1When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; 2and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." 3And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people."
Your response to John 17:20-26 offers a unique and interesting perspective. Here's a breakdown of the strengths and some suggestions for further exploration:
ReplyDeleteStrengths:
Fresh Interpretation: You connect the passage to the concept of self-sacrifice and responsibility in a marriage, offering a fresh interpretation.
Love and Growth: Highlighting how love involves moving beyond personal desires and prioritizing something bigger resonates with the theme of marriage.
Marriage as Sacramental: Considering John 17:20-26 in the context of a Christian wedding aligns with the concept of marriage as a sacrament.
Suggestions for Exploration:
Passage Context: Briefly mentioning the context of Jesus' prayer for his disciples adds depth. He's not talking about physical limitations in old age, but about following God's will even when it's difficult.
Mutuality in Marriage: While self-sacrifice is important, a healthy marriage is also about mutual support and growth. You could explore this aspect.
Beyond Romantic Love: The concept of self-denial and placing God first can apply to all forms of love, not just romantic love.
Overall, your response offers a thought-provoking interpretation of the passage. Here are some additional thoughts:
Balancing Individuality and Partnership: Consider how a couple navigates maintaining their individuality while building a life together.
Focus on Shared Values: Explore how a couple's shared values and commitment to God can be a foundation for their marriage.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can create a more comprehensive response that considers the broader meaning of John 17:20-26 in the context of a Christian wedding.