Lesson 6 of 13
Demonstrations: What He Does & What She Sees
The chapter presents engagement as a time to discover a potential spouse’s gifts and character through demonstrations of who that person is and will be in marriage. In the author’s frame, Jesus models this process by fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His identity as Messiah and His provision, healing, peace, and redemption for His bride. Potential spouses likewise demonstrate love for God and others, responsibility, complementary support, and service to their future families.
What you will learn
- Explain the purpose of discovery and demonstration during engagement.
- Connect Jesus’ demonstrations with the qualities the chapter attributes to Him as Husband.
- Identify practical ways potential spouses can demonstrate character and service.
Key concepts
Engagement as Discovery
Engagement allows couples to connect their hearts and discover their God-given gifts. Demonstrated actions help reveal who each person is and will be in marriage.
Demonstrations of the Messiah
The chapter presents Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy as evidence that His Word is true and that He is the promised Messiah. Against the chapter’s description of pagan gods with limited domains, His miracles demonstrate power across those boundaries.
Provision, Life, and Peace
Feeding the multitude demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to provide, raising Lazarus reveals Him as the supplier of eternal life, and calming the storm demonstrates His power to bring peace. His healing of the leper also points to renewal of the whole person.
Character and Complementarity
The author calls a potential husband to demonstrate provision, responsibility, spiritual leadership, and support in times of stress. A potential wife is to demonstrate a complementary attitude as a helper, while both show love for God, family, and friends.
Service to Future Family
Potential spouses can follow Jesus’ example of service and sacrifice through practical help for their future families. The chapter suggests helping with family duties, visiting, preparing a meal, and working alongside a future mother-in-law.
Scriptures in this chapter
Chapter review
Answer 4 of 5 correctly to earn the badge
1. According to the chapter, what is a central purpose of the engagement phase?
2. Why does the chapter emphasize that Jesus fulfilled prophecies made before His birth?
3. What does feeding the five thousand demonstrate in the chapter’s marriage framework?
4. How does the author apply Jesus’ calming of the storm to a potential husband?
5. Which action best matches the chapter’s suggested demonstrations of service during engagement?
Reflect and apply
- What observed actions reveal a potential spouse’s relationship with God, temperament, interests, and care for others, and how might those qualities appear in marriage?
- What specific act of service could you offer a potential spouse’s family to build a better relationship and demonstrate your willingness to contribute?