Talk:The Gospel of Mark/Chapter 10

In verses 1-12 we find the original role of man and wife that was formed by God. The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus with their question, “is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” They did not see marriage as spiritual, they saw it as a legal matter. Divorce is not something that is God wants. Once you are married, you become one person with your spouse. Adultery is committed if a divorced man or woman remarries. The idea that God brings two people, a man and a woman, together for marriage is powerful. Verse 9: “Therefore what God has brought together, let not man separate.” God wants people to consider their marriage as a permanent thing, not to be easily ended and with an option to get out of it. Verses 13-16 emphasize the importance of children. Children were brought to Jesus and He did not want the children to be forbidden to see Him. Jesus wants to spend time with the people who need him the most. God’s compassion for children is shown through these three verses. God uses the children to show others how to receive the kingdom of God. Verse 15: “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Children love unconditionally and rely on faith alone. Children are more trusting than adults. Children will believe if they trust and feel secure. Adults should use this as a guide to enter the kingdom. Verses 17-23 is the story of the rich young man. The man asked Jesus what he could do to inherit the kingdom because he had kept the commandments. The man did not realize that he was not keeping the first one. He was rich and his wealth was keeping him from God. Jesus asked him to sell everything and join Him, but he could not. For this man, money was more important. God gives us challenges in life because he has a true and deep love for us. He showed love for this man despite the fact that he would not follow him. In verse 23 Jesus had said that it was difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom. This is hard because the rich already have their basic needs met. They rely on themselves to provide what their physical bodies need. But what they truly need, eternal life, cannot be bought. This is why Jesus asked the rich man to sell everything and follow Him Verses 24-27 bring up a common misconception. Many people believe that good wealth is brought on by faith and that God rewards those who are faithful with material things. However, prosperity is not an indication of biasness from God. The disciples were amazed and confused by Jesus’ answer and asked who can be saved. Jesus answered, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Verses 29 and 30 emphasize the reward that will be given for giving up something of value for His sake. Jesus explains that anyone who gives something valuable up for the Him and he gospel will receive a hundred times as much in this life, and eternal life. Verse 31: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” This explains that in heaven, importance and values will be reversed. Those who look for rank and significance will have none.