MARK 10
JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES, FORETELLS HIS DEATH, + HEALS THE BLIND
After teaching in Galilee, Jesus goes to Judea. A Pharisee asks Him if it is lawful to divorce. Referencing Genesis 2:24, Jesus says that man and wife are united as one flesh, and encourages them not to separate what God has joined together.
Jesus answers the question by speaking against divorce, except for cases of sexual immorality. Similarly, He refers to remarriage after divorce as adultery. If this sounds harsh or unfair, read John 8:1-11, where Jesus shows compassion for a woman caught in adultery. He has high standards for righteousness, but also abundant forgiveness and compassion. His teachings and actions reflect the dual aspects of His character: full of truth and full of grace.
The Pharisees rebuke people for bringing their children before Jesus. In response, Jesus calls out to the people, letting the children come to Him. He is not bothered or burdened by the children but appreciates their child-like faith. He wants God’s people to receive the kingdom of heaven like a small child, with curiosity and awe.
Jesus is questioned by a rich ruler about how to gain eternal life. Because eternal life is not often referenced in the Old Testament, the man addresses Jesus directly. First, Jesus asks the man to keep the law and the man agrees. Next, He asks him to sell all that he has and give it to the poor. When hearing this request, the man becomes sad and withdrawn. He wants to follow Jesus but does not want to give up his possessions.
Jesus, seeing the sadness of the man, points out that wealth can be a barrier to following God and trusting in His provision. He says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a wealthy person to enter God’s kingdom, but what is impossible for man is possible for God.
With the twelve disciples, Jesus explains that He will soon be arrested, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed. All of these events will fulfill the teachings of the prophets, but the disciples did not understand what He was explaining.
James and John, two of the disciples closest to Jesus, ask Him to grant their request. He asks what they desire and they ask to sit at His right and left hand in eternity. Jesus explains that those roles are not His to give, but they belong to God the Father. He then expresses His value for humility and reminds the disciples that even the Son of Man, Jesus Himself, came to serve rather than be served.
As they travel near Jericho, Jesus encounters a man named Bartimaeus, who is a blind beggar on the side of the road. Upon hearing that Jesus was nearby, the man cries out for help. Despite being rebuked by the people, the man continues to call for Jesus. He asked the man what he desired and restored to him his sight.
Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
