Mark Lesson 11

Memory verses for this week: 2 Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Introduction: We continue with our study of Mark Chapter 10. In chapter 9, Jesus’ inner circle of close friends got to witness a great thing as Christ was transfigured before them there on the mountain. God told them to pay attention to Jesus and Jesus alone, who was His beloved Son. We studied about the need for faith for the disciples to administer healing, and about Christ’s upcoming death. We closed when the disciples in pride try to determine who will be most important in Christ’s kingdom. Jesus told them to be great meant to come as a servant.

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.

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.

Jesus comes to the coast of Judea and as had been the case in last few chapters, the great crowds gather around Him. He teaches them. This has always been a great need in people’s lives from the beginning of time. We all need to learn about the Word of God. As had become customary, the Pharisees show up and begin to tempt Christ by asking him if it was lawful for a man to put away his wife.

Mark 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

It is always important to notice that when questions arose, Jesus always responded with ‘thus saith the word of God’. So many times we want to use worldly knowledge to help people, and we find it is woefully lacking. To the Pharisees, Moses was sort of the highest authority on matters concerning the law. So Jesus asks them what did Moses say? They state that Moses allowed them to write a bill of divorcement.

Deu 24:1 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.

Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

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.

Jesus makes it clear that Moses allowed this precept of divorce due to the hardness of their heart. Moses never wrote that to encourage them to put away their wives, but he discouraged people from doing this. It never was, and never shall be, God’s plan for a man and a woman who have become one in marriage. Jesus declares to them that God is the one who joins the two together, and what God has joined, no man should put it asunder.

Actually, it was not Moses’ intention nor was it God’s intention for a man or a woman to get a divorce over some little picayunish excuse. However, in time, the religious rulers interpreted it so that the wife’s burning the biscuits would be grounds for divorce.

Now our Lord goes back to that which is fundamental, and this is important to see. He turns it from a discussion of divorce to a discussion of marriage. And today that is the area into which we should move. I have so many questions from people asking about the grounds for divorce. When they are ready to get married, they never talk to the preacher. They are not interested in finding out whether he would approve or not; their only question is whether he will marry them. That is all they are concerned about.

The important thing to see here is that our Lord is going to discuss marriage with them. Notice how He handles it. He gives the reason God permitted divorce. It was because of sin that God granted divorce under the Mosaic Law. [i]

Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

Jesus expounds upon his teachings on this subject later when the disciples come to him in the house later. Jesus tells them that for a man to put away his wife, and marry another, commits adultery against her. Same if a woman leaves her husband and marries another.

Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

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.

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.

Many of the people brought their children that they might come to Christ and touch him. The disciples rebuke them and request that they not bring the children. But the Lord had a great love for little children, and tells them to suffer the little children to come unto Him. This greatly displeased the Lord that they did not want to let these children come unto him. Jesus was the greatest Father any child could ever have, and he takes them up and blesses them. I heard about a church this past week that was about to split over a Sunday School teacher taking the stand that any child who had not accepted Christ and died, was sent to Hell. I understand people being up in arms about this, and someone teaching this should not be allowed to teach. Believe me, if anyone enters into heaven, it will be like those who are like these little children who trust and believe without doubting. Until a child comes to the age of accountability, if they die before that time, they will be with Christ in heaven. Verse such as these prove how much the Lord loves little children.

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?

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

This rich young ruler comes to Christ and does not seek material blessings but is seeking spiritual help. For this he should be commended. Jesus wants his focus to be directly on the Heavenly Father and to make him understand that only God gives eternal life. His question was what shall I do to inherit eternal life. I wish more people today were as concerned about their eternal destiny. Jesus points the man to the Word of God.

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.

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

Jesus quotes some of the commandments that we are to obey. This man claims that he has observed all of them from his youth. He apparently may have had too confidence in his flesh, since the scriptures are clear that none are without sin.

Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

The law is our schoolmaster to show us that we are guilty before God. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

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.

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

Note how that Jesus loved the young man there in verse 21. Jesus is not being unduly hard on him. He is simply pointing out that he has broken the very first commandment. He loved his money more than he loved God. All of the earthly possessions were more important to him that serving God.

Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

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!

Mark 10:24 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!

The Jews commonly looked on material prosperity as a sign of God’s favor. Jesus says it is harder for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

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.

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

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.

Usually men with great wealth are more concerned about making more money than being concerned about their eternal destiny. They don’t comprehend this teaching and say “Who then can be saved?” It may seem impossible in man’s eyes, but Jesus can save anyone who will come to Him with a repentant heart and faith.

Peter did not understand how any one could be saved, if such advantages as the Jews possessed in their relationship to God (and which were specially present in the case of this young man) only barred up the way to the kingdom of God. The Lord meets him upon this very ground; for man in the presence of God was now the question As far as man was concerned, it was impossible — a second profound truth — with respect to his condition. Not only was there none good excepting God, but no one could be saved, according to what man was. Whatever advantages he might have as means, they would avail him nothing in his state of sin. But the Lord introduces another source of hope

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

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.

Peter speaks and says that they have left all that they had to follow Jesus. Their “all” was truly not that much since they were humble fishermen. They gave up their occupation and their boat. Moses was a man who truly gave it all up to serve God. He could have been in line to become the next king and lived in a palace. Believe me… anything we give up for the Lord, we will be blessed many times over.

Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

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,

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:

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.

Jesus again teaches his disciples about his upcoming death. He even explains to them that it will happen at Jerusalem, and that He would be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes. He goes into detail how that he would be delivered to the Gentiles, be condemned to death, be mocked and scourged. And how that he would die and then rise again the third day. This was a hard thing for the disciples to comprehend.

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.

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.

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?

James and John had been two that witnessed Christ’s upcoming glory when He was transfigured before them. They come and ask that they be allowed to sit on each side of Christ in the upcoming kingdom. One on the right, and one on the left. Jesus tells them that they don’t realize what they are asking. So he questions them… “can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

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:

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.

Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

They claim that they could drink of the cup and be baptized like he was. Perhaps they could partake of the cup that Jesus gave them at the last supper, but they were far from being able to withstand what Jesus was about to go through. We know when it came down to it, in that final hour all of the disciples forsook the Lord. Christ assured them that they would share some of his sorrows. But to ask to sit one on the right and one on the left was more than He could give. The Heavenly Father will decide who sits on each side in that day. No one can know until that day, but it may be John and one who never walked with Christ on each side of Him in that day. Of course I am speaking of Paul due to his intense loyalty to the Lord and sufferings that he withstood for the cause of Christ. We know Judas Iscariot was lost from the beginning, and there will be twelve on thrones. It may be that Paul will be that last man since he was called the apostle unto the Gentiles. No one can truly know, but one day soon we will know… maybe sooner than we expect. The ten heard the request, and they are upset with James and John.

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.

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.

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.

The world does things much different than God. Jesus again teaches that if you want to be great, humble yourself and be a servant unto all. Jesus didn’t come to be ministered unto, but to minister. And he set the greatest example as He came and lived humbly, and died giving his ransom for mankind.

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.

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.

The blind man Bartimaeus was sitting beside the highway begging when the Lord comes outside of Jericho. When this blind man hears that it is Jesus, he cries out and asks for mercy. He may not could see Jesus, but he was wise in his heart and came to the right one for help. It is not with sight that we are saved, but with repentance and faith in the heart.

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.

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.

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.

Those around charge him to keep quiet. But the more they told him, the louder he shouted “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus stopped and calls for the man to come unto Him. Jesus asks what he would have him do? The blind man asks for his sight. Jesus answers him by giving Bartimaeus his sight. Because of his faith, he was made whole. No one but Jesus brought sight to those who were blind. Many today suffer from blindness of heart. They see with their physical eyes, but are spiritually blind to the truth of the Gospel. One day, every man and woman will acknowledge that Jesus is who He claimed to be.

Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness. Each act spreads, and many will be blessed.

[i]J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible commentary [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1981 by J. Vernon McGee.