If Jesus Wasn’t Married, is Marriage Important?
Why Does Marriage Matter So Much to the Church?
If Jesus never married, why does the church emphasize marriage? Ephesians 5 gives the answer: marriage is more than a relationship—it’s a picture of the gospel. God designed marriage to reflect Christ’s love for His church, a love marked by sacrifice, grace, and transformation.
Marriage isn’t just a private commitment. It’s a visible testimony of God’s redeeming love. In this message, Senior Pastor David Rose unpacks Paul’s teaching, calling believers to live intentionally, love sacrificially, and submit to one another—not merely to strengthen families, but to make the gospel visible in everyday life.
Every relationship—singleness, marriage, parenting—can reflect God’s character and point others to Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- God calls the church to intentional living. (Ephesians 5:15-21)
- God calls marriage to mirror the church. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
- God uses marriage to provide a new generation. (Ephesians 6:1)
- God uses families to mirror His love. (Ephesians 6:2-4)
Further Study
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In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul tells us to pay close attention to how we live and to make the most of every moment because the days are evil. That echoes Jesus’s warning to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41) and Peter’s call to stay “sober-minded and watchful” (1 Peter 5:8). Where in your life do you sense the need to be more spiritually alert? How could practicing regular gratitude (Ephesians 5:20) help guard your heart from drifting?
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Ephesians 5:21 calls us to “submit to one another in the fear of Christ.” That one verse sets the tone for everything Paul says next about marriage. How does this kind of mutual submission reflect the way Jesus leads (Philippians 2:5–8)? What would it look like to apply that in your home or church relationships?
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When Paul talks about husbands loving their wives like Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25–27), he’s talking about a love that sacrifices everything to make the other holy. How does that challenge our culture’s expectations of marriage? Regardless of your relationship status, how can you show that kind of love in the way you care for others?
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Paul says marriage is a “profound mystery” that points to Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). How does that bigger, eternal picture shift the way we see everyday struggles in marriage? If your marriage—or future marriage—is meant to show the world the gospel, how would that change how you handle conflict, disappointment, or growth?
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Ephesians 6:1–4 speaks to both children and fathers, holding together the balance of authority and nurture. When you add Christ’s teaching about God as a good Father (Matthew 7:9–11), what does that say about how we should parent—or relate to spiritual family? What parts of God’s heart do you want your relationships to reflect more clearly?
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThis whole passage hinges on one truth: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). That’s the heartbeat of the gospel. In Ephesians 5:25–27, Paul shows that Jesus gave Himself for the church to make her holy. That’s what the gospel does—Jesus rescues, cleanses, and transforms.
We were dead in sin, helpless. But God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. Not by effort. Not by good behavior. But by grace.
And that grace doesn’t just change our status—it changes our story. It reshapes how we live, love, and lead. It calls us to intentional, gospel-centered living in marriage, parenting, and church life. It calls us to be a family that lives out the message: Jesus saves sinners.
If you’ve never surrendered to Jesus, now’s the time. Trust in His death and resurrection for your salvation. Give your life to Him. And if you already believe but feel stuck or discouraged, remember—your life, your marriage, your family is not about performance. It’s about proclaiming the gospel.
Let your relationships show the world who Jesus is.