Mark 10
Summary.In this chapter, the Lord Jesus has once again prepared His disciples for what is to come. Although the disciples are unaware of the events that will unfold for both Him and themselves, the Lord begins to explain His impending suffering and tells them that He will rise again after three days. As the time of the Lord’s departure approaches, we can say something about the Lord’s traveling way. Even though the Lord knows full well that His departure time is coming, this does not stop Him from traveling. On each day, the Lord works and meets people, calling them to come to the kingdom of God. He always points people in the right direction. As we go further through the chapters of the Gospel, we will see the difficulties the Lord faces each day as He travels. Each day, the Lord knows that His time of departure draws near, but this does not make Him stop preaching and calling all those who belong to Him; the time is short, and the Lord has more work to do. That is why He never stopped traveling; He tried to bring the most that the Father has called, which is His work on earth. In this chapter, we can highlight four verses about the Lord’s travels. 1) In Mark 10:1, we learn that the Lord Jesus traveled to the region of Judea, beyond the Jordan River. There, crowds gathered to follow Him, and the Pharisees from that area approached Him to test Him with their questions. During this time, the Lord taught people about divorce, Moses’ law, and the Kingdom of God. 2) In Mark 10:17, we read that the Lord Jesus begins His journey when a man approaches Him and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” At this time, the Lord told all humans that those who love riches and wealth on earth will have a hard time entering the kingdom of God. Treasures on this earth are like a wall between faith and following the teaching of the Lord. You want to follow, but you have the wall, and when you want to cross over, the love of riches pulls you down. You can have money and things on this earth, but if you do not love them, you will find the way to go to heaven. The Lord does not teach believers to be poor, but not to put their love towards riches first. 3) In Mark 10:32, the Lord Jesus and His disciples are on the road going up to Jerusalem. Here, the Lord Jesus teaches His disciples again about His suffering. During this time, James and John come to Him with a request. The Lord uses this situation to teach the disciples to be servants of the Lord as He Himself came down on earth to serve all humans and “give His life as a ransom for many.” 4) Mark 10:46 states that the Lord Jesus and His disciples arrived in Jericho. As they were leaving, a large crowd followed them. The Lord Jesus stopped, showed compassion to a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, and healed him. Amen!
[1]
And having risen from there, He comes into the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; and multitudes come together to Him again; and, as He has been accustomed, He taught them again.
[2]
And having come to Him , the Pharisees inquired of Him , Is it lawful for a man to put away a wife? Testing Him .
[3]
And answering, He said to them, What did Moses command you?
[4]
And they said, Moses allowed to write a roll of divorce, and to put her away.
[5]
But Jesus said to them, Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
[6]
However, from the beginning of the creation, male and female He made them.
[7]
On account of this will a man leave his father and mother, and be cleaved to his wife;
[8]
and the two will be one flesh; therefore, they are no longer two, but one flesh.
[9]
What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
[10]
And in the house the disciples asked Him again concerning this.
[11]
And He says to them, Whoever shall put away his wife, and shall marry another, commits adultery against her;
[12]
and if she herself shall put away her husband, and should marry another, she commits adultery.
Comments Mark 10:1-12
For Mark 10:1-9 see Comments Matthew 19:1-9.
Comparison Analysis
Mark 10:1, Matthew 19:1-2. See Comments Matthew 19:1-2. “And as He has been accustomed, He taught them again.” This verse clearly states, “as He has been accustomed.” That is the purpose for which the Lord Jesus has come to earth: to teach all humans and give everyone a chance to be saved. He did not go only for the Jews; here it tells us clearly that, as His custom, He always teaches the people; if people come to Him, He teaches them.
Mark 10:2, Matthew 19:3. See Comments Matthew 19:3. As it is written in the Old Testament, the Jews are not supposed to take the women of the region. Mixing bloodlines, as stated in the Old Testament, is forbidden. But people use reasons for their lives and go against what God has commanded.
Mark 10:3. In this verse, the Lord Jesus answers them with a question. In the Gospel of Matthew, this answer-with-a-question is not given. We should note that each Gospel presents the events in a different order, but they don’t contradict each other. Here, the Lord wants them to think about what they answer to the Lord’s question and what the Lord will tell. They have to learn to think and go back to the Scripture.
Mark 10:4. In this verse, they provide their answer.
Mark 10:5-9, Matthew 19:4-6. The Lord Jesus explains why Moses gave this commandment. See Comments Matthew 19:4-6.
Matthew 19:7. Note that the order of verses in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew differs. One person has a question, another person has the answer, but when bringing both to come in order, answer first or ask first, the time plays a role here, for giving these verses. It is almost the same time, as the Lord speaks, they also speak. The events in the Gospels almost seem to go against each other, but they aren’t. They only present different times and a different order of asking: do they wait until the Lord answers, or give the answer for the Lord, following the teaching of humans? One comes and asks, and the Lord gives the answer, but another one already has the answer for them; it looks both ways. Also, remember that these Pharisees were born there, and in their heads, the teaching is different. They have the teaching written, but they also have the mind teaching from the region, which goes across each other; humans tend to receive human teaching because they think human teaching is the way of life, and God’s teaching is just written teaching, not a way of life.
Mark 10:5, Matthew 19:8. See Comments Matthew 19:8.
Matthew 19:9. In this response, the Lord Jesus addresses all the people gathered to listen to Him.
Mark 10:10. Here, we understand that the Lord Jesus and His disciples entered the house. Then the disciples privately asked Him about this matter again.
Mark 10:11. The Lord Jesus repeats His answer regarding divorce to them once more.
Matthew 19:10. The disciples drew their own conclusions based on the Lord’s answer. See Comments Matthew 19:10.
Matthew 19:11-12. The Lord Jesus provided further explanation and corrected their misunderstanding. See Comments Matthew 19:11-12.
Comparison Analysis
Mark 10:1, Matthew 19:1-2. See Comments Matthew 19:1-2. “And as He has been accustomed, He taught them again.” This verse clearly states, “as He has been accustomed.” That is the purpose for which the Lord Jesus has come to earth: to teach all humans and give everyone a chance to be saved. He did not go only for the Jews; here it tells us clearly that, as His custom, He always teaches the people; if people come to Him, He teaches them.
Mark 10:2, Matthew 19:3. See Comments Matthew 19:3. As it is written in the Old Testament, the Jews are not supposed to take the women of the region. Mixing bloodlines, as stated in the Old Testament, is forbidden. But people use reasons for their lives and go against what God has commanded.
Mark 10:3. In this verse, the Lord Jesus answers them with a question. In the Gospel of Matthew, this answer-with-a-question is not given. We should note that each Gospel presents the events in a different order, but they don’t contradict each other. Here, the Lord wants them to think about what they answer to the Lord’s question and what the Lord will tell. They have to learn to think and go back to the Scripture.
Mark 10:4. In this verse, they provide their answer.
Mark 10:5-9, Matthew 19:4-6. The Lord Jesus explains why Moses gave this commandment. See Comments Matthew 19:4-6.
Matthew 19:7. Note that the order of verses in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew differs. One person has a question, another person has the answer, but when bringing both to come in order, answer first or ask first, the time plays a role here, for giving these verses. It is almost the same time, as the Lord speaks, they also speak. The events in the Gospels almost seem to go against each other, but they aren’t. They only present different times and a different order of asking: do they wait until the Lord answers, or give the answer for the Lord, following the teaching of humans? One comes and asks, and the Lord gives the answer, but another one already has the answer for them; it looks both ways. Also, remember that these Pharisees were born there, and in their heads, the teaching is different. They have the teaching written, but they also have the mind teaching from the region, which goes across each other; humans tend to receive human teaching because they think human teaching is the way of life, and God’s teaching is just written teaching, not a way of life.
Mark 10:5, Matthew 19:8. See Comments Matthew 19:8.
Matthew 19:9. In this response, the Lord Jesus addresses all the people gathered to listen to Him.
Mark 10:10. Here, we understand that the Lord Jesus and His disciples entered the house. Then the disciples privately asked Him about this matter again.
Mark 10:11. The Lord Jesus repeats His answer regarding divorce to them once more.
Matthew 19:10. The disciples drew their own conclusions based on the Lord’s answer. See Comments Matthew 19:10.
Matthew 19:11-12. The Lord Jesus provided further explanation and corrected their misunderstanding. See Comments Matthew 19:11-12.
[13]
And they were bringing to Him little children, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.
[14]
Now having seen, Jesus was moved with indignation, and said to them, Allow the little children to come to Me ; forbid them not: for to such belongs the kingdom of God .
[15]
Truly I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter into it.
Comments Mark 10:13-16
For Mark 10:13-16 see, Comments Matthew 19:13-15, and Comments Luke 18:15-17.
Mark 10:14-15. We should have our hearts as innocent as a child’s; a child’s heart does not harbor envy. See Comments Matthew 19:14.
Mark 10:16. In this place, it shows the Lord Jesus’ heart towards children. As the Bible says, He took them in His arms, showing affection and love, as humans do with children; the Lord has shown His human side here when He showed this towards children.
Mark 10:14-15. We should have our hearts as innocent as a child’s; a child’s heart does not harbor envy. See Comments Matthew 19:14.
Mark 10:16. In this place, it shows the Lord Jesus’ heart towards children. As the Bible says, He took them in His arms, showing affection and love, as humans do with children; the Lord has shown His human side here when He showed this towards children.
[17]
And as He was going forth on the road, there ran one to Him , and kneeled to Him , asking Him , Good Teacher , what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
[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.
[21]
And Jesus looking upon him, loved him, and said to him, One thing you lack: go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me .
[22]
And his countenance fell at the word, and he went away grieving; for he was one having many possessions.
Comments Mark 10:17-22
For Mark 10:17-22, see Comments Matthew 19:16-22, and Comments Luke 18:18-23.
Comparison Analysis Mark 10:17, Matthew 19:16, Luke 18:18. In Luke, we learn that this man is a ruler, meaning he could be the head of his own household, not necessarily an important person or the ruler of a town. In Mark, he comes and kneels to the Lord Jesus. These verses show that this man thinks he could do something good to trade a place in heaven, but the deed has already been done (see Comments Matthew 19:16).
Mark 10:18, Matthew 19:17, Luke 18:19. In these verses, the Lord Jesus confirms that there is only One God, and that God is One. (See Comments Matthew 19:17).
Mark 10:19, Matthew 19:18-19, Luke 18:20. The commands mentioned in these verses are the same, with Matthew giving one extra command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (See Comments Matthew 19:18-19).
Mark 10:20, Matthew 19:20, Luke 18:21. See Comments Matthew 19:20.
Mark 10:21, Matthew 10:21, Luke 18:22. All these verses show that the Lord knows the heart of this person. In Mark, we are told that the Lord Jesus “loved him,” showing that the Lord loves all, regardless of being rich or poor. These verses, in this place in the Scripture, clearly tell us, as a sinner, if you come to the Lord, leave the things of this world, take your heart away from the things that your eyes have kept looking at, and follow the Lord with the inner heart, not just walking follow; the inner eyes and inner heart both have to follow as well. If we say we follow the Lord Jesus, but the heart is not there, this verse will be like a block to build up, and the inner eyes can’t see the right way to come. All the Lord wants humans to do is look to the Lord as their leader, leave the things that attach to them, and follow the Lord. (See Comments Matthew 19:21).
Mark 10:22, Matthew 19:22, Luke 18:23. These verses show that the earthly riches captured the heart of this man. (See Comments Matthew 19:22).
Comparison Analysis Mark 10:17, Matthew 19:16, Luke 18:18. In Luke, we learn that this man is a ruler, meaning he could be the head of his own household, not necessarily an important person or the ruler of a town. In Mark, he comes and kneels to the Lord Jesus. These verses show that this man thinks he could do something good to trade a place in heaven, but the deed has already been done (see Comments Matthew 19:16).
Mark 10:18, Matthew 19:17, Luke 18:19. In these verses, the Lord Jesus confirms that there is only One God, and that God is One. (See Comments Matthew 19:17).
Mark 10:19, Matthew 19:18-19, Luke 18:20. The commands mentioned in these verses are the same, with Matthew giving one extra command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (See Comments Matthew 19:18-19).
Mark 10:20, Matthew 19:20, Luke 18:21. See Comments Matthew 19:20.
Mark 10:21, Matthew 10:21, Luke 18:22. All these verses show that the Lord knows the heart of this person. In Mark, we are told that the Lord Jesus “loved him,” showing that the Lord loves all, regardless of being rich or poor. These verses, in this place in the Scripture, clearly tell us, as a sinner, if you come to the Lord, leave the things of this world, take your heart away from the things that your eyes have kept looking at, and follow the Lord with the inner heart, not just walking follow; the inner eyes and inner heart both have to follow as well. If we say we follow the Lord Jesus, but the heart is not there, this verse will be like a block to build up, and the inner eyes can’t see the right way to come. All the Lord wants humans to do is look to the Lord as their leader, leave the things that attach to them, and follow the Lord. (See Comments Matthew 19:21).
Mark 10:22, Matthew 19:22, Luke 18:23. These verses show that the earthly riches captured the heart of this man. (See Comments Matthew 19:22).
[23]
And having looked around, Jesus says to His disciples, How hardly those having riches will enter into the kingdom of God !
[24]
And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus again answering, says to them, Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom ofGod !
[25]
It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God .
[26]
And they were astonished exceedingly, saying among themselves, Then who can be saved?
[27]
Jesus looking at them says, With men it is impossible, but not with God ; for all things are possible with God .
[29]
Jesus said, Truly I say to you, There is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for My sake and because of the gospel,
[30]
if not shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.
[31]
But many last, will be first; and the first, last.
Comments Mark 10:23-31
For Mark 10:23-31, see Comments Matthew 19:23-30, and Comments Luke 18:24-30.
Comparison Analysis Mark 10:23-25, Matthew 19:23-24, Luke 18:24-25. In these verses, the Lord Jesus teaches us that it is hard for those who trust in the riches of this world to enter into the kingdom of God. See Comments Matthew 19:23-24.
“It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye …” In this verse, the Lord Jesus gives a comparison. Compare in your mind what it is: the camel going through the needle’s eye. Think of the needle eye and the size of the animal itself; what can be more difficult for the animal to go through than that? The verse clearly tells us that to enter into the kingdom of heaven, it is not physically difficult; the flesh will transform. But for the internal soul to enter into the kingdom of heaven, “for those who trust in riches,” it is harder than the physical aspect of this comparison.
Mark 10:26, Matthew 19:25, Luke 18:26. See Comments Matthew 19:25.
Mark 10:27-28, Matthew 19:26-27, Luke 18:27-28. See Comments Matthew 19:27.
Matthew 19:28. This portion of the Lord Jesus’ answer to the disciples is given only in the Gospel of Matthew. It is important to remember as well that the Lord Jesus has been resurrected in the body, not in spirit; the Lord Jesus’ material body has been raised up. See Comments Matthew 19:28.
Mark 10:29-30, Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:29-30. See Comments Matthew 19:29.
Mark 10:30. This verse is found only in the Gospel of Mark.
“If not shall receive a hundredfold now in this time ...” “In this time” does not mean earthly time, but the inner heart and soul time. The heart can feel with the soul, and that is the period of time that is being talked about here. Feeling your heart connect with your soul is not easy, and not many can feel that. Here, the Lord Jesus is talking about the connection between the heart and the soul, which only at this time on earth do they connect together. When we go into heaven, the heart as an organ doesn’t go; just the soul goes. The heart and the soul to feel connected, it is not easy in human flesh to experience that, and it is only a short period that a person on earth has that blessing from the Lord. This connection becomes a feeling beyond human explanation, which is why it is a short period of time. This connection is not happening all the time during our life on earth; it is an on-and-off blessing given by the Lord to His chosen people (see Mark 10:29).
Q: What is the difference between the earthly time and the inner heart and soul time? A: Earthly time is like a physical thing; you can count that time. But the inner heart and soul time has no limit, and besides no limit, you have no control over it. You walk through the time of inner with the purpose of being in touch with the Lord. The touch is not on the surface of your body, but inner touch, deeper than the flesh can feel, which is why it relates to the inner soul. Also, remember you are never alone; you feel the Lord alongside, which only the inner soul can feel. As the Bible tells us in many places, walk with the Lord, not just follow, but walk together with the Lord, and you feel closer than what earthly feelings can give. Two people who are married feel close to one another, but the inner soul feeling, when walking with the Lord, feels closer than that. It is hard for humans to understand how to feel with the soul, not with the head. Humans feel with their head, but at that time, when you use your inner soul, you don’t use your head to think or feel; instead, the inner heart will do that because the Lord is also there with you in your inner heart and soul. The heart as an organ follows the physical time, but the inner heart and soul follow the Lord’s time.
“Houses.” Your house and the Holy Spirit’s house in your soul make for houses. Look around you and see what you call a house of this earth. But let your heart feel the house inside the heart itself. In human terms, you would say that you can feel the house of your heart as a palace; Use your inner heart to feel that. Also, remember that the Bible clearly tells us who lives in your heart, so that is the palace of your Holy Spirit that is in your heart, find that. Go to the place that you disconnect from the world, where you will feel left alone from the things of this earth, and meditate on the Word of God in your heart, and you will feel the house of your heart. But all the physical things must be disconnected from you. Don’t concern yourself with hot or cold, don’t worry about your hunger, use your heart to feel the soul, and the body will receive the benefit of that feeling. When you do deep meditation this way, not as the world teaches you to torture yourself, it can revive your physical energy. Treat yourself well, find a place where the body can feel comfortable: outside, in the bedroom, or make a special room to be in where you feel disconnected from the world. Let your body feel complete, that you have paid attention to, and that deep peace of the body will go down into your heart, and the attachment of heart and soul will happen. Use your mouth praising the Lord, no other words but only praising alone. Use that time to meditate on the Word of God. That humans should do: meditate on each word of the Bible. The Bible is called the Living Word of God; meditate on it.
“And brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children.” These are all those who meditate on the Word of God; they are close together as mother, sister, brother, and children, as one family. Those who meditate in the Word of God will be as one family.
“And lands.” Because land is not life; it is an object; therefore, what you consider to be of value on this earth is the meaning of land here. Everything you think has value on this earth that is the “land,” and because you will not feel that you lack anything, that is why you can say you have “lands.” What life needs is not many things; the rest are not what life needs; those are just for show-off. Think of what is needed for life; the rest is nothing. The connection between them (the things and life) is the important thing here. The things that we think have value but do not build up the faith are not important. In between you and the things of the world must be the Word of God. Without the Word of God, those things are not valuable; be close to the Word of God or be far from the Word of God, and that is what will determine if you receive or not receive the things life needs.
“With persecutions.” Because when people see you close to the Lord, the jealousy will come, and that jealousy turns into an unseen weapon, not like any weapon in this world. Jealousy creates harmful words that people use to talk out and hurt someone else knowingly. Jealousy covers the mind, making that person feel uncaring. When you have jealousy, you have a negative way of thinking, and it hurts you and someone else as well. In the unseen world, the jealousy weapon can cut the connection between you and the Word of God by creating doubt. In the unseen world, the most important thing is that no jealousy occupies room in the mind and in the heart. In the unseen world, jealousy has a body, and you can use it in a bad way. If another person has jealousy, the jealousies conflict with each other. A person who has jealousy can use that jealousy to harm someone.
“And in the age to come eternal life.” This eternal life is the life in the unseen world; when you join with the Lord, the eternal life will be the gift you receive there.
Mark 10:31, Matthew 19:30. See Comments Matthew 19:30.
Comparison Analysis Mark 10:23-25, Matthew 19:23-24, Luke 18:24-25. In these verses, the Lord Jesus teaches us that it is hard for those who trust in the riches of this world to enter into the kingdom of God. See Comments Matthew 19:23-24.
“It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye …” In this verse, the Lord Jesus gives a comparison. Compare in your mind what it is: the camel going through the needle’s eye. Think of the needle eye and the size of the animal itself; what can be more difficult for the animal to go through than that? The verse clearly tells us that to enter into the kingdom of heaven, it is not physically difficult; the flesh will transform. But for the internal soul to enter into the kingdom of heaven, “for those who trust in riches,” it is harder than the physical aspect of this comparison.
Mark 10:26, Matthew 19:25, Luke 18:26. See Comments Matthew 19:25.
Mark 10:27-28, Matthew 19:26-27, Luke 18:27-28. See Comments Matthew 19:27.
Matthew 19:28. This portion of the Lord Jesus’ answer to the disciples is given only in the Gospel of Matthew. It is important to remember as well that the Lord Jesus has been resurrected in the body, not in spirit; the Lord Jesus’ material body has been raised up. See Comments Matthew 19:28.
Mark 10:29-30, Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:29-30. See Comments Matthew 19:29.
Mark 10:30. This verse is found only in the Gospel of Mark.
“If not shall receive a hundredfold now in this time ...” “In this time” does not mean earthly time, but the inner heart and soul time. The heart can feel with the soul, and that is the period of time that is being talked about here. Feeling your heart connect with your soul is not easy, and not many can feel that. Here, the Lord Jesus is talking about the connection between the heart and the soul, which only at this time on earth do they connect together. When we go into heaven, the heart as an organ doesn’t go; just the soul goes. The heart and the soul to feel connected, it is not easy in human flesh to experience that, and it is only a short period that a person on earth has that blessing from the Lord. This connection becomes a feeling beyond human explanation, which is why it is a short period of time. This connection is not happening all the time during our life on earth; it is an on-and-off blessing given by the Lord to His chosen people (see Mark 10:29).
Q: What is the difference between the earthly time and the inner heart and soul time? A: Earthly time is like a physical thing; you can count that time. But the inner heart and soul time has no limit, and besides no limit, you have no control over it. You walk through the time of inner with the purpose of being in touch with the Lord. The touch is not on the surface of your body, but inner touch, deeper than the flesh can feel, which is why it relates to the inner soul. Also, remember you are never alone; you feel the Lord alongside, which only the inner soul can feel. As the Bible tells us in many places, walk with the Lord, not just follow, but walk together with the Lord, and you feel closer than what earthly feelings can give. Two people who are married feel close to one another, but the inner soul feeling, when walking with the Lord, feels closer than that. It is hard for humans to understand how to feel with the soul, not with the head. Humans feel with their head, but at that time, when you use your inner soul, you don’t use your head to think or feel; instead, the inner heart will do that because the Lord is also there with you in your inner heart and soul. The heart as an organ follows the physical time, but the inner heart and soul follow the Lord’s time.
“Houses.” Your house and the Holy Spirit’s house in your soul make for houses. Look around you and see what you call a house of this earth. But let your heart feel the house inside the heart itself. In human terms, you would say that you can feel the house of your heart as a palace; Use your inner heart to feel that. Also, remember that the Bible clearly tells us who lives in your heart, so that is the palace of your Holy Spirit that is in your heart, find that. Go to the place that you disconnect from the world, where you will feel left alone from the things of this earth, and meditate on the Word of God in your heart, and you will feel the house of your heart. But all the physical things must be disconnected from you. Don’t concern yourself with hot or cold, don’t worry about your hunger, use your heart to feel the soul, and the body will receive the benefit of that feeling. When you do deep meditation this way, not as the world teaches you to torture yourself, it can revive your physical energy. Treat yourself well, find a place where the body can feel comfortable: outside, in the bedroom, or make a special room to be in where you feel disconnected from the world. Let your body feel complete, that you have paid attention to, and that deep peace of the body will go down into your heart, and the attachment of heart and soul will happen. Use your mouth praising the Lord, no other words but only praising alone. Use that time to meditate on the Word of God. That humans should do: meditate on each word of the Bible. The Bible is called the Living Word of God; meditate on it.
“And brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children.” These are all those who meditate on the Word of God; they are close together as mother, sister, brother, and children, as one family. Those who meditate in the Word of God will be as one family.
“And lands.” Because land is not life; it is an object; therefore, what you consider to be of value on this earth is the meaning of land here. Everything you think has value on this earth that is the “land,” and because you will not feel that you lack anything, that is why you can say you have “lands.” What life needs is not many things; the rest are not what life needs; those are just for show-off. Think of what is needed for life; the rest is nothing. The connection between them (the things and life) is the important thing here. The things that we think have value but do not build up the faith are not important. In between you and the things of the world must be the Word of God. Without the Word of God, those things are not valuable; be close to the Word of God or be far from the Word of God, and that is what will determine if you receive or not receive the things life needs.
“With persecutions.” Because when people see you close to the Lord, the jealousy will come, and that jealousy turns into an unseen weapon, not like any weapon in this world. Jealousy creates harmful words that people use to talk out and hurt someone else knowingly. Jealousy covers the mind, making that person feel uncaring. When you have jealousy, you have a negative way of thinking, and it hurts you and someone else as well. In the unseen world, the jealousy weapon can cut the connection between you and the Word of God by creating doubt. In the unseen world, the most important thing is that no jealousy occupies room in the mind and in the heart. In the unseen world, jealousy has a body, and you can use it in a bad way. If another person has jealousy, the jealousies conflict with each other. A person who has jealousy can use that jealousy to harm someone.
“And in the age to come eternal life.” This eternal life is the life in the unseen world; when you join with the Lord, the eternal life will be the gift you receive there.
Mark 10:31, Matthew 19:30. See Comments Matthew 19:30.
[32]
And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them, and they were astonished; and those following were afraid. And having taken again the twelve, He began to tell them the things that were to happen to Him ,
[33]
saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and will deliver Him to the Gentiles;
[34]
and they will mock Him , and will spit upon Him , and will scourge Him , and will kill Him ; and after three days He will rise again.
Comments Mark 10:32-34
For Mark 10:32-34, see Comments Matthew 20:17-19, and Comments Luke 18:31-33.
Passage Analysis
Mark 10:32a. “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem.” The Bible tells us in many places that people followed the Lord Jesus, and so many multitudes have followed. And now, in that situation, the Lord Jesus is among the multitude, and His disciples also have a duty: go among the multitude, talking about the teaching of the Lord; here we can link the disciples’ duty to talk with the people. The Lord has seen ahead what the multitude that follows will be part of; in Him, He saw what they will do to Him. The hurt He feels does not go over; He knows the pain that will give Him, but it does not go over the love for humans. Here, His love is also expressed towards all people in the world. His people deliver Him to be crucified, but the Gentiles are also part of that. The Lord also wants the gospel to be preached among the Gentiles to save them as well.
“And Jesus was going before them, and they were astonished.” All those who followed the Lord Jesus were amazed. All humans were amazed by the calm and peace that had always been shown out from Him. Even when He talked about what they would do to Him, the calm and peace that He had have not disappeared from Him. The calm and peace spread around Him like light; it was like a covering around Him. No man on earth has that.
“And they that follow were afraid.” Here, “afraid” refers to the question that everyone had in their heart: Who is He?
Mark 10:32b-34, Matthew 20:17-19, Luke 18:31-33. See Comments Matthew 20:17-19.
Passage Analysis
Mark 10:32a. “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem.” The Bible tells us in many places that people followed the Lord Jesus, and so many multitudes have followed. And now, in that situation, the Lord Jesus is among the multitude, and His disciples also have a duty: go among the multitude, talking about the teaching of the Lord; here we can link the disciples’ duty to talk with the people. The Lord has seen ahead what the multitude that follows will be part of; in Him, He saw what they will do to Him. The hurt He feels does not go over; He knows the pain that will give Him, but it does not go over the love for humans. Here, His love is also expressed towards all people in the world. His people deliver Him to be crucified, but the Gentiles are also part of that. The Lord also wants the gospel to be preached among the Gentiles to save them as well.
“And Jesus was going before them, and they were astonished.” All those who followed the Lord Jesus were amazed. All humans were amazed by the calm and peace that had always been shown out from Him. Even when He talked about what they would do to Him, the calm and peace that He had have not disappeared from Him. The calm and peace spread around Him like light; it was like a covering around Him. No man on earth has that.
“And they that follow were afraid.” Here, “afraid” refers to the question that everyone had in their heart: Who is He?
Mark 10:32b-34, Matthew 20:17-19, Luke 18:31-33. See Comments Matthew 20:17-19.
[35]
And there come near to Him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying to Him , Teacher , we wish that Thou would do for us whatever we might ask of Thee .
[37]
And they said to Him , Grant to us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and one on Thy left hand, in Thy glory.
[38]
But Jesus said to them, You know not what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
[39]
And they said to Him , We are able. And Jesus said to them, The cup that I drink you will drink; and the baptism that I am baptized with you will be baptized;
[40]
but to sit on My right hand or on My left hand is not Mine to give; but for those for whom it has been prepared.
[41]
And having heard this, the ten began to be moved with indignation about James and John.
[42]
But Jesus having called them near, says to them, You know that those who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
[43]
But not so shall it be among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, will be your servant;
[44]
and whoever wishes to be first among you, will be servant of all.
[45]
For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Comments Mark 10:35-45
For Mark 10:35-45, see Comments Matthew 20:20-28.
Comparison Analysis Matthew 20:20-21. The mother first came to the Lord Jesus with her sons, but the answer the Lord gave her did not fulfill the wish of the sons. And afterwards, here in Mark, the sons did come by themselves because the question of their hearts was not answered. Combining the verses in Matthew and Mark, we can conclude that the answer given by the Lord Jesus to the mother is not recorded for us. See Comments Matthew 20:20-21.
Mark 10:35. The Lord Jesus gave something, but what the Lord gave did not fit in James’ and John’s hearts, so they came back and pursued it, asking the same question.
Mark 10:36-37. In this portion, we can say that these two let the answer of their hearts guide them. But think about which part of the heart we are talking about, the deep inner part of the heart, or the outer surface part. By coming and asking this question, they did not think about what the Lord Jesus had been teaching them. The wish of the heart has blinded the wisdom of man, and this often happens with people. Be pleased with what you get. Here, these two were not pleased with the answer the Lord had given and came back to ask the same thing.
Mark 10:38-39a, Matthew 20:22. See Comments Matthew 20:22.
Mark 10:39b-40, Matthew 20:23. See Comments Matthew 20:23.
“And the baptism that I am baptized with you will be baptized.” The baptism the Lord Jesus is talking about now is not only water baptism but also Holy Spirit baptism. Afterwards, all disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2), not just with water. As the Lord Jesus was baptized not just with water but also with the Holy Spirit, as the Bible says, the Holy Spirit came upon the Lord Jesus, so the Lord is talking about both baptisms here in these verses.
Mark 10:41-44, Matthew 20:24-27. See Comments Matthew 20:24-28.
Comparison Analysis Matthew 20:20-21. The mother first came to the Lord Jesus with her sons, but the answer the Lord gave her did not fulfill the wish of the sons. And afterwards, here in Mark, the sons did come by themselves because the question of their hearts was not answered. Combining the verses in Matthew and Mark, we can conclude that the answer given by the Lord Jesus to the mother is not recorded for us. See Comments Matthew 20:20-21.
Mark 10:35. The Lord Jesus gave something, but what the Lord gave did not fit in James’ and John’s hearts, so they came back and pursued it, asking the same question.
Mark 10:36-37. In this portion, we can say that these two let the answer of their hearts guide them. But think about which part of the heart we are talking about, the deep inner part of the heart, or the outer surface part. By coming and asking this question, they did not think about what the Lord Jesus had been teaching them. The wish of the heart has blinded the wisdom of man, and this often happens with people. Be pleased with what you get. Here, these two were not pleased with the answer the Lord had given and came back to ask the same thing.
Mark 10:38-39a, Matthew 20:22. See Comments Matthew 20:22.
Mark 10:39b-40, Matthew 20:23. See Comments Matthew 20:23.
“And the baptism that I am baptized with you will be baptized.” The baptism the Lord Jesus is talking about now is not only water baptism but also Holy Spirit baptism. Afterwards, all disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2), not just with water. As the Lord Jesus was baptized not just with water but also with the Holy Spirit, as the Bible says, the Holy Spirit came upon the Lord Jesus, so the Lord is talking about both baptisms here in these verses.
Mark 10:41-44, Matthew 20:24-27. See Comments Matthew 20:24-28.
[46]
And they come to Jericho; and as He was going out from Jericho, and His disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the way side.
[47]
And having heard that it is Jesus the Nazarene , he began to cry out, and to say, Jesus , Son of David , have mercy on me.
[48]
And many rebuked him, that he should be silent; but he cried out much more, Son of David , have mercy on me.
[49]
And Jesus having stood, He commanded him to be called, and they call the blind man, saying to him, Take courage! Rise up! He calls you.
[50]
And he, having cast away his garment, sprang up, and came to Jesus .
[51]
And answering him, Jesus says, What do you wish I should do to you? And the blind man said to Him , Rabboni , that I may receive sight.
[52]
And Jesus said to him, Go your faith has made you whole. And straightaway he received sight, and followed Him on the way.
Comments Mark 10:46-52
For Mark 10:46-52, see also Luke 18:35-45. The healing of the blind man in Mark 10:46-52 is the same event as in Luke 18:35-45; the same man is healed, but the accounts differ slightly.
Q: Is there a connection between blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 and the healing of the two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34? A: These healings are not the same but similar cases. As the Lord Jesus travels on foot, many things can happen each day. In these two Gospels, this is an example of two events that are similar but different. Also, note that the two blind men in Matthew are not beggars.
Passage Analysis
Mark 10:46. This verse tells one main thing: the Lord has done the work in the town, and when the Lord departed, a great crowd followed, and a lot of people followed and spread out the news about the Lord. And this is what the Lord wanted to be: spread the word out and gather a great crowd as the Lord was traveling. Notice, it was not that the Lord wanted the great crowds to do things for Him; the purpose of gathering great crowds was to let them talk between them and let the people around know about the mercy of God; that was the purpose. Also, we should remember that the time of the Lord on earth was short, and the Lord wanted as many as had sincere hearts to come to Him. This was the time for them to be saved, and that was why the Lord let people talk around, not because He wanted to be important, but to let people know that the mercy of God had come to earth at this time.
Q: Why is the name of this father (Timaeus) mentioned here in this verse? A: In this place, it mentions the father’s name because what the Lord did for his son would make the father think as well. The father’s name has been written down; humans do not know what the Lord has in His plan; the father did things that are not written down for us to know.
Mark 10:47. Here, it tells clearly, and Christians should follow the example; notice the words this man used, “have mercy on me,” begging for mercy from the Lord, not begging for wishing things, but mercy begging. In this place, we can call mercy begging; the man begged only for mercy.
Mark 10:48. This verse focuses on one thing: never give up asking; it clearly shows that if you don’t give up, mercy will be given. People will rebuke or try to stop you from asking, but don’t let those stop you. Keep asking, leave people behind, and keep your eyes on the Lord, asking always, and mercy will be given.
See also Comments Matthew 20:31. Notice that the blind men in Matthew 20:29-34 are not beggars; in many places in the Bible, people do ask mercy, but it doesn’t mean these all refer to the same situation.
Mark 10:49. The Lord Jesus stopped and called this man, and because he asked for mercy, the Lord showed mercy. Even if the Lord Jesus had little time left, but for giving mercy, the Lord stopped for this man. The Lord always stops for anyone whose heart sincerely is searching for mercy; even here, the Lord Himself, knowing that His departure time was approaching, stopped and showed mercy. For an unimportant person, He stopped; you may be unimportant for this world, but because of your heart searching and the mouth begging for mercy, the Lord will always stop.
Mark 10:50. The man was glad—you can picture when a person is glad—he left everything and went to the Lord. Also, keep in mind that he was blind and poor. He did not have another cloak for himself, but when the Lord was calling, he threw his cloak off. He didn’t know what was coming, but he threw off what he had.
Mark 10:51. The Lord Jesus knows what this man wants, but He also wants the person to express his wish to the Lord. The Lord does not do for the one who does not ask; this man needed mercy, but he did ask as well, and mercy was given after he asked.
Mark 10:52. Here, we see the word “straightaway” (the meaning of the word the Lord speaks). The Lord does not ask someone to do more; just express their need with a sincere heart, and mercy will be given immediately. Remember the word “straightaway.” Amen!
“And followed Him in the way.” The Lord also knew that this man would follow the Lord; the length of time to follow it doesn’t matter, but he followed the Lord on the way and in faith.
Q: Is there a connection between blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 and the healing of the two blind men in Matthew 20:29-34? A: These healings are not the same but similar cases. As the Lord Jesus travels on foot, many things can happen each day. In these two Gospels, this is an example of two events that are similar but different. Also, note that the two blind men in Matthew are not beggars.
Passage Analysis
Mark 10:46. This verse tells one main thing: the Lord has done the work in the town, and when the Lord departed, a great crowd followed, and a lot of people followed and spread out the news about the Lord. And this is what the Lord wanted to be: spread the word out and gather a great crowd as the Lord was traveling. Notice, it was not that the Lord wanted the great crowds to do things for Him; the purpose of gathering great crowds was to let them talk between them and let the people around know about the mercy of God; that was the purpose. Also, we should remember that the time of the Lord on earth was short, and the Lord wanted as many as had sincere hearts to come to Him. This was the time for them to be saved, and that was why the Lord let people talk around, not because He wanted to be important, but to let people know that the mercy of God had come to earth at this time.
Q: Why is the name of this father (Timaeus) mentioned here in this verse? A: In this place, it mentions the father’s name because what the Lord did for his son would make the father think as well. The father’s name has been written down; humans do not know what the Lord has in His plan; the father did things that are not written down for us to know.
Mark 10:47. Here, it tells clearly, and Christians should follow the example; notice the words this man used, “have mercy on me,” begging for mercy from the Lord, not begging for wishing things, but mercy begging. In this place, we can call mercy begging; the man begged only for mercy.
Mark 10:48. This verse focuses on one thing: never give up asking; it clearly shows that if you don’t give up, mercy will be given. People will rebuke or try to stop you from asking, but don’t let those stop you. Keep asking, leave people behind, and keep your eyes on the Lord, asking always, and mercy will be given.
See also Comments Matthew 20:31. Notice that the blind men in Matthew 20:29-34 are not beggars; in many places in the Bible, people do ask mercy, but it doesn’t mean these all refer to the same situation.
Mark 10:49. The Lord Jesus stopped and called this man, and because he asked for mercy, the Lord showed mercy. Even if the Lord Jesus had little time left, but for giving mercy, the Lord stopped for this man. The Lord always stops for anyone whose heart sincerely is searching for mercy; even here, the Lord Himself, knowing that His departure time was approaching, stopped and showed mercy. For an unimportant person, He stopped; you may be unimportant for this world, but because of your heart searching and the mouth begging for mercy, the Lord will always stop.
Mark 10:50. The man was glad—you can picture when a person is glad—he left everything and went to the Lord. Also, keep in mind that he was blind and poor. He did not have another cloak for himself, but when the Lord was calling, he threw his cloak off. He didn’t know what was coming, but he threw off what he had.
Mark 10:51. The Lord Jesus knows what this man wants, but He also wants the person to express his wish to the Lord. The Lord does not do for the one who does not ask; this man needed mercy, but he did ask as well, and mercy was given after he asked.
Mark 10:52. Here, we see the word “straightaway” (the meaning of the word the Lord speaks). The Lord does not ask someone to do more; just express their need with a sincere heart, and mercy will be given immediately. Remember the word “straightaway.” Amen!
“And followed Him in the way.” The Lord also knew that this man would follow the Lord; the length of time to follow it doesn’t matter, but he followed the Lord on the way and in faith.
Life and Faith Applications. 1) Those who believe in God should not divorce; even more, they should not even speak out about divorcing; this word should not be among believers. 2) You can have money and things on this earth, but if you do not love them, you will find the way to go to heaven; the Lord does not teach believers to be poor, but He teaches not to put the love towards riches. 3) Look at the Lord as your leader, leave the things behind that you are attached to, and follow the Lord. 4) Be pleased and joyful for what the Lord provides for you and for the plans He has for you. 5) Never give up asking for mercy from the Lord; if you don’t give up, the mercy will be given. People will rebuke or try to stop you from asking, but don’t let those stop you; keep asking and leave people behind.