The story of the creation of woman from man was supposed to show the equality and unity of man and woman - not the domination of one over another. They were meant to support and nurture one another. Their relationship should be one of deep friendship and mutual respect - not just the demands of procreation. And that relationship is something ordained by God. We should keep this in mind - especially when we hear passages from the Eden story misused in so many ways.

Keeping with the image of relationship and family, Hebrews assures us that Jesus is our elder brother - the one who blazed the path before all those he is pleased to call his brothers and sisters. We will walk the same path and share the same glory. His status as the Son should not prevent us from enjoying his role as the Brother. We are not alone in our journey or struggle.

The 'hard saying' from Mark again emphasizes the sanctity and the divine nature of marriage. It is far more than a business arrangement or a convenience and extends beyond mere romance or attraction. It is not to be taken lightly. But it is an unhappy fact of life that relationships sometimes wither and die - sometimes they are doomed from the start by human sin and weakness. This should not prevent us from holding the examples from Scripture as an ideal for all relationships and striving to attain that goal. Jesus is our model for all human relationships: unconditional and unfailing love.