Mark Chapter 10

Discussion about Divorce and Marriage:
(Read: Mark 10:1-31)
Jesus Left Galilee and went to the region of Judea.  The Pharisees asked him questions about marriage and divorce, hoping to find fault with Jesus. Much like today, people had a liberal attitude toward divorce.  Jesus once again exposed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders.  He reminded the people of God's original plan for marriage (Mark 10:6-9).  God’s will is that a married couple stays together until death. Perhaps one the greatest deterrent for divorce is to see how much God hates divorce. To know more, read Matthew 19:1-9.  Some parents brought their children to Jesus. When the disciples wanted to stop them, Jesus said “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them.  For the Kingdom of God belongs to such children”. The children’s faith is simple and unwavering. Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them.  He extends his grace to all people including, those who are not highly valued in the society.  Jesus is not impressed with our intellectual or social status but with our willingness to surrender ourselves to him. A rich young ruler came to Jesus, knelt before Him and asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus said “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God".  Jesus challenged him to set his priorities right. Jews believed that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing. Jesus said to the rich man “You lack one thing; go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and follow me”.  Disheartened by this saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. The disciples were astonished and said, “Then who in the world can be saved?” Jesus said “With man it is impossible, but not with God. Everything is possible with God”.   God is looking for childlike faith. Our wealth or social status cannot save us. To know more read Matthew 19:16-30.  Jesus said "Those who have given up things to follow Christ will receive a hundredfold and eternal life. But many who are considered to be important now will be the least in the Kingdom of God.
 
The Importance of Serving Others:
(Read: Mark 10:32-52)
James and John asked Jesus a favor. “Grant us to sit one in your right hand and another in your left hand in glory”. Jesus said to them “You do not know what you ask. Can you drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” Instead of admitting their frailty they said, “We are able”. Jesus was referring to his death. The position in heaven is given not upon request, but for whom it is prepared for faithful service. Jesus said, “For even the son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.  Jesus paid the ransom to set us free from the slavery of Sin and Satan. Christ’s death was his ultimate act of sacrifice. The Christians should imitate Christ’s example by humbly surrendering to God’s will and to his purposes.  God is not seeking leaders but servants whom he could make leaders. When Jesus reached Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus shouted “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”.  People tried to silence Him, but he kept on calling Jesus louder.  Jesus saw his need and asked him “What do you want me to do for you? The blind man said, “Teacher I want to see”.  Jesus said to him “Go your way; your faith has made you well”.  Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus.  No matter who you are, Jesus offers his grace if you seek him in faith.  James and John requested glory, but Bartimaeus requested mercy. James and John had physical sight, but they were spiritually blind. God poured out mercy on the one who was blind but spiritually seeing. Those who seek mercy from God will receive it.