racial or cultural lines? Explain
- How would you define the term “white guilt”?
- What are some common reasons and easy excuses for giving up on reconciliation?
- Pray for personal humility and forgiveness towards anyone or group that is relationally distant from you or your circle of influence.