Mark, Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten



Verses 1-12, divorce

In the perfect world there would be no marital conflicts. Has your world ever been rocked by divorce—yours or someone else’s?

Jesus pointed back to creation and God’s intentions for marriage instead of dwelling on man’s inadequacies. If you have time look up the original meaning of helpmeet, it just might define a part of marriage that is vital to its happiness and missions.

Verses 13-16, the little children and Jesus

Children delight in receiving gifts and kingdom entry is a gift. Compare your kingdom-receiving to a child accepting a gift.

Verses 17-31, the rich young ruler

Do you think Jesus’ teaching about riches meant that only the poor qualified to be in God’s kingdom? Here, was he dealing with gold, silver, possessions, or the heart?

Verses 32-34, Jesus again predicts his death

Again, Jesus brings up the subject of his suffering, death, and resurrection. Astonishment and fear are both mentioned here. Within the context of these verses, think through these differences in attitude and write down your thoughts.

Verses 35-45, the requests of James and John

A wide gap exists between James and John wanting to be first in the coming kingdom and Jesus being a servant on earth. Thinking on a scale of 1 to 10, James and John at 1 and Jesus at 10. Where are you? Do you want recognition with James and John or a life of service with Jesus?

Verses 46-52, blind Bartimaeus receives his sight

From this story, my favorite words are “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Name at least three exact things Bartimaeus did to get to Jesus.

Summary Thought: Jesus literally called them together (verse 42). His actions reflect his core message that his disciples then and now are to be known for having the mind of Christ and for serving one another (Ephesians 4:32).

Prayer Endings: In Jesus’ name, who calls us (vs. 49); In the name of Jesus, worth more than silver and gold (vs. 21)