Family Worship (July 13)

Have you ever seen a wedding? Maybe someone you know wore a white dress or a fancy suit, walked down the aisle, and promised to love someone forever. Weddings are special and fun—there’s music, food, and sometimes even dancing! But did you know that marriage is about more than just a party? God made marriage way back in the beginning when He created Adam and Eve. He designed it to be a special friendship where two people help each other, love each other, and grow together. But marriage is also a picture—a sign that points to something even better. Just like a stop sign tells you to stop, marriage tells us something about Jesus. It reminds us that Jesus loves His people—the Church—with a love that never ends. Whether you are a kid or a grown-up, single or married, God wants all of us to know this amazing truth!

Ephesians 5:25, 31–32 (NIV)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does this passage say about how Jesus loves us?
2. Why do you think God made marriage? What is it supposed to show us?
3. Whether we’re married or not, how can we show the love of Jesus to others?

Activity: “Marriage Mirror Game”
You’ll need: Two small mirrors or reflective objects and some paper.
Instructions:
Have each family member look into a mirror. Ask, “What do you see?” Then explain: “The mirror shows you your face. But marriage is like a mirror that shows us Jesus’ love.”
Next, give everyone a sheet of paper and ask them to draw a “love mirror”—something that reminds them of how Jesus loves His people. It could be a cross, a heart, a wedding, or Jesus washing feet.
After drawing, let each person share how their picture reminds them of Jesus’ love.
Bonus challenge for older kids or couples: Try a “Serve Like Jesus” challenge this week. Each day, do one thing that shows selfless love to someone in your family.

Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us with the greatest love. Thank You for making families and for the gift of marriage. Help us remember that marriage shows us how much You love Your people. Teach us to love each other with kindness, patience, and joy. Whether we are big or small, married or not, help us follow You and show Your love to others every day. Amen.

Memory Work

New City Catechism
28. What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?
At the day of judgment they will receive the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them. They will be cast out from the favorable presence of God, into hell, to be justly and grievously punished, forever.

Memory Verse
John 10:10 (ESV)  
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”