Mark 10:17-33

Review

Teaching About Divorce

Mark 10:1–12 KJV

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. 2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? 4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. 5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. 11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

The Pharisees came to test Jesus again. This time about divorce. The last time we heard about divorce it was in Mark 6:18 “18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” and Herod had put john the Baptist in prison eventually leading to his death. The Pharisees probably intended to try to tie Jesus to the same pronouncement to try to show again he was against the law.

He responds by asking what Moses commanded.

Their response came from Deuteronomy 24:1–4 “1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. 3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

It doesn’t command or even permit divorce. It only presupposes a divorce had taken place and gives the prescriptions for what would happen to the man and/or woman after. Jesus had turned it around on them and now would point out Moses God was making a concession because divorce occurs when people rebel against the will of God in their behavior, and that’s what Moses was referring to when he mentioned certificates of divorce. Not that God wanted it but the opposite.

God hated divorce (Malachi 2:16 “16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away (divorce): for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”) but rather than just striking a person down in judgement He was showing them mercy.

Jesus tells them from creation and before the fall there was no part of God’s will that wanted divorce because it was breaking the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman and God that was the foundation of the family though which mankind was to take dominion of the world.

Jesus then clarifies for the disciples the same thing he told the pharisees. God hated divorce and anyone that did it but also anyone involved with remarriage was committing adultery.

Jesus is a hardliner against divorce. Divorce damages everyone involved, not only the men and women, but also children and extended families and in fact even community and culture.

Honestly, I have left the “Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest presidents America has had” camp because he was largely responsible for legalizing no-fault divorce.

Before the introduction of no-fault divorce, obtaining a divorce required one party to prove that the other was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage, such as through adultery, abuse, or abandonment. No-fault allowed for “irreconcilable differences”

Governor of California which was the first state to sign it into law and later regretted it but Reagan signing of the no-fault divorce law is often seen as a pivotal moment in American legal history, signaling a shift towards a more modern understanding of marriage and divorce. Despite his later regrets, this action contributed significantly to reshaping the legal landscape of family law in the United States.

God does still show mercy again though to those who are victims of divorce

There are a few “exception clauses”

Matthew 5:32 “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.”

Matthew 19:9 “9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

In both passages, divorce and remarriage seem to be allowed in the circumstance covered by the exception clause, whatever that is interpreted to be. It is important to note that only the innocent party is allowed to remarry. Although not stated in the text, it would seem the allowance for remarriage after divorce is God’s mercy for the one who was sinned against, not for the one who committed the sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 7:15 “15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”

The text is clear that, if an unbelieving spouse leaves a believer, the believer is free to accept the separation and move on with life. He or she is “not bound,” indicating full liberty.

Jesus Blesses Little Children

Mark 10:13–16 KJV

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 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. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Jesus isn’t saying children have virtues that qualify them for the kingdom of God. He points to children as example of those who enter into and belong to the kingdom of God. Kids don’t have social status and social significance. They don’t have anything unless others give it to them.

Only those belong to the kingdom of God who are willing to receive God’s mercy passively, by grace, and actively, through faith.

The Rich Young Ruler

Mark 10:17–31 KJV

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? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 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. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 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. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. 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! 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. 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. 28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 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, 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. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Mark 10:17 “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?”

Mark 10:18–19 “18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 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.”

Jesus wasn’t denying he was either good or God

He calls into question the man’s definition of good. It’s not who you are or how famous you are that makes a person “good”.

Jesus points out to him for those that keep the commandments there is eternal life. Matthew 19:17 “17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

In telling the young man to keep the commandments, Jesus was not saying that he could be saved by obeying the commandments; rather, Jesus was emphasizing the Law as God’s perfect standard.

Mark 10:20 “20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.”

I think of Jesus speaking to the lawyer about keeping the commandments : Luke 10:28–29 “28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?”

Mark 10:21 “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.”

We see the compassion Jesus has even for those in error.

Jesus could have called him a liar, no one has even kept the second table of the Law perfectly probably in the last 24 hours let alone from when he was a child Psalm 14:2–3 “2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Mark 10:22 “22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”

The bible tells us what Jesus knew as he spoke to the man

the man’s idol was his possessions

We are not immune to idolatry if we are saved. Idolatry isn’t just worshiping something as if it were God. It’s also giving more devotion (money, time, or attention) to anything or anyone than you do God.

“The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” -Calvin

1 John 5:21 “21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

How many have we witnessed to and seen they were close to laying everything aside and coming to Jesus and them walking away at the end.

Mark 10:23–25 “23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. 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! 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.”

Jesus is not saying wealth is sin.

You often hear people say “money is the root of all evil” this is a common misquoting of scripture

1 Timothy 6:10 “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.”

meaning it’s the love of money that leads to all sorts of evils that some chased and erred from the faith causing them many sorrows

Some trust in money instead of God, this makes it impossible to come to Jesus as a little child

Jesus is using a version of an old rabbinic saying to illustrate that no one can trust their money (or works or other people) more than Jesus and get to heaven

Mark 10:26 “26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?”

The disciples see the picture Jesus is painting

Mark 10:27 “27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

Only God can crush the idols in a persons heart and give them new life and a desire to seek Him

Ezekiel 36:25–26 “25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”

Mark 10:28 “28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.”

Peter being Peter. “we did what you told him, what do we get?”

Mark 10:29–31 “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, 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. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.”

Jesus tells him you will get 100 fold. Not literally, I can’t think of one missionary for Christ that ended up on the list of wealthiest people in the world

Jesus is talking about the church and the family of God we are adopted into that will provide

Jesus also warns them and us to whom much is given, much is required. Persecutions will also come

Finally Jesus warns them not to get proud of themselves. There will be many poor in hell and rich in heaven. God does not give resources to all people equally but He does require the same thing from all humanity. To come to Him by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ to be saved

Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Mark 10:32–34 KJV

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, 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: 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.

This is the third passion and Resurrection prediction by Jesus in Mark and the most detailed of the three

describes what will happen once they reach Jerusalem

The arrival in Jerusalem will be a few days before the Passover festival. Jesus and the disciples would have been part of a large crowd of pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem.

delivered to the scribes is Judas betrayal as part of God’s ordained plan

scribes will condemn Him to death - Jewish trial

delivered to the gentiles they will mock, scourge, spit upon, and kill him - Roman trial

Jesus perfectly prophesies the events leading to His death but…”He shall rise again”!

Conclusion

From the beginning of Chapter 10 Mark has shown us examples that God will provide for women by prohibiting divorce, for children by showing that no matter how insignificant they may seem, God provides for them and all who come to Jesus with the faith of the helpless and needy.

We see that though it’s harder for those with wealth to come to Jesus with that same attitude, by God’s grace, it is possible.

Jesus then predicts his death and resurrection for the 3rd and final time in Mark.

The two remaining passages of chapter 10 are about James and John asking Jesus to sit at his right and left hand or for positions of authority Mark 10:35-45 and Jesus restoring the sight of blind Bartimaeus Mark 10:46-52.

Peter's claim they had left everything and followed Jesus (in a sense asking what they get) leads James and John to ask Jesus to settle the argument the disciples had been having back in chapter 9 about which disciple was greatest.

Jesus answers them by explaining to them that they have no clue of what they are asking when they want to sit beside him. He responds to their request by asking them if they can drink from His cup of judgement and they ignorantly say yes ignoring the three times Jesus told them He was going to die, and anyway it was up to god the Father to decide who sat in places of honor.

It’s Jesus response to this that teaches us about what it means to lead. That to lead well we have to serve those we lead

Mark 10:43–44 “43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”

More important than this lesson on servant leadership, is Jesus giving the fullest statement of the purpose of His death we see in Mark to show us the ultimate service He gives

Mark 10:45 “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.”

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Romans 5:8 “8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Romans 5:1 “1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”