Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Yitro
Listen to the Devotional HERE
Parashat Yitro (Exodus 18:1–20:23) contains profound lessons about leadership, wisdom, divine revelation, and covenant. This portion is particularly significant for couples because it highlights themes of healthy relationships, communication, and divine order, principles that can strengthen a marriage rooted in Messiah Yeshua.
Theme: Building a Covenant-Centered Marriage
Scripture Focus
"Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine." Exodus 19:5
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Messiah also loved the community and gave Himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25
Reflection for Couples
In this portion, Yitro (Jethro), Moses’ father-in-law, sees Moses struggling under the burden of leading Israel alone. He offers wise counsel to delegate responsibilities and establish a system of leadership. Later in the portion, G-d gives the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, forming the foundation of the covenant between Him and Israel.
As a couple, consider the parallels between this passage and your relationship:
- Shared Leadership and Support
- Like Moses, one spouse can sometimes take on too much, leading to exhaustion.
- Yitro’s advice reminds couples that healthy relationships require shared responsibility.
- Discussion Question: In what areas of our marriage do we need to support one another better?
- Hearing Wise Counsel
- Moses was humble enough to listen to Yitro’s advice, which strengthened his leadership.
- In marriage, being open to counsel (from one another and trusted mentors) leads to growth.
- Discussion Question: How do we respond to each other’s advice or correction?
- Covenant as the Foundation of Marriage
- Just as Israel became a covenant people at Sinai, marriage is a divine covenant.
- The Ten Commandments emphasize honoring G-d and others, principles vital for a strong marriage.
- Discussion Question: How can we better reflect G-d’s covenant love in our relationship?
Prayer Together
Abba, Father,
Thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. As You established Israel as a covenant people, help us to build our marriage on the foundation of Your love and truth. Teach us to listen to wise counsel, to support one another, and to live in a way that honors You. May our marriage reflect Messiah’s love, and may we grow in unity and understanding. B’shem Yeshua, Amen.
Marriage Challenge This Week
- Choose one practical way to lighten each other’s burdens this week (e.g., helping with a task, offering encouragement, or praying for one another).
- Reflect on the Ten Commandments and discuss how they apply to your marriage.
May your marriage be strengthened through His wisdom and love as you walk together in the covenant of Messiah Yeshua! Shabbat Shalom!
