Mark 10

Mark 10 presents Jesus’ teachings on several important topics: marriage and divorce, receiving the kingdom of God as a child, wealth and its impact on entering the kingdom, His own suffering and death, and the healing of a blind man, Bartimaeus. Through these teachings and encounters, Mark highlights the values and attitudes expected in God's kingdom, emphasizing humility, faith, and sacrifice.

Mark 10:1-12 (NKJV)
1 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.
2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.
3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.”
5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’
7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.
9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter.
11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.
12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees about divorce addresses the deeper issue of God’s original design for marriage. By referring to creation, He emphasizes that marriage is intended to be a permanent union, a sacred bond uniting two people as one. Jesus attributes Moses’ allowance for divorce to the hardness of human hearts, showing that this was a concession, not an ideal. His teaching highlights the sanctity and commitment expected in marriage, elevating it beyond mere legal arrangements.

Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV)
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ rebuke of the children shows His value for innocence, humility, and trust. He points to these qualities as essential for receiving the kingdom of God. Children are models of simple faith and reliance, unburdened by pride or self-sufficiency. By blessing the children, Jesus illustrates that the kingdom is open to all who approach with genuine humility and openness.

Mark 10:17-22 (NKJV)
17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”
20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

This passage tells the story of a wealthy young man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. While the man claims to have kept the commandments, Jesus lovingly challenges him to go further by giving up his wealth, distributing it to the poor, and following Him. This highlights that salvation is not about outward obedience or possessions but about a wholehearted commitment to God. The man’s sorrowful departure reveals his unwillingness to let go of his material wealth, which had become an idol in his life. This passage underscores the principle that true discipleship requires surrendering anything that takes the place of God in one’s heart. It also illustrates that while obedience to God’s commandments is important, it must be paired with complete devotion and trust in Him above all else.

Mark 10:23-27 (NKJV)
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches 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 man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle to illustrate the difficulty wealth poses for entering the kingdom of God. The disciples’ astonishment reflects common views on wealth as a sign of blessing. Jesus points out that relying on wealth can hinder one's dependence on God. Yet, He assures them that what is impossible for humans is possible with God, emphasizing divine grace.

Mark 10:28-31 (NKJV)
28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,
30 who shall 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.”

In response to Peter’s statement, Jesus assures the disciples of the rewards for their sacrifices. Those who give up family or possessions for His sake will be richly compensated both in this life and in eternity. However, He also warns that the path includes persecutions, implying that following Him requires resilience. Jesus’ final statement inverts worldly values, promising that God’s kingdom will reward humility and selflessness.

Mark 10:32-34 (NKJV)
32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed, they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:
33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles;
34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

Jesus again predicts His suffering, detailing the betrayal, mocking, scourging, and crucifixion He will face. This prophecy reminds the disciples of the cost He is about to bear and emphasizes His awareness and acceptance of His mission. His reference to resurrection gives a glimpse of hope, though the disciples likely struggled to grasp its meaning. This moment underscores His self-sacrificial love.

Mark 10:35-45 (NKJV)
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”
36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
39 They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized;
40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.
42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

James and John’s request to sit in places of honor shows their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and the nature of His kingdom. Jesus redirects them by explaining that true greatness comes through service, not authority or status. His example, as one who came to serve and sacrifice His life, sets the standard for His followers. This teaching challenges worldly views of power, placing value on humility and service in God's kingdom.

Mark 10:46-52 (NKJV)
46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging.
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 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”
50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.
51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”
52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

The healing of Bartimaeus highlights the importance of persistent faith. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus boldly calls on Jesus, acknowledging Him as the "Son of David." Jesus honors his faith and grants his request, restoring his sight. Bartimaeus’ response—immediately following Jesus—illustrates a grateful and transformative faith, showing that true discipleship involves recognizing Jesus' power and committing to follow Him fully.