In Mark 10, we see Jesus navigating tough questions about marriage, wealth, and the pure-heartedness of children. His responses challenge societal norms and inspire us to think differently about love and humility.
The Reading: Mark 10
World English Bible1 He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he was again teaching them.
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2 Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
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3 He answered, “What did Moses command you?”
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4 They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.”
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5 But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment.
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6 But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female.
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7 For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife,
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8 and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh.
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9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
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10 In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter.
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11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her.
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12 If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery.”
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13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.
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14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
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15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
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16 He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
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17 As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
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18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God.
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19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’”
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20 He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.”
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21 Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
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22 But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.
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23 Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!”
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24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!
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25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
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26 They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?”
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27 Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”
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28 Peter began to tell him, “Behold, we have left all, and have followed you.”
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29 Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News,
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30 but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.
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31 But many who are first will be last; and the last first.”
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32 They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him.
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33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles.
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34 They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”
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35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask.”
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36 He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
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37 They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory.”
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38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
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39 They said to him, “We are able.” Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with;
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40 but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.”
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41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards James and John.
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42 Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
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43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.
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44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all.
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45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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46 They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.
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47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!”
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48 Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”
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49 Jesus stood still, and said, “Call him.” They called the blind man, saying to him, “Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!”
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50 He, casting away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
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51 Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “Rabboni, that I may see again.”
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52 Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus on the way.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Jesus on Divorce
As Jesus travels through Judea, the Pharisees challenge him with a tricky question about divorce. They refer to Moses' allowance for divorce, but Jesus counters, reminding them of God's original design for marriage. He highlights that a man and woman become one flesh and should not be separated. This moment emphasizes the sanctity of marriage.
Welcoming Children
Next, people bring their children to Jesus, hoping he will bless them. His disciples try to shoo them away, but Jesus is indignant and insists that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children. He embraces the children, showing us that faith should be childlike - innocent and trusting.
The Rich Young Man
A wealthy man asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. After discussing the commandments, Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow him. The man's face falls, and he walks away sad, as he has great wealth. Jesus then warns his disciples that it's hard for the rich to enter God's Kingdom, saying it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.
The Cost of Discipleship
Peter speaks up, pointing out that they've left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus assures them that anyone who sacrifices for his sake will receive much more in return, even if it comes with challenges in this life. He flips societal expectations, stating that many who are first will be last.
Jesus Predicts His Death
As they head towards Jerusalem, Jesus predicts his suffering and death, revealing the path ahead of him. His close disciples, James and John, ask to sit at his right and left in glory, but Jesus speaks of true greatness as being a servant to all. This is a radical teaching of humility.
Healing Bartimaeus
As they leave Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is passing by and cries out for help. Despite being told to be quiet, he persists. Jesus calls him over and asks what he wants. Bartimaeus asks to see again, and Jesus tells him that his faith has made him well. Immediately, Bartimaeus regains his sight and follows Jesus, a powerful reminder of faith's transformative power.
Why It Matters
The Value of Relationships
Jesus teaches that relationships, especially marriage, are sacred. His teachings remind us that love requires commitment and understanding. In a world where relationships can be disposable, we are called to cherish and nurture them.
Childlike Faith
Jesus' invitation for children to come to him encourages us to embrace a childlike faith - one that is open, trusting, and eager to learn. This perspective helps us to approach God with humility and sincerity, recognizing that we do not have all the answers.
Wealth and Priorities
The encounter with the rich young man challenges our views on wealth and what is truly valuable. Jesus illustrates that our possessions should not define us, and that sometimes, letting go is the path to finding true treasure in heaven. This is a call to evaluate our priorities and what we hold dear.
Serving Others
Jesus flips the idea of greatness on its head, teaching us that true leadership is found in service. He serves as the ultimate example, showing us that to lead is to serve others selflessly. When we seek to help those around us, we embody his teachings.
If you're looking for a community that embodies these values, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Connecting with others can enrich your faith journey and provide support as you navigate life's challenges.
Coming Up Next: Mark 11
As we step into Mark 11, get ready for a dramatic turn as Jesus enters Jerusalem, setting the stage for pivotal events that will change everything. Join us for the next part of this incredible journey.