Marriage
Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
Prov 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
Mark 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
The pharisee was out to discredit Jesus, he chose a topic of controversy, both then and now. The pharisee was to uphold the law; what did Moses command?
Mark 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
Moses allowed divorce because of your sinful hearts, but what did God say? From the beginning God ordained marriage.
Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
Male and female, not the abomination of same sex marriage, God ordained that a man and woman should become one flesh.
Mark 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
Mark 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
To cleave is as to be glued together, and they are to leave father and mother and become one flesh. The bond of husband and wife is greater than a child and parent. Not only are they to become one flesh, but also one heart and mind. This is why we must marry a believer.
2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Mark 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
It is ordained of God, no man shall put this institution of God away, nor shall mankind promote separation and divorce. These are evil worldly views.
Adultery
Mark 10:10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
About divorce.
Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
Pretty simple answer.
Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Is there no offense that is not legal grounds for divorce?
Mat 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
fornication: adultery denotes one "who has unlawful intercourse with the spouse of another," A man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse, a fornicator, from the Greek word: pornos Indulging in lusts as from pornography, unclean behavior.
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
1 Pet 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Pet 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
A Christian has the Holy Spirit within, to keep him or her from adultery. We do not follow the ungodly ways of the world.
Seek forgiveness and the grace of Jesus and sin no more.
Bless the Children
Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
It is the responsability of the parents to bring their children to Jesus. Children are entrusted to parents to train them up in the way that they should go.
Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proud liberal parents often say, let the child choose their path when they are older. These are foolish and rebellious parents. For soon the world gets to the children, they learn the behavior of the world and do not seek the things of God. They have cursed their children as themselves.
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Children love Jesus and Jesus loves them. As children are, we should be: simple, trusting, sincere. For sure children will follow someone, so bring them early to the feet of Jesus.
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mark 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Blessing and cursing is in the hands of the parents.
Exo 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Exo 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Bring the children to Jesus, he breaks curses and blesses the children.
Why call me good?
Mark 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Two things here...the man expected an answer from Jesus who he called good master, or good teacher. Jesus is more than a teacher, he is God the Son, but did this man know this?
Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Why do you call me good? Who do you think I am? there is none good but one, that is God. Many unbelievers point to this verse and say...see, Jesus wasn't God. This verse does not say this, it is a test of the man's faith in who Jesus is. No man can come to the Son unless the Father reveals him, and no man can come to the Father without knowing that Jesus is Lord.
Another man was asked who Jesus was.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Where are the unbelievers regarding this verse? He knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. And, Jesus is one with God.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
The man who called Jesus good master, was trusting in his own good works and the law. No man can keep the laws, only Jesus did. Where are the critics when they face God without believing in Jesus? They are cast into the Lake of fire.
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Treasure in Heaven
Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
The young man wanted to know how to be saved. Jesus answers with what most Jews thought was their way to the kingdom of God. Have you done all these things? Have you Kept the commandments?
Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
He thought that he was saved by keeping all the law. In his own eyes he thought he had, but God sees with perfect eyes, unclouded by sin.
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
He put his finger on the one sin that the man had that he did not want to give up, trusting in riches, covetousness. Jesus then told him the way: deny yourself and follow Jesus. Take up your cross, put your sins and self will to death, and follow and obey Jesus.
Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
He could not go past the first requirement, he could not keep the law and could not give up his trust in his own riches. He could not go any further. The law could never be kept, but following Jesus in faith, that we should be able to do.
Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
We can't trust in riches and also Jesus. We must give up one for the other. If we choose Jesus he adds all we need to our account. Often a Christian will equate wealth with God's favor. The young rich man did this. He was unwilling to choose between his own riches and Jesus. He would not give up his treasure on earth and start a treasure in heaven.
Prov 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Do we have sins that keep us from trusting completely in Jesus? We give them up and follow him.
At ease in Zion
Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words.
They were astonished, amazed and frightened with his words. When we see what God thinks of our sin, it should frighten us. Why is wealth a sin? Remember, Jesus said give it to the poor and follow me. Wealth for this one was to be given away, for he had placed too much of his heart in his wealth and not enough in following his "good teacher." Jesus was not Lord of his life.
1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Well, this applies only to those who love money? Does anyone claim to hate money? Are we all ready to give it away if Jesus asks us to? He must be Lord, in him we give our trust, not in money or insurance, these may fail but Jesus never fails, he is with us forever.
Mark 10:24 But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Some have taught that the eye of the needle was a narrow gate in Jerusalem. There is no such gate. The needle is to be taken literally. An impossibility with man to love riches and also enter heaven.
Mark 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
Now they were really concerned, amazed and fearful. What is our reaction to this? What about all the prosperity teaching?
Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Trust in God through Jesus, give all to him. For as you give to him he gives to you more of what you need.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
If money is a problem with you, he will meet your needs and give you grace to follow him. If money is given willingly to God's needs, he will increase this as well. Wealth is not so we can lay around at ease. All is to be for the glory of God.
Amos 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust (in other things.)
Last shall be first
Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
The rich young man left Jesus when he was told to give his riches to the poor, and to follow Jesus. Peter, who saw Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, speaks up that he and the other eleven had given up all and have followed him. All but Judas Iscariot who coveted money. It would be Judas' love of money that would cause him to betray the Lord.
Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
You can't outgive the Lord. If we leave family, we will receive many more in their place. There will be no lack of houses to receive you. Also persecutions; to follow Jesus identifies us with the one the world hated and rejected, for no reason of his own, it was their sins.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
It will be worth it to leave all things for Jesus and to receive persecutions with the new family of saints. The reward is eternal life in the kingdom to come.
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Mark 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Prominence in the world of church does not make one necessarily above a humble prayer person. God looks upon the heart and some who receive him at the last minute shall receive as much as a long time servant. God rewards in his way as in the parable of the laborers.
Mat 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Mat 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
If we are chosen we all benefit by the Lord's grace, not by our works but by his grace. If we are not truly his, we lose out. What is greater than following our Lord unto eternal life? Every good work for the Lord shall be rewarded.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Self centered honor seekers
Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
As the journeyed to Jerusalem, they were still amazed at the things Jesus had said regarding leaving all behind and following him, and that the rich hardily can enter into the kingdom of God. They had left all to follow him, so they were wondering just what rewards they would receive, what honor in the kingdom of God.
Jesus had something important to share, but it was not about them, but himself. Have you noticed that when we are not the center of attention we sometimes do not hear others when they speak of themselves? Jesus was about to enter Jerusalem and all the evil of the world would be placed on his body, he would carry our sins to the cross.
Mark 10:33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
Again he tells of this event, the purpose of him coming; to shed his blood for us.
Mark 10:34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
That should have placed his disciples in true amazement and shock, but they acted as if they did not hear him. They were thinking of their own honor. Lord spare us from ourselves and others whose purpose is to look good before others. Please, may we not be so self centered.
Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
They did not hear a word that he said, they were still seeking their own honor. We had better listen to God and the Word of Jesus.
Mark 10:36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
Mark 10:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
Do we hear the gospel message? Do we share it with others? Or are we only seeking our own honor and our own importance?
Glory to the Lamb
Mark 10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
What was this cup? An expression we might use would be, can we walk in his shoes?
Jesus was to suffer accusations, be beaten, spit upon, whipped, body torn, nailed to a cross, every joint disconnected in agony, but the worst of all was that he who is God, pure and undefiled would take upon himself our sin and shame, even in the body of his flesh, his holy blood shed, and he would be separated for a short time from the Father who is separated from sin.
Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Imagine eternal God, being separated even for a moment from His glory. And yet, Jesus began His earthly ministry by putting away much of what he was of God. He lowered himself and took on the form of a man and became a servant.
Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Mark 10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
They would follow Jesus and be persecuted, yet their blood shed held no power, it was the blood of Jesus that has saved us from our sin.
Mark 10:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
Let God decide who will receive the most glory and honor. I believe that this is reserved for the Father and the Son.
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Greatest servant
Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
When they heard James and John requesting the places of honor in heaven, they were upset and perhaps jealous. But listen to what Jesus has to say.
Mark 10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
Picture the way of power and authority as you see it in the natural. Now let Jesus speak from the spiritual what he wants and expects from you.
Mark 10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Do not picture yourself as exalted and lifted up in self importance, this is what I require of you: to be great, be a servant of all. The chiefest, shall be servant of all. I see this as God's turning our ways upside down. We are to seek to serve. When you find someone who is the least, with the greatest needs, we are to be his or her servant. What if someone serves satan? Are we to serve them and serve satan? No, we always serve God when we serve others. We are not to be put under bondage to any man. God is our Lord and master, we obey him and through service he is glorified. The word "minister." means servant. Are you a minister servant, or a reverend?
Psa 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
Reverend is a name reserved for God.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Do as the master and do not seek high sounding titles and authority over men.
John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Bartimaeus
Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
Blind Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, dependent on others sat by the highway as Jesus approached.
Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
He made himself heard.
Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
Others wanted him to be quiet, but others were not full of faith, nor were they blind and with one hope. He appealed to Jesus as a son of David and as a fellow Jew trusting in God's promises.
Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Jesus stood still at his cry. He hears the cries of his people of faith.
Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
He obeyed the voice of Jesus, rose, and came to him. Faith requires action when God speaks a command.
Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
He asked and received his sight, immediately; thy faith has made thee whole. Are you whole? Ask Jesus to provide your need, in faith believing, get his attention and be made well.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
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