1 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”
5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,’
8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.
11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her,
12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?”
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,”
30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,
33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles.
34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,
40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John.
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”
50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”
52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
The True Meaning of Mark 10
The Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels, was written by John Mark, a companion of the apostle Peter. Mark’s account provides a concise and action-packed narrative of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus continues his journey towards Jerusalem in this chapter, where he will face his ultimate destiny. He encounters various individuals and situations that reveal the depth of his teachings and the challenges faced by those who seek to follow him as he travels. From his teachings on divorce to his encounter with the rich young man, we see Jesus confronting the social and spiritual realities of his time, offering a path of discipleship that demands a radical transformation of the heart.
The events in this chapter echo themes found throughout the Scriptures, such as the importance of childlike faith (Mark 10:13-16) and the difficulty of surrendering worldly possessions for the sake of the kingdom (Mark 10:17-31). We will challenge ourselves to examine our own hearts and the ways in which we respond to the call of Jesus to follow him wholeheartedly as we delve into this passage.
Mark 10:1-12
A few key sections to dissect are in Mark 10:1-12. The passage begins with Jesus leaving the region of Judea and heading to the area beyond the Jordan River. Crowds follow Him, and as usual, He begins teaching them. It’s important to note the setting here, as Jesus continued His ministry by teaching the people wherever He went. The mention of the crowds following Him shows His popularity and the thirst people had for His teachings. The Pharisees come to test Jesus by asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife while He is teaching. This question is significant because it was a controversial topic at that time, with differing interpretations among Jewish religious leaders. Jesus takes them back to the creation account in Genesis in response, where God established the institution of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, emphasizing the permanence of this union. Jesus underscores that marriage is sacred and should not be treated lightly. Jesus affirms the divine intention for marriage and emphasizes the unity and indissolubility of the marital bond by referring back to the creation story.
Jesus goes on to explain that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of human hearts, but it was not what God originally intended. This highlights the tension between God’s perfect design for marriage and the reality of human sin and brokenness. Jesus’s response challenges the prevailing cultural norms and societal practices of His time, calling His followers to a higher standard of commitment and fidelity within marriage.
Furthermore, Jesus condemns the act of divorcing one’s spouse and marrying another as adultery, emphasizing the seriousness of breaking the marital covenant. This strong stance reflects Jesus’s teachings on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in relationships. His words serve as a warning against the casual dissolution of marriages and the impact it has on individuals and families.
This passage in Mark 10 echoes similar teachings on marriage and divorce found in other parts of the Bible. Jesus addresses the same topic with the Pharisees in Matthew 19:3-9, stressing the importance of upholding the marital covenant. The apostle Paul also writes about marriage in his letters, highlighting the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:21-33. Throughout the Bible, marriage is portrayed as a sacred union ordained by God, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. Mark 10:1-12 provides a significant insight into Jesus’s teachings on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the sanctity of the marital bond and the call to faithfulness and commitment. Jesus sets a timeless standard for relationships by grounding His teachings in the Genesis account and challenging the cultural norms of His time, pointing towards God’s original design for marriage. This passage serves as a reminder for us today to honor and cherish the gift of marriage, valuing the covenant made between partners and recognizing the importance of mutual love, respect, and fidelity in all relationships.
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus and the disciples have an important interaction concerning children in Mark 10:13-16. The verse goes: “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
Here, Jesus is showing the disciples the importance of childlike faith and humility in entering the kingdom of God. The disciples, like many others at that time, saw children as unimportant and of low status. But Jesus corrects this misconception by welcoming the children and emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach Him with the innocence, faith, and sincerity of a child. This interaction also underscores the core message of Jesus’ teachings: that the kingdom of God is not reserved for the high and mighty, but for those who come to Him with a simple and humble heart.
This passage also sheds light on the nature of Jesus’ ministry and His love for all people, regardless of age or social standing. Jesus demonstrates his care and compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized by embracing the children and blessing them. It serves as a reminder to us to always approach God with the trust and purity of a child and to welcome everyone into the kingdom of God with open arms, just as Jesus did. This passage resonates with other verses that talk about the importance of humility and childlike faith in the broader context of the Bible. Jesus says in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”” This echoes the sentiment expressed in Mark 10, reinforcing the idea that humility, trust, and faith like that of a child are essential qualities for followers of Christ. The imagery of children in the Bible often represents qualities such as innocence, trust, and dependence, which are values that believers should strive to embody in their relationship with God.
Mark 10:17-22
A rich young ruler runs up to Jesus and kneels before Him in Mark 10:17-22, addressing Him as “Good Teacher” and asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by telling him to keep the commandments, listing several of the Ten Commandments. The young man confidently replies that he has kept all these since his youth. However, Jesus, seeing into the core of his being, tells him there is one thing he lacks: to go, sell all he has, give to the poor, and come follow Him, which ultimately challenges the rich young ruler because he was very wealthy. The man’s face falls, and he goes away disheartened, as he cannot bring himself to part with his possessions.
This passage paints a vivid picture of the tension between earthly riches and spiritual wealth. The rich young ruler appears to be sincere in seeking eternal life, as he runs to Jesus with eagerness and reverence. However, his attachment to his possessions reveals where his true priorities lie. Jesus’ command for him to sell everything is not a blanket requirement for all believers but is a direct challenge to this man’s heart. It exposes how his wealth has become a stumbling block on his journey towards God. This narrative serves as a lesson for all believers to examine their own hearts and consider what may be hindering their relationship with God. Jesus’ call to the young ruler to give up his wealth echoes the teachings found elsewhere in the Bible about the dangers of materialism and the need to prioritize spiritual treasures over earthly possessions. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 that storing up treasures in heaven, where they are eternal, is more significant than accumulating wealth on earth, which is temporary and fleeting.
The rich young ruler’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential distractions and obstacles posed by material possessions in the pursuit of a deep relationship with God. It highlights the importance of surrender and sacrifice in following Jesus wholeheartedly. The man’s reaction of sorrow and reluctance to part with his wealth reveals the inner struggle many may face when confronted with the cost of discipleship. This narrative challenges believers to consider what may be holding them back from fully committing their lives to Christ. It underscores the fundamental truth that true discipleship requires surrendering everything to follow Jesus, including the things we hold most dearly. The rich young ruler’s missed opportunity serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of choosing temporary treasures over the eternal riches found in Christ.
Mark 10:23-27
Mark 10:23-27 teaches us a powerful lesson on the dangers of wealth and the true nature of salvation. The section begins with Jesus making a striking statement: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” This declaration is a reflection of the prevalent belief in Jewish society that wealth was a sign of God’s favor and that the rich were therefore more likely to enter heaven. Jesus challenges this notion by emphasizing the spiritual peril that riches can bring. Wealth can often lead to arrogance, self-reliance, and a false sense of security, all of which hinder one’s relationship with God. This aligns with similar teachings from Jesus, like in Matthew 19:24 where he famously said, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Jesus then uses a vivid analogy to illustrate the difficulty that the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of God. He compares it to a camel trying to pass through the eye of a needle. This metaphor underscores the impossibility of salvation through one’s own efforts or achievements. The image is meant to shock his listeners and make them realize that no amount of wealth or worldly success can buy entrance into the kingdom of God. Salvation is a gift from God, given by grace through faith, as Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The disciples, astounded by Jesus’ words, question how anyone can be saved if even the rich struggle to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus proclaims, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”” This statement conveys the fundamental truth that salvation cannot be earned by human effort alone. It is only through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit that individuals can be saved and enter into a relationship with Him. This echoes the central message of Christianity – that our salvation is dependent on God’s unfathomable love and mercy, not on our own merits or possessions. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of placing our trust in material wealth and the limitations of human achievement in attaining salvation. It emphasizes the need for humility, dependence on God, and the recognition that true wealth lies in our relationship with Him. Through these teachings, Jesus challenges us to reexamine our priorities, to seek first the kingdom of God, and to trust in His power to transform our lives.
Mark 10:28-31
Peter, one of the disciples, speaks directly to Jesus in a conversation we witness in Mark 10:28-31. Peter declares, “See, we have left everything and followed you”. Peter is acknowledging the sacrifices he and the other disciples have made to follow Jesus. He’s drawing attention to the fact that they’ve given up everything they had, including their careers, possessions, and potentially even family ties, to follow Jesus. This statement by Peter is a reflection of the dedication and commitment required to be a true follower of Christ. It emphasizes the idea that following Jesus may necessitate letting go of worldly attachments and comforts.
Jesus responds by reassuring Peter and the disciples that anyone who has left everything for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundredfold in return in the present age, along with persecution, and in the age to come, eternal life. Here, Jesus is not promising material wealth or an easy life, but rather spiritual blessings and eternal rewards for those who prioritize their commitment to Him above all else. This message serves as an encouragement to all believers to persevere in their faith, even in the face of challenges and hardships.
The concept of leaving everything behind to follow Christ is a recurring theme in the Bible. We see examples of this in the stories of various individuals such as Abraham, who left his homeland in obedience to God’s call (Genesis 12:1-3), and the rich young ruler who was challenged by Jesus to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Mark 10:17-22). These stories serve as reminders of the importance of placing God above all else and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the promise of receiving a hundredfold in return for what is given up for the Gospel is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. This principle of sowing and reaping is emphasized throughout the Bible, such as in Galatians 6:7-8 where it says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Mark 10:28-31 highlights the cost of discipleship and the rewards that come from wholeheartedly following Christ. It challenges believers to examine their priorities and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. The passage also serves as a source of encouragement, reminding us that God is faithful to reward those who faithfully serve Him, both in this life and in the life to come.
Mark 10:32-34
Jesus leads the way on the road to Jerusalem with His disciples in Mark 10:32-34. This section is crucial as it highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge of His impending death and resurrection. Jesus takes the disciples aside and begins to describe what will happen to Him when they reach Jerusalem. He speaks of being betrayed to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and ultimately killed. However, He also foretells His resurrection on the third day. This foretelling of His death and resurrection is a powerful moment that underscores the central theme of sacrifice and redemption in the Bible.
The significance of Jesus’ prediction here cannot be overstated. It illustrates Jesus’ awareness of His divine mission to die for the sins of humanity. Jesus exemplifies the ultimate act of love and sacrifice by willingly facing such a gruesome fate. This prophecy also fulfills the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, such as those found in Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant is described. Therefore, this passage serves as a reminder of God’s redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. This prediction sets the stage for the events to come in Jerusalem, leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It is a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently alludes to His impending death and resurrection, preparing His disciples and followers for the central event that will bring salvation to the world. This foreshadowing not only prepares the disciples for what is to come but also underscores the divine nature of Jesus and His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. Remembering the overarching theme of sacrifice and redemption in the Bible is essential as we reflect on these verses. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us, as stated in John 3:16. Through His death and resurrection, we are offered forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The events foretold in Mark 10:32-34 are a crucial part of the narrative of Jesus’ mission on earth and a foundational aspect of Christian belief. It reminds us of the price paid for our salvation and the incredible love and grace extended to us through Christ’s sacrifice.
Mark 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approach Jesus with a request in Mark 10:35-45. They ask Jesus to do for them whatever they ask. Jesus, aware of their ambition, asks them what they want. They respond by asking to sit at His right and left hand in His glory. This request stems from a misunderstanding of what Jesus’ Kingdom is truly about. The disciples, like many Jews at the time, expected a conquering Messiah who would establish a worldly kingdom, with positions of power, authority, and privilege.
Jesus takes this opportunity to teach them a crucial lesson on true leadership. He explains that in His Kingdom, greatness is not about ruling over others with power and authority, but about serving others humbly and selflessly. He contrasts the ways of the world, where leaders lord over their followers, with His way, where the greatest among them is the one who serves all.
This teaching by Jesus is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and sets the tone for how His followers are to conduct themselves. It emphasizes the importance of humility, service, and selflessness in leadership. This message is echoed throughout the New Testament, especially in the teachings of the Apostle Paul. Paul urges believers in Philippians 2:3-8 to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became a servant, even unto death on a cross.
The juxtaposition of the disciples’ request for positions of power and Jesus’ explanation of servant leadership highlights the ongoing tension between the values of the Kingdom of God and the values of the world. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards leadership and power, urging us to embrace a different way of living and leading, one that reflects the heart of Jesus. This passage in the broader context of the Gospel of Mark also serves as a reminder of the nature of Jesus’ ministry. Throughout the Gospel, we see Jesus embodying the values of humility, compassion, and service. He consistently demonstrates His concern for the marginalized, the outcasts, and the downtrodden. His ultimate act of service comes in the form of His sacrificial death on the cross, where He lays down His life for the salvation of humanity. Mark 10:35-45 challenges us to reexamine our understanding of leadership and power in light of Jesus’ teachings. It calls us to emulate His example of humble service and selflessness, showing that true greatness is found in serving others.
Mark 10:46-52
Jesus healed a blind beggar named Bartimaeus as he was leaving Jericho in Mark 10:46-52. This passage can be divided into three main sections: Bartimaeus calling out to Jesus, Jesus stopping to heal him, and Bartimaeus receiving his sight.
Firstly, Bartimaeus hears that Jesus, whom he recognizes as the Son of David, is passing by. Son of David was a Messianic title expected of a descendant of King David who would deliver Israel. Bartimaeus starts crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” This shows Bartimaeus’ belief in Jesus’ ability to heal him and his desperate plea for mercy. Despite being blind and a beggar, Bartimaeus had faith in Jesus and actively called out to Him for help. This demonstrates the significance of having faith in Jesus and seeking His mercy and healing.
Secondly, in response to Bartimaeus’ persistent cries, Jesus stops and asks for him to be brought over. This action from Jesus is notable as it shows His compassion and willingness to stop and attend to the needs of those who seek Him. It is important to note that Jesus didn’t just ignore Bartimaeus or dismiss him despite the crowd trying to silence him. This highlights Jesus’ willingness to listen to the cries of the broken and marginalized, emphasizing that everyone is valuable in His eyes, regardless of their societal status or physical abilities.
Lastly, Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants, and he replies that he wants to receive his sight. Jesus then tells Bartimaeus, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, Bartimaeus receives his sight and follows Jesus on the way. This miraculous healing not only physically restored Bartimaeus but also spiritually, as he exercised faith in Jesus and was made well. It is a powerful reminder that true healing comes from faith in Jesus and that by trusting in Him, we can experience transformation and restoration in our lives. The story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 exemplifies faith, persistence, compassion, and healing. It teaches us the importance of approaching Jesus with unwavering faith, seeking His mercy earnestly, and trusting in His power to bring about miraculous transformations in our lives. This account echoes other instances in the Bible where faith led to healing, such as the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34 and the Centurion’s servant in Matthew 8:5-13, emphasizing the consistent theme of faith as a catalyst for miracles in the Gospels.
After Mark 10
The disciples were perplexed by Jesus’ teachings on divorce. They struggled to understand the sanctity of marriage and the gravity of breaking that sacred bond. Yet, Jesus’ words cut to the heart of the matter, challenging their assumptions and calling them to a higher standard of love and faithfulness. The crowd gathered once more as the sun began to set, eager to hear the wisdom that flowed from Jesus’ lips. Little did they know that the next lesson would shake the very foundations of their understanding of the kingdom of God. For it was in this moment that Jesus would reveal the true nature of greatness, turning the world’s values upside down.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.