Mark 10

Jesus' Teaching about Divorce

1 1Getting up, He went from there to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds gathered around Him again, and, 2according to His custom, He once more began to teach them.
2 Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife.
3 And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?"
4 They said, "3Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY."
5 But Jesus said to them, "4Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
6 "But 5from the beginning of creation, God 6MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE.
7 "7FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER,
8 8AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME * ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh.
9 "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."
10 In the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again.
11 And He said to them, "9Whoever * divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her;
12 and 10if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery."

Jesus Blesses Little Children

13 11And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.
14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; 12for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
15 "Truly I say to you, 13whoever * does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."
16 And He 14took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

The Rich Young Ruler

17 15As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and 16knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to 17inherit eternal life?"
18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.
19 "You know the commandments, '18DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.' "
20 And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept 19all these things from my youth up."
21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have 20treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "21How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"
24 The disciples 22were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
25 "23It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, "Then who can be saved?"
27 Looking at them, Jesus said, "24With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."
28 25Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You."
29 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, 26there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake,
30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in 27the age to come, eternal life.
31 "But 28many who are first will be last, and the last, first."

Jesus' Sufferings Foretold

32 29They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they 30were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him,
33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and 31the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles.
34 "They will mock Him and 32spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again."
35 33James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever * we ask of You."
36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
37 They said to Him, "Grant that we 34may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory."
38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able 35to drink the cup that I drink, or 36to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"
39 They said to Him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink 37you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.
40 "But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; 38but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."
41 39Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John.
42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.
43 "But it is not this way among you, 40but whoever * wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;
44 and whoever * wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.
45 "For even the Son of Man 41did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

46 42Then they came to Jericho. And 43as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus the 44Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, 45Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, "46Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49 And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him here." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "47Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you."
50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
51 And answering him, Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And the blind man said to Him, "48Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!"
52 And Jesus said to him, "Go; 49your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

Mark 10 Commentary

Chapter 10

The Pharisees' question concerning divorce. (1-12) Christ's love to little children. (13-16) Christ's discourse with the rich young man. (17-22) The hinderance of riches. (23-31) Christ foretells his sufferings. (32-45) Bartimeus healed. (46-52)

Verses 1-12 Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant practice. He here shows that the reason why Moses' law allowed divorce, was such that they ought not to use the permission; it was only for the hardness of their hearts. God himself joined man and wife together; he has fitted them to be comforts and helps for each other. The bond which God has tied, is not to be lightly untied. Let those who are for putting away their wives consider what would become of themselves, if God should deal with them in like manner.

Verses 13-16 Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ, that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their parents, nurses, and teachers.

Verses 17-22 This young ruler showed great earnestness. He asked what he should do now, that he might be happy for ever. Most ask for good to be had in this world; any good, ( Psalms 4:6 ) ; he asks for good to be done in this world, in order to enjoy the greatest good in the other world. Christ encouraged this address by assisting his faith, and by directing his practice. But here is a sorrowful parting between Jesus and this young man. He asks Christ what he shall do more than he has done, to obtain eternal life; and Christ puts it to him, whether he has indeed that firm belief of, and that high value for eternal life which he seems to have. Is he willing to bear a present cross, in expectation of future crown? The young man was sorry he could not be a follower of Christ upon easier terms; that he could not lay hold on eternal life, and keep hold of his worldly possessions too. He went away grieved. See ( Matthew 6:24 ) , Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Verses 23-31 Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.

Verses 32-45 Christ's going on with his undertaking for the salvation of mankind, was, is, and will be, the wonder of all his disciples. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the eyes of Christ's own disciples have many times been dazzled. Our care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to suffer with him; and we may trust him to provide what the degrees of our glory shall be. Christ shows them that dominion was generally abused in the world. If Jesus would gratify all our desires, it would soon appear that we desire fame or authority, and are unwilling to taste of his cup, or to have his baptism; and should often be ruined by having our prayers answered. But he loves us, and will only give his people what is good for them.

Verses 46-52 Bartimeus had heard of Jesus and his miracles, and learning that he was passing by, hoped to recover his eyesight. In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should look to him as the promised Messiah. The gracious calls Christ gives us to come to him, encourage our hope, that if we come to him we shall have what we come for. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast away the garment of their own sufficiency, must free themselves from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, most easily besets them, ( Hebrews 12:1 ) . He begged that his eyes might be opened. It is very desirable to be able to earn our bread; and where God has given men limbs and senses, it is a shame, by foolishness and slothfulness, to make themselves, in effect, blind and lame. His eyes were opened. Thy faith has made thee whole: faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and power; not thy repeated words, but thy faith; Christ setting thy faith to work. Let sinners be exhorted to imitate blind Bartimeus. Where the gospel is preached, or the written words of truth circulated, Jesus is passing by, and this is the opportunity. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow him; that we may honour him, and receive instruction from him. Those who have spiritual eyesight, see that beauty in Christ which will draw them to run after him.

Cross References 49

  • 1. Mark 10:1-12: {Matthew 19:1-9}
  • 2. Mark 4:23">Matt Mark 4:23; Matthew 26:55; Mark 1:21; Mark 2:13; Mark 4:2; Mark 6:2, 6, 34; Mark 12:35; Mark 14:49
  • 3. Deuteronomy 24:1, 3; Matthew 5:31
  • 4. Matthew 19:8
  • 5. Mark 13:19; 2 Peter 3:4
  • 6. Genesis 1:27; Genesis 5:2
  • 7. Genesis 2:24
  • 8. Genesis 2:24
  • 9. Matthew 5:32
  • 10. 1 Corinthians 7:11, 13
  • 11. Mark 10:13-16: {Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17}
  • 12. Matthew 5:3
  • 13. Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:14; Luke 18:17; 1 Corinthians 14:20; 1 Peter 2:2
  • 14. Mark 9:36
  • 15. Mark 10:17-31: {Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30}
  • 16. Mark 1:40
  • 17. Matthew 25:34; Luke 10:25; Luke 18:18; Acts 20:32; Ephesians 1:18; 1 Peter 1:4
  • 18. Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20
  • 19. Matthew 19:20
  • 20. Matthew 6:20
  • 21. Matthew 19:23
  • 22. Mark 1:27
  • 23. Matthew 19:24
  • 24. Matthew 19:26
  • 25. Matthew 4:20-22
  • 26. Matthew 6:33; Matthew 19:29; Luke 18:29
  • 27. Matthew 12:32
  • 28. Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30
  • 29. Mark 10:32-34: {Matthew 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-33}
  • 30. Mark 1:27
  • 31. Mark 8:31; Mark 9:12
  • 32. Matthew 16:21; Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:30; Mark 9:31; Mark 14:65
  • 33. Mark 10:35-45: {Matthew 20:20-28}
  • 34. Matthew 19:28
  • 35. Matthew 20:22
  • 36. Luke 12:50
  • 37. Acts 12:2; Revelation 1:9
  • 38. Matthew 13:11
  • 39. Mark 10:42-45; Luke 22:25-27
  • 40. Matthew 20:26; Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:35; Luke 22:26
  • 41. Matthew 20:28
  • 42. Mark 10:46-52: {Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 18:35-43}
  • 43. Luke 18:35; Luke 19:1
  • 44. Mark 1:24
  • 45. Matthew 9:27
  • 46. Matthew 9:27
  • 47. Matthew 9:2
  • 48. Matthew 23:7; John 20:16
  • 49. Matthew 9:22

Footnotes 18

Mark 10 Commentaries

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