The Way - Day 101 (Mark 10)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Mark 10:1-31
Jesus comes to the region of Judea and He begins to teach the people who have gathered (10:1). Of course the Pharisees show up and try to get Jesus to say something which would render His ministry questionable. "The Pharisees came and asked Him, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?' testing Him" (10:3). Basically, the Pharisees were trying to get Jesus to say something contrary to their teachings on divorce. Some believed divorce was acceptable on any grounds while others believed it was permitted in the case of adultery. Jesus' answer to this question would alienate one group and ultimately make them upset with Jesus. In a way only Jesus can, He declares that God never intended for anyone to be divorced and only because of "the hardness of your heart he [Moses] wrote a certificate of divorce" (10:3-9). The Pharisees had misinterpreted the law given in Deuteronomy 24 to mean that as long as a certificate of divorce was offered, permission was granted and remarriage was appropriate. When the disciples return to the house, they continued to ask Jesus about His teaching on divorce and He further explained it to them (10:10-12). The Bible seems to indicate only two acceptable scenarios for divorce: adultery (Matthew 19:9) and when an unbelieving spouse leaves her believing partner (1 Corinthians 7:14-17).

While the disciples and Jesus are in this heavy discussion, people bring little children to see Jesus "that he might touch them;" however, the disciples "rebuked those who brought them" (10:13). My guess is that they were so involved in this discussion that they lost sight of what was really important - people. Jesus commands that the children be allowed to come to Him and He says, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it" (10:15). What was Jesus teaching here? He was saying that no one can be a part of His kingdom unless he comes in humility and dependence as a little child. Those who seek a relationship with God must admit their need and approach Him in humbleness. This teaching is perfectly illustrated in Jesus encounter with a rich young ruler. This man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (10:17). Jesus responds by listing six of the ten commandments that he must keep (10:18-19). The ruler arrogantly declares that he has kept all of these commandments (10:20). "The 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'" (10:22). The ruler was disappointed at Jesus' demands so he "went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (10:22). Ultimately, this man loved riches more than he loved God. Jesus was not teaching a works based salvation (keep the commandments, sell possessions), He was actually trying to expose the impossibility of attaining salvation through works. The disciples get very concerned and ask Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" The response of the disciples was correct and should have been the response of the rich young ruler. Jesus gave the disciples assurance that those who recognize their inability to attain salvation have the right heart attitude to receive it. Jesus declares, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible" (10:27). The teaching is very clear - man cannot receive redemption through his own works, but only through the sufficient work of Jesus.

Mark 10:32-52
After His encounter with the rich man, Jesus and His disciples continued their journey to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. I believe the disciples were confused because of Jesus' determination to get to Jerusalem where He would eventually die. Jesus had already instructed His disciples twice that He would soon be killed (Mark 8:31; 9:31). Mark writes that "Jesus was going before them" but the disciples "were afraid" (10:32). If Jesus would soon be put to death, what would this mean for them? They were afraid. Jesus took the twelve aside and for the last time told them that "the Son of Man will be betrayed...and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again" (10:33).

It seems like the disciples totally missed Jesus' teaching about humility and suffering because James and John asked Him for places of prominence in the future kingdom (10:35- 40). When the other disciples catch word of James and John's request they become angry (10:41). Jesus calls all of them to gather together and He begins to teach them about true leadership and prominence. He instructs them that leadership is not found in exercising authority over others, but rather in serving (10:42-44). Using Himself as an example, Jesus them that even He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (10:45). Many people in our world think importance is achieved through climbing the ladder of success; however, Jesus says a person takes on recognition when they choose to be a helper of others.

Following this teaching about servanthood, Jesus and His disciples are in Jericho, about 15 miles outside Jerusalem. Mark specifically mentions a blind man named Bartimaeus who is sitting by the city gate begging. Most people with physical problems became beggars and were outcasts in society. When the blind man heard Jesus was nearby, he began crying out for healing because he had probably been told about the miraculous works of Jesus (10:46- 47). Some people did not think this man was worthy of Jesus' time so they tried to silence his cries for help, but Jesus calls the blind man and restores his sight (10:48-52). Jesus evidenced true servanthood by taking time for a person whom others thought was insignificant. This should be a vivid example for us to follow. Every individual is important to god and we are called to serve them in love. Jesus was the perfect example in this and we should follow in His steps. Do not judge a person's worthiness to be served - serve everyone as you are a representative of Jesus Christ.

Dear God, help me to be a servant of all. May I see all people through Your eyes and serve them with a joyful heart.