Mark 10 - Introduction

Jesus Taught With Power

Mark Ten

Mark ten provides us with a look at some of the things that Jesus said and did as He reached the end of His personal ministry. As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem He spoke of marriage and of little children. Marriage is a contract between a man and a woman, not between two men or two women. I care not how many states pass laws to say men may marry men God still says it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22) Marriage is so sacred that it is a lifetime commitment. Divorce is not allowed for trivial causes. (Mark 10:6-9) Divorce and remarriage for any cause except for fornication violates God's law. Jesus is not only concerned about marriage He is also concerned about little children. (Mark 10:16) Jesus said of children, "Of such is the kingdom of God."

A rich, young man "came running" to Jesus and "kneeled to him and asked" "what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" This man had many positive qualities. He had reverence for the Lord and he was concerned about spiritual matters. He had kept many of God's commandments, but it grieved the Lord that he would not obey His commandments. He loved his money more than he loved his soul.

Our Lord had clear knowledge of His coming suffering and death as a sin sacrifice. (Mark 10:33-34) Jesus went willingly to the cross to provide our salvation. Thank God that we have a Savior. Christ died for us and He expects us to live for Him.

James and John are so typical of the many. They desired first places in the kingdom for their own personal glory. They said they could drink of the cup Jesus drank of and be baptized with the baptism he was baptized with. They were thinking of the crown when they should have been focused on the cross that they should bear. Jesus said, But "...Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." (Mark 10:43-44) Servants leave the world better, holier and happier than when they were born.

The chapter closes with Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. He cried to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me." This blind man saw Jesus through faith. Our attitude must be the same. "Though now we see Him not, yet believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." (1 Peter 1:8) He did not allow others to stop him. He just kept his focus on Jesus. Jesus said to him, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." Appreciation demanded that he follow Jesus in the way.