Sermon Tone Analysis

*“Cost of Aspirations”*

*Mark 10.13-31*

We are covering verses 13-31 of Mark 10 this morning.

Please turn there if you haven’t already.

We are coming off the heels of Jesus’ teaching regarding temptations to sin in chapter 9 and his teaching to restore a biblical view of marriage, divorce and remarriage at the beginning of chapter 10.

Perhaps you have seen (as I have) that when you are immersed on secular culture, the claims of Scripture appear to be radical.

And indeed the call to follow after Christ is certainly radical.

That is why an honest look at the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus do not allow a casual application of them.

You’re either “all in” or not at all it would seem.

And yet there are those who would think that we can mix bits of several religions or philosophies that also include a little Jesus.

To this point, and in our passage, we see that he demands all exclusively.

There can be no competing allegiances to him.

Everything else is idolatry.

So I believe that it is accurate to conclude that the call to follow Christ is one which translates into radical life change.

It is a life characterized by its distinctness from secular culture.

This doesn’t mean we dress in camel skin like John the Baptist or Elijah and eat locusts.

It means that the change in our hearts reveals itself in our decisions, priorities, and commitments.

Our plans no longer revolve around getting smashed on the weekend, pursuing fame or notoriety, or accumulating great wealth.

“We” are no longer at the center of our lives.

But “He” is.

Whether you believe in Jesus or not, this study in Mark’s Gospel pertains to everyone.

One of the things people discuss is the nature of preaching.

Is preaching for the believer or the unbeliever?

The conclusion is that if it’s about Jesus, it’s for everyone!

The Christian can continue to examine his heart and see if his life reflects the call of Jesus to discipleship.

The unbeliever can hear the exhortation of Jesus to repent and believe because the kingdom of God has come near!

I think the text this morning also has some very relevant material for both the Christian and the one who still needs to comprehend the call to follow Jesus.

Let’s read the passage as we get underway.

And so we begin with a passage on children coming to Jesus.

It is possible that Mark includes this section following the section on divorce because children often are affected in these cases.

I think that there is more of a connection with the previous chapter where the disciples were discussing who the greatest were in the kingdom.

And then Jesus references the receiving of children.

The first point of the sermon is “*Gatekeeping.”**

*If we see a close connection between the accounts found in Mark 9.33-37 and 38-41, I believe we conclude that the disciples were beginning to think a little too highly of themselves.

They were already trying to stop people from ministering in Jesus name.

To which Jesus taught them a lesson in partnership for Him.

But it wouldn’t be hard to see, right?

If you put yourself in their sandals, you could certainly get caught up in all the hype.

After all, you have been summoned by Jesus to be among his closest friends.

You have witnessed his authoritative teaching, the miracles on multitudes and individuals, the casting out of demons and the challenge of the religious elite.

And yet you forget that you did nothing to deserve your current position.

But this doesn’t happen with Christians today.

The disciples perhaps extended their role to bodyguards of Jesus.

You can almost see Peter with the earpiece.

It’s almost like your rubbing shoulders with the Prime Minister or the President and you’re becoming accustomed to creating space for Jesus and protecting him.

They were constantly bombarded with crowds imposing upon Jesus and the Pharisees challenging and children.

Those pesky children! “Can’t they see we are important people with important business!”

And here we are this morning.

In these times, the children were without status.

They were not viewed very highly.

And here it seems the parents were bringing their small children to Jesus so that he might touch and bless them.

And the disciples rebuked the parents and hindered the children from coming to Jesus!

And Jesus let them have it!

In fact, he was indignant!

The disciples probably thought they were doing him a favor by protecting him so that he could do “real ministry.”

I’m afraid this sometimes happens in the contemporary church as well.

I know that I am thankful that we have many here that consider the children here important enough to teach them biblical truth.

We do not view children’s ministry as inferior to adult teaching.

And so Jesus lays into the disciples.

He orders them to let the children come and warns them against hindering them anymore.

And then he adds this curious remark, “for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

What does he mean by this?

Does Jesus mean that only children inherit the kingdom of God? No.

I think that he means that they have their rightful share in it.

Remember, this would have been a radical understanding given their “non-status” in their culture.

To even children belongs the kingdom of God.

And then Jesus says, “truly, I say to you.”

This is a way for Jesus to indicate, “Everybody listen up!

I am going to say something that demands your immediate attention!”

Jesus uses this introduction in statements such as John 3:3 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”  Mark 3:28 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter.”

The times that Jesus uses these statements is when he wants to seize an opportunity to communicate a significant spiritual truth.

It is in these times that he conveys promises or warnings about spiritual rewards and penalties.

And here Jesus uses it in a situation regarding children.

This is radical.

And here is the truth he wishes to communicate: “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

We will see that the terminology “kingdom of God” is the same as “eternal life” that we will come to in the next section.

And we would see the connection if we were to look back at Mark 9:45, 47 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.

It is better for you to */enter life/* lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.

47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out.

It is better for you to */enter the kingdom of God/* with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.”

So they are synonymous concepts.

And they refer to salvation.

Look below at verses 25 and 26. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person */to enter the kingdom of God/*.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be */saved/*?”

Why would Jesus say that whoever does not receive the kingdom like a child shall not enter it?

There are some who have said that that the kingdom of God requires the innocence and humility of children.

I considered this.

But then again, I have children.

And like me, they are as selfish and non-innocent as they come.

Humble, not really.

I don’t think this is what Jesus is aiming for.

I believe it is at least one and maybe both of the following.

As already mentioned, it could be coming to Jesus with no status.

Often times people come to him with their credentials, either positionally or morally, and think that this can at least contribute to their salvation.

“I’ve served as a deacon in the church for many years.”

“I’ve given thousands to charity or the church.”

“I am a good person.”

Remember, Jesus has just indicated that “if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Come with no earthly status.

To come as a child indicates the trust that a child has.

Think of how a child trusts adults.