Mark 10:17-52, Luke 19:1-28

Intro

Questions

Prayer

So before we get into Mark 10:17–52 and Luke 19:1–28, I want to connect these sections to what Jesus has been teaching leading up to this point.

Throughout this part of the gospel accounts, Jesus has repeatedly been teaching about discipleship, humility, sacrifice, and the kingdom of God. He has been showing people that following Him is not just about the hearing truth—it requires a changed heart and willingness to surrender everything to God.

In the earlier parts of Mark 10, Jesus taught about marriage, humility, and childlike faith. The disciples were still struggling with pride and misunderstanding what greatness in the kingdom truly looked like. Then in Luke 18, right before chapter 19, Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, healed a blind man near Jericho, and again warned about trusting in riches.

Now as we move into these sections, we are going to see how several different people respond to Jesus very differently. One man walks away sorrowful because he loved his possessions too much. James and John seek status and honor. Blind Bartimaeus cries out in persistent faith. Zacchaeus responds with repentance and change. And then Jesus gives a parable about accountability and readiness for the kingdom.

So the big theme we are going to keep seeing is this:

What are people willing - or unwilling - to give up in order to follow Jesus?

Before we begin, just a few

Questions to think about:

Why do people sometimes want eternal life, but not the sacrifice that comes with following Christ?

What are some things today that can compete with God for first place in our hearts?

Keep those thoughts in mind as we go through the text.

Mark 10:17–22

Mark 10:17–22 CSB

17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.” 20 He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

So this rich young ruler comes running to Jesus and asks an important question: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” At first this seems extremely promising. He is respectful, eager, and sincere. Jesus begins listing commandments, and the man confidently says he has kept these from his youth.

But then Jesus exposes the real issue: “One thing you lack.” He tells him to sell what he has, give to the poor, and follow Him. And the text says the man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions.

What does this interaction reveal about the man’s heart?

Outwardly he appeared obedient and moral, but inwardly his possessions had a stronger hold on him than God did.

Why do you think Jesus specifically targeted his wealth?

Wealth itself was not the issue. Jesus identified the thing this man loved more than God. That was the barrier keeping him from full surrender.

Is it possible for someone to look spiritually strong outwardly while still having something controlling their heart?

Yes. A person may appear faithful externally while still holding onto something they refuse to surrender to God.

Why do you think the man left sorrowful instead of joyful?

Because he wanted eternal life, but he did not want to give up what stood in the way.

Lets bring this into application:

What are some modern things people struggle to surrender to God?

Money, careers, relationships, entertainment, pride, popularity, comfort, sports, personal goals, or even control over their own lives.

When can good things become spiritual dangers?

When they are prioritized over God. Anything we prioritize above God becomes spiritually dangerous, even if it is not sinful in itself.

Mark 10:23–31

Mark 10:23–31 CSB

23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were astonished at his words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 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 They were even more astonished, saying to one another, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to tell him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times more, now at this time—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

After the man leaves, Jesus says how difficult it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples are astonished because wealth was often viewed as a sign of blessing. Jesus explains that salvation is impossible with men, but not with God.

Peter then says, “We have left all and followed You.” Jesus assures them that sacrifices made for Him will not go unnoticed.

Why did the disciples seem shocked by Jesus’ teaching about riches?

Many people assumed wealth meant God’s favor, so hearing that riches could become a hindrance was surprising.

Why are riches dangerous?

Because they can create self-sufficiency, distraction, pride, and attachment to temporary things.

What does Jesus mean when He says “with men it is impossible, but not with God”?

Salvation cannot be earned through human effort or status. Only God can truly save.

Do people today place their security more in money than in God?

Yes. Many trust financial stability more than spiritual faithfulness.

Mark 10:32–45

Mark 10:32–45 CSB

32 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were astonished, but those who followed him were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them the things that would happen to him. 33 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 and they will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him, and he will rise after three days.” 35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask you.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked them. 37 They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We are able,” they told him. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. 40 But to sit at my right or left is not mine to give; instead, it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 43 But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

As they continue toward Jerusalem, Jesus again predicts His death and resurrection. But immediately afterward, James and John ask for positions of honor in His kingdom.

Even after hearing about suffering and sacrifice, what are they focused on?

Status, recognition, and greatness.

What does this show about their understanding at that moment?

They still viewed the kingdom in earthly terms and misunderstood true greatness.

Jesus responds by teaching that greatness in His kingdom comes through service, not power. He says the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Why is servant leadership so different from worldly leadership?

The world often focuses on authority, recognition, and power, while Jesus teaches humility, sacrifice, and serving others.

Does pride still affect believers today?

Yes. People may seek recognition, importance, or praise even while serving spiritually.

What does true greatness look like according to Jesus?

Humble service and willingness to put others before ourselves.

Mark 10:46–52

Mark 10:46–52 CSB

46 They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus (the son of Timaeus), a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many warned him to keep quiet, but he was crying out all the more, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up; he’s calling for you.” 50 He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Rabboni,” the blind man said to him, “I want to see.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has saved you.” Immediately he could see and began to follow Jesus on the road.

Now Jesus encounters blind Bartimaeus sitting by the roadside begging. When he hears Jesus is passing by, he cries out repeatedly: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The crowd tries to silence him, but he cries out even more. Jesus calls for him, and Bartimaeus throws aside his garment, comes to Jesus, and receives his sight because of his faith.

What stands to you out about Bartimaeus’ faith?

He was persistent, humble, and confident that Jesus could help him.

Why do you think the crowd tried to silence him?

They may have viewed him as unimportant or annoying, but Bartimaeus refused to let others stop him from reaching Jesus.

What can we learn from his persistence?

Faith continues seeking Jesus despite obstacles or discouragement.

Why is it significant that Bartimaeus immediately followed Jesus afterward?

His healing led to discipleship. He did not simply want the blessing—he wanted to follow Christ.

Now lets move into Luke 19.

Luke 19:1–10

Luke 19:1–10 CSB

1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. 4 So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” 6 So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. 7 All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” 9 “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

Jesus enters Jericho and meets Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who was wealthy and disliked by many people. Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree just to see Jesus, and Jesus calls him down and chooses to stay at his house.

The crowd complains because Zacchaeus is considered a sinner. But Zacchaeus responds with repentance, offering to give half his goods to the poor and restore fourfold anything taken dishonestly. Jesus then says salvation has come to his house.

What stands out to you about Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus?

His response involved genuine change, repentance, and action—not just words.

Why do you think the crowd reacted negatively?

They focused on Zacchaeus’ sinful reputation and did not think someone like him deserved mercy.

What does this account teach us about repentance?

True repentance produces visible change in attitudes and behavior.

How is Zacchaeus different from the rich young ruler?

Both were wealthy, but Zacchaeus was willing to change and let go of his attachment to wealth, while the rich young ruler was not.

Can someone’s past put them beyond God’s grace?

No. Jesus specifically says He came to seek and save the lost.

Luke 19:11–28

Luke 19:11–28 CSB

11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem, and they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear right away. 12 Therefore he said, “A nobleman traveled to a far country to receive for himself authority to be king and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants, gave them ten minas, and told them, ‘Engage in business until I come back.’ 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us.’ 15 “At his return, having received the authority to be king, he summoned those servants he had given the money to, so that he could find out how much they had made in business. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten more minas.’ 17 “ ‘Well done, good servant!’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 “So he said to him, ‘You will be over five towns.’ 20 “And another came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina. I have kept it safe in a cloth 21 because I was afraid of you since you’re a harsh man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’ 22 “He told him, ‘I will condemn you by what you have said, you evil servant! If you knew I was a harsh man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow, 23 why, then, didn’t you put my money in the bank? And when I returned, I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 So he said to those standing there, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’ 26 “ ‘I tell you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away. 27 But bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughter them in my presence.’ ” 28 When he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

Jesus now gives the parable of the minas because people expected the kingdom to appear immediately. In the parable, a nobleman goes away to receive a kingdom and leaves servants with money to manage until he returns. Some servants use what they are given faithfully, while another hides his mina out of fear.

When the nobleman returns, the servants are judged based on what they did with what they were entrusted.

What is the main lesson of this parable?

God expects faithfulness, responsibility, and readiness while we wait for His return.

Why was the servant who hid the mina condemned?

He failed to use what he had been given. Fear and inaction led to unfaithfulness.

What are some things God has entrusted to us today?

Time, abilities, opportunities, knowledge of Scripture, resources, and influence.

Can someone become spiritually passive while still thinking they are safe?

Yes. A person may avoid obvious rebellion while still failing to actively serve and grow spiritually.

Why is accountability such an important part of this parable?

Because one day everyone will answer to God for how they responded to what He gave them.

Conclusion

Throughout these sections we see several completely different responses to Jesus.

The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but would not surrender everything.

James and John sought greatness for themselves.

Bartimaeus cried out in faith and followed Jesus.

Zacchaeus responded with repentance and change.

The servants in the parable were judged by faithfulness and readiness.

So the central question becomes:

How am I responding to Jesus?

Personal reflection questions to think about:

Is there anything in my life I am unwilling to surrender to God?

Am I seeking recognition, or am I focused on serving?

Do I pursue Jesus with the persistence of Bartimaeus?

Has my faith produced visible repentance and change like Zacchaeus?

Am I faithfully using what God has entrusted to me?