Mark 11:1-11 Jesus' Triumphal Entry

1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; 2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. 3 “And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” 4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. 5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” 6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
That comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”

11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Devotional
In ancient times traveling to Jerusalem from Jericho meant that you passed through Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives; a series of gentle rounded north to south hills that rises to about 2600 ft; which was in ancient times covered by dense olive groves, and thus its designation. And so Jesus with the twelve and a large throng of followers are now headed west from Jericho onto Jerusalem. But to get there they must pass through Bethany, a village on the southeastern slopes of the Mount of Olives about three kilometers east of Jerusalem, near the road to Jericho (Nelsons). If you’re a student of the Bible you may remember that Bethany was the home of the siblings Martha, Mary and Lazarus and it was here that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11). While Bethphage was the finial village that one passed by on the road to Jerusalem. According to Nelson’s Bible Dictionary, it has been described as a suburb of Jerusalem. While the Mount of Olives is such a prominent feature in the Bible, where so many important and crucial events took place; and are still to take place, one cannot possibly mention them all here. Suffice it to say that as one crested the Mount of Olives on the ancient road leading to Jerusalem, the city of Jerusalem and its most prominent feature, the Temple came spectacularly into view***. And it was the Temple (and all the institutional corruption there) that Jesus as the now heralded Messiah was heading towards. To first cleanse His Father’s house, as the Scriptures foretell He would, before He would be betrayed and crucified to death by those who would defend the corrupt status qua. And so it was while on the way to Jerusalem that Jesus wept over Jerusalem, before pronouncing its destruction, because they did not discern that this was the time of their visitation (Luke 19:41-44). Now the Mount of Olives is where the garden of Gethsemane is located, which will be the scene of Jesus’ last night, spent in prayer, before His betrayal by Judas, then arrest by the chief priests and their forces. And so it is from the Mount of Olives, before Jesus enters Jerusalem, that He sends two of His disciples telling them to go into the village opposite you; which may mean either opposite of the one they were currently in as Matthews parallel account seems to indicate (Matt 21:1-17) or these disciples Jesus sent may have been residents of either Bethphage or Bethany and thus the village opposite you would be the one not native to them. Therefore having giving them the command to go into the village opposite them, Jesus tells them what they will find when they enter the village: …“Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. 3 “And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” Vs. 2-3

Now the significance of Jesus’ Words here must not be lost on us. For in Jesus saying to them to go and bring a colt on whom no one who had ever sat, Jesus was fulfilling the Word of God spoken through the prophet Zechariah who foretold of this very act of how the Messiah would arrive (Zech. 9:9). Not on a war horse (as the Jews always wanted to conquer the Gentile nations) but first on a gentle lowly donkey offering salvation and peace to every person and nation who will turn from their sins and trust in Him. Now there will be a time when Jesus returns again, when He will indeed be on a conquering war horse to destroy all who rejected Him and His offer of salvation and peace with God through His Person and His work alone, but instead choose for themselves their sins and ultimately Satan (See Rev. 19:11-21). Therefore Jesus' coming to Jerusalem on a lowly colt was to be another sign to the Jews (and to all who know the Scriptures) that the Messiah of the whole world had arrived, the day of salvation is now! Now as the disciples go into the village, as Jesus commanded them, they find the colt tied just as He described it would be, and so they loosed it (vs. 4). And when they loosed it, the Scripture says that some who were standing by said to them …“What are you doing, loosing the colt?” vs. 5 But they responded to them just as Jesus told them to do, saying ‘the Lord has need of it’ and with that they let them go (vs. 6). Suffice it to say that when they heard Jesus’ Word’s repeated to them, they immediately recognized the authority of them, and quickly yielded the colt to the disciples whom Jesus sent for it. How about us? When we hear Jesus Words how quickly do we respond to them? For it’s not in our reading or hearing the preaching of Jesus Christ’s Words that we come into a right relationship with God. Rather it’s in our personally responding to them in repentance and faith by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ here and now as our Lord and Savior that we enter into life and thus our faith grows stronger and God blesses us (Matt. 7:24-27; James 1:22-25; Rev. 3:20). Now when they brought the colt to Jesus, they threw their clothes on it and Jesus sat on it (vs. 7), and many people spread their clothes on the ground, or laid leafy branches on the ground before Him (vs. 8). All which is reflective of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:40) though the significance here is not that they are heralding in one of the Harvest Feast celebrations the Jews under the Law of Moses were commanded to observe, rather Jesus’ triumphal entry (as it is often called) into Jerusalem as the Messiah, saying:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
That comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!” vs. 9-10

Now Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was triumphal in that Jesus was no longer commanding anyone to conceal His true identity. For this was the Lord Jesus Christ’s public unveiling to Jerusalem; the religious center of Israel; and thus the nation, as Messiah. Yet in doing so Jesus does not come as a military conqueror, but again rather as one offering peace and salvation to all. That is how Jesus will come to you if you will receive Him here and now, not as a conqueror of your person, but just and lowly as your Savior and friend (consider Luke 9:51-56);  17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:17-18
Therefore it is incumbent upon us all that we believe and thus receive the Lord Jesus Christ here and now, trusting only in Him for the remission of all our sins and the salvation of our souls, and thus our deliverance from the wrath to come on the unbelieving and unrepentant world.
Now the jubilant declaration of the multitudes in verses nine and ten are principally taken from a psalm the Jews would sing in Messianic expectation, either on the way to and or in the Temple, being derived mostly from the passage of Psalm 118:26. And thus their words here being both a declaration of praise as well as a call for God through the Messiah to save them, indeed the entire nation. Their declaration then is almost an extension of the earlier blind man’s unsilenceable faith back in Jericho who continued to appeal to Jesus as the Son of David; even when warned not to; until Jesus healed him, and thus they too are now declaring Jesus Christ to be the Messiah. And so it will be against that backdrop of the worshiping multitudes, that Jesus will enter Jerusalem, and having looked around at all things, He leaves and returns to Bethany and lodges there with the twelve.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Note: Jesus' Temple Visitation, and His cleansing of it, is found in Mark 11:15-18

Mark 10:46-52

46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

Devotional
Jesus having come into the region of Judea on His way to Jerusalem by way of the ancient region and city of Jericho a city which was on a common travel route which linked to Capernaum north and south and Jerusalem east and west. In N.T. times the city of Jericho actually lay two kilometers south of the O.T. location. And it was near here that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and received the Holy Spirit from His Father when He began His public ministry. Now Jericho lies 800ft below sea level at the foot of the ascent to the Judean Mountains amongst which Jerusalem is situated some 2500ft above sea level. And thus serves as a wonderful metaphor for Jesus Christ’s ascension towards His destiny; a crucifixion death outside of the walls of Jerusalem by which He will save believing mankind from sin and death. For it’s not Jerusalem the holy city that saves men and women, its Christ’s cross (John 3:16). Now the passage says Jesus having come into the city of Jericho; and likely having preached and or healed there, that as He went out of the city, a great multitude followed Him and His disciples, and it was while this great procession was walking along the road with Jesus and His disciples going towards Jerusalem that a blind man named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road begging (vs. 46). The significance of which was that when the blind beggar Bartimaeus, heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming towards Him that he begins to loudly cry out, saying: …“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” vs. 47

Now the passage says that as Bartimaeus did this, many people warned him to be quiet. In Luke’s gospel it gives some additional information saying that those who went before Jesus and the disciples warned him that he should be quiet (Luke 19:39). These were probably men who wanted to make sure the road was clear so as to keep the Lord’s progress from being hindered. They likely thought what they were doing what was right, as the disciples previously did when they similarly rebuked those who wanted to bring their children to Jesus so that He might bless them, but which only made Jesus greatly displeased when they did (Mark 10:13-16). Nonetheless though they warned him to be quiet Bartimaeus, would not be dissuaded; instead the Scripture says he cried out all the more, again saying, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” vs. 47 The significance of calling Jesus the Son of David is that Bartimaeus is acknowledging Jesus as the heir of King David's throne and thus the Messiah. Suffice it to say that Bartimaeus' literal blindness did not keep him spiritually blind from Christ while "seeing" Israel largely remained blinded and remains blinded until this day.

Therefore Bartimaeus would not be silenced, instead he kept calling out to Jesus, even after the people warned him not to; for to be quiet at such a time as this might be to lose the only chance he might ever have to connect with Christ. A chance he wasn’t going to take. And so with Bartimaeus’ continuing to do so, Jesus commands that he be brought to Him. Now when Jesus did so the people called to Bartimaeus, and said to him: “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” Vs. 49 Upon which Bartimaeus without hesitation throwing aside his garment rises and immediately comes to Jesus (vs. 50); quite a contrast to the rich young ruler who wouldn't leave his possessions to follow Jesus Christ. Now in doing so, Bartimaeus I believe, exemplifies a recklessness of faith (or maybe it is better described as an abandonment of ones life for Christ) that God always honors when anyone’s heart desires to know Him.

Look people may not understand everything about Jesus; but when someone acts in faith on the revelation that they have, of what they understand of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. God, I believe, always responds personally to them as Jesus does here with Bartimaeus. Whether this is through their reading His Word, or hearing a sermon preached, or through a believer’s testimony, or a Bible tract, or a Christian artists song, or book, or even through creation itself, without my finite mind trying to define this. I believe in the God of infinite possibilities; who calls things that do not exist into being so that they do exist; who will directly speak to their heart in some way, to communicate something of Himself and His gospel to them that they might believe and be saved. Since that is why the Lord Jesus Christ became a Man to bring men and women into a personal relationship with God the Father through faith in Himself.

Now clearly Bartimaeus being Jewish had come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah who was to come through King David’s linage as the Scriptures declare. And that is all Bartimaeus knew. Yet for Bartimaeus it was enough at that time, because he put all his faith in the revelation God had given Him of His Son. And that is all that God requires of us to put our trust in what He has done to save us, through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to do that, or be able to explain all the great prophetic mysteries of the Bible, all you need is faith. Mustard seed sized faith that God will grow up in you as you let more and more of His revelation take root in your heart. A revelation when properly understood always point's people to Jesus Christ, God's Son as testified to in the Scriptures as the only Person for our salvation, worship and adoration, not someone or something less than Him (Rev. 19:10).
And so when Bartimaeus is brought before Him, Jesus says to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” vs. 51 To which Bartimaeus responds: “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Vs. 41 Notice Bartimaeus publically calls Jesus “Rabboni”***, which is an Aramaic term meaning: “My Great Master.” Now this was an official title normally reserved for the President of the Sanhedrin counsel. Which was a religious counsel made up of the two prevailing Jewish theological parties in ancient Israel, the Sadducees and the Pharisees who ruled over the Jews regarding all their religious affairs, thus by so doing Bartimaeus was publically declaring that Jesus Christ was his one and only Lord. And with that great declaration of Jesus Christ’s Supremacy, not just a rabbi, but the Rabbi or Lord, Jesus says to him … “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Vs. 52 After which the Scripture says: …“And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” Vs. 52 Now in the gospel of Luke it also says that after Bartimaeus received his sight that he followed Jesus, glorifying God, And when all the people saw that he was healed from his blindness they also began praising God (Luke 19:43).

Now just as Jesus healed Bartimaeus of his physical blindness, so Jesus can heal you of your spiritual blindness. For the Lord Jesus Christ alone has the Power to heal your soul and restore you to God the moment you believe in Him. Jesus Christ is the One who can satisfy what you have been trying to satisfy by your own means for so long. So instead of trying or pursuing more of this and that which always leaves you feeling empty inside, just surrender your heart to His, invite Jesus in, and He will bring God's love, joy, peace into your heart and soul. For God's invitation to new and everlasting life is to all.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Additional Resources
***W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine’s complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1996.

Mark 10:32-45 Jesus foretells His crusifixion & teaches on Service

32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 33 “Behold, we are going 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 deliver Him to the Gentiles; 34 “and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 “but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Devotional
Now as Jesus leads the disciples it says that He was going before them, not just physically but spiritually, for He was fully aware what lay ahead of Him at Jerusalem. And yet with boldness and conviction He moves courageously towards His destiny. Now the passage says that as Jesus was going before them that the disciples were amazed, and as they followed Him they were also afraid (vs. 32). Likely being amazed with the purpose and conviction Jesus was going forward, but likely also afraid (phobeo) because they as yet did not understand all that it would entail for Him or likely themselves.

So Jesus knowing their trepidation takes the twelve aside and begins to tell them again all that will happen to Him and says: “Behold, we are going 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 deliver Him to the Gentiles; 34 “and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” Vs. 33-34

Jesus had already spoken about this to the disciples, (Mark 8:31-9:1) but now with a greater urgency Jesus again tells the disciples again what is about to happen to Him. Now within Jesus’ graphic Words of His humiliation and death is His declaration of the eternal victory He will achieve with His death, then His resurrection on the third day for us all who believe. For through Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death, then His resurrection from the dead, God will accomplish victory over sin and death, and strip Satan of his power over death, which came to him because of mankind’s fall into sin and thus death when Adam and Eve transgressed against Him. Therefore Jesus Christ’s resurrection must proceed everyone else’s who believes in Him, so that we too can likewise rise from the dead to new everlasting life with Him. A resurrection life that began to be poured out into believer’s lives after Jesus’ own resurrection, then His ascension back to the God the Father, forty days after He rose from the dead on the third day. At which time He sent the Holy Spirit into the believer lives at Pentecost, which He continues to send into everyone who believes in Him, until His triumphant return for His own. Therefore Jesus Christ’s disciples will find that Jesus’ sufferings (to lesser or greater degrees) will likewise become their own. For as with the Lord Jesus Christ who first endured suffering and humiliation at the hands of sinful and wicked men before His own resurrection glory, so too must those who believe in Him. Therefore Jesus Words here are for the disciple’s encouragement, as these words are. That their faith might not fail when they encounter these things (Rom. 8:17), for truly Jesus Christ had to suffer many things and be crucified, then rise from the dead, so that He might bring many sons and daughters through faith in His Person into God’s eternal glory (Rom. 10:9-10, 13).

Now that’s the first part of the passage. And so with Jesus’ declaration of His humiliation and death, then His resurrection from the dead, He seems to have quelled the disciple’s fears. Yet in receiving the Word of God about Christ’s glory (and our living hope) through Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead (1 Peter 1:3), the brothers James and John only show (at that time) their carnal nature as Peter did when Jesus previously foretold these things to the twelve (See Mark 8:31-9:1). In that they only seek for themselves places of privileges with the Lord Jesus, saying: “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” Vs. 37

Now Jesus’ response is interesting in that He first seeks to quell their selfish ambitions by saying “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” vs. 38 To which they respond rather unabashedly, saying: “We are able” vs. 39 A rather audacious assertion given what Jesus just foretold. That it is only He who can suffer and die, and rise again for the sin of the world. Nonetheless Jesus graciously responds to them again by saying: …“You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 “but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” Vs. 39-40 Now in Jesus’ response first there is His foretelling of every believer’s co-death (i.e. “drink the cup”) and baptism with Himself. After He first attains to it for us all, then as people come to believe in Him, crucified and risen from the dead, they will share in it (See John 15:19-21; Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 2:20). Now Jesus concludes His response to John and James request to sit at His right and His left in glory by indicating that it is not in the Will of God for Him to dish out places of privilege according to their (or any other) disciples desires, but rather “…it is for those for whom it is prepared.” For Jesus already promised the twelve disciples, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matt. 19:28 James and John’s request then was simply pure selfishness, at a time when Jesus was trying to prepare them (and Himself) for what lay ahead of them.
Now when the ten heard it the Scripture says that they began to be greatly displeased with James and John (vs. 41.). Notice that they began to be greatly displeased, but Jesus interceded before their displeasure could arise further. Instead Jesus calls all the disciples to Himself and says to us all: …“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Vs. 42-45

Notice, Jesus says those who are considered rulers, lit. “rule” (i.e. are first in political rank or power, Strong’s) amongst the Gentiles lord it over them. For that that is what the Gentiles, and thus Jesus means unbelievers do; both in politics and in business, or wherever power is wielded and coveted. Therefore in contrast to how the world generally operates and defines a person’s significance; by what men and women attain for themselves, Jesus says: 43 “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Vs. 43-45

Notice that Jesus says if one desire to become great, they must be your servant and whoever desires to be first must be a slave of all. Now Jesus Words are not just an antidote to selfish ambition, though they certainly will quell that. But rather they are a command by which His leadership is to be defined and enacted. For Jesus concludes His mandate by saying: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Therefore Jesus Words are not an injunction against structures of leadership in the church, or anywhere else. For Jesus had already commissioned the twelve as His Apostles who would go on and lead and guide the early church. But for now they needed to learn what Kingdom leadership is to be like, for Jesus is not calling His disciples; and that means all of us who believe in Him; to worldly ambition, but rather servant hood with Him, and thus if someone desires to become great, than they shall be a servant of all. Not a lord, not a worldly ruler, but a servant of all of God’s people. For that is how the Lord Jesus Christ Himself lived. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Therefore greatness in the Kingdom of heaven is not, nor will it be measured by the positions of privilege one attains to, or by the power one yields, rather how they follow Christ in caring for and serving His people. Therefore the Biblical motif of the shepherd leading, seeking and caring for his flock in both Testaments, is the only model on how God’s people are to be shepherded (Num. 27:16-20; Isaiah 40:10-11; Luke 15:1-7: Ezekiel 34:1-16; John 10:11-18; 21:15-19; Acts 20:28-38; Heb. 13:20-21; 1 Peter 5:1-5 etc.).

Scripture Quotations:
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Additional Resources:
New Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words, James Strong editor, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1996.

Also consulted the King James Bible Commentary on verses Mark 10:38-40: Jerry Falwell, executive editor; Edward E. Hinson and Michael Kroll Woodrow, general editors.

Mark 10:23-31 Jesus teaches on true riches

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches 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 man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” 28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 “who shall not 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 who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Devotional
The rich young man having walked away after Jesus’ call to him to sell his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor, and to take up his cross and follow Him. Jesus now looks to His disciples and says: “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” Then Jesus follows that up with an explanation: …“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches 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 man to enter the kingdom of God.” Vs. 24-25

Jesus' declaration of the impossibility of the rich entering the Kingdom of God, linking that with one trusting their riches is an important lesson for us all. For Jesus frequently cited the peril of not only trusting riches, but also the folly of being rich towards oneself and not being rich towards God (Luke 12:14-21). And more perilously of trying to serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:21-24). Now when Jesus warned the people of trying to serve God and money. The Pharisees who themselves were lovers of money derided Him, but Jesus responded to them by saying: “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

Therefore those who distort the gospel and make it into a means to get rich are utterly out of step with the gospel of God (2 Cor. 2:17; 1 Tim. 6:5-10). Though that is not the Lord’s emphasis here, rather the impossibility of those who are rich (i.e. who trust in their riches) entering the Kingdom of God. Which caused His disciples to be greatly astonished and they began to say among themselves …“Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Vs. 26-27

Therefore what man cannot do for himself, to save himself, God can do for him, “…for with God all things are possible” vs. 27 I believe that is the point, that it is God's grace alone given to us through faith in Jesus Christ which saves us (Eph. 2:8-9). Yet for those who are rich, who make wealth their trust they will find entering the Kingdom of heaven impossible, since God will be subservient to nothing or no one (Consider Mark 8:34-9:1). Unfortunately that trust in wealth was clearly demonstrated in the rich young man’s attitude when he both justified himself to Jesus (Consider Rev. 3:17-22), but also thought to purchase the Kingdom of heaven by doing a “good thing.” All which Jesus exposed by telling to him to go sell all that he had and give it to the poor, and then come pick up the cross and follow Him. In other words first go and free yourself from what is holding your heart, so your heart might take hold of Mine. To which he became sorrowful and walked away for he had great riches. Now Jesus pronounced woes on those who are rich, saying they have their reward (Luke 6:24). Therefore we should all wisely heed what the Apostle Paul exhorted when by the Holy Spirit he wrote; 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. 6:17-19

Therefore we who believe should all seek to develop and grow a generous and giving heart in this life so that God might entrust us with eternal riches. For when the unrighteous mammon fails, as it always does; failing to deliver one’s soul (Ps. 49:6-9) as well as preserve one’s life (Job 36:17-19). People might receive us into everlasting habitations, as Jesus said in Luke 16:9-13.

Now returning to the passage, when Jesus had spoken these things to the disciples 28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 “who shall not 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 who are first will be last, and the last first.” Vs. 28-31

Here then the Lord Jesus promises proportional rewards for those who have sacrificially followed Him. For salvation is the same for everyone, coming solely as a gift of God's love to all who believe in Jesus. Nobody earns it, and nobody by their conduct deserves it, it is the solely gift and prerogative of God (Rom. 9:11).

Therefore in contrast to the rich young man who was first in this life and who walked away from Jesus for his mammon (or riches) treasuring them, and likely his status in the community more than eternal life. The Apostle Peter now, rather unabashedly asserts how both he and the disciples have left all to follow Jesus. And with that Jesus responds by saying, not that they have purchased eternal life for themselves by doing so. For that would be an affront to His Person, Purposes and cross which alone purchases eternal life for us. Rather by doing so they have now gotten eternal riches, beginning in this life. For Jesus says they, and all who do so, will be repaid a hundred fold. Likely meaning with new Christian relations and thus homes and lands where they (and all who believe) will be welcome; along with persecutions where they (and all who believe) will not be welcome; Nonetheless all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will have “…in the age to come eternal life”.

Now Jesus in saying that those who leave behind a “…house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s…” is not saying that Jesus wants people to forsake their earthly responsibilities, i.e. A father who leaves behind his wife and children for Jesus Christ’s sake and the gospel’s does not mean that he leaves them to fend for themselves, or that he abandons them altogether. Forsaking all for Jesus Christ never entails such things as that. Jesus’ point is simply to assert that whatever sacrifices anyone makes in this life for His sake and the gospel’s, because they believe in Him, will be bountifully repaid. That is the point Jesus is making in verses twenty nine-thirty. Now Jesus concluded by saying “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” vs. 31

Notice too Jesus doesn’t say all who are first “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Clearly indicating that those who prioritize their lives affairs for this life are setting themselves up for a lower position in eternity.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 10:17-22 Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Devotional
Jesus having already said that unless one has child like faith or trust in Him they cannot enter the Kingdom of God, now is approached by a man who by outward appearances appears both eager and humble to do just that, as he comes running to Jesus and kneels before Him. Yet by his brief conversation with Jesus he will reveal a fundamental error in seeking to enter the Kingdom of God when he says to Jesus: …“Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” vs. 17
Now his greeting of Jesus and question to Him seems harmless enough, yet it reveals a fundamental error in his view of himself, and the human condition, as Jesus rejects his calling Him Good Teacher by immediately responding back to him, saying: “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.” Vs. 18 For if people are fundamentally good as the man asserted that Jesus was (which of course Jesus is) but judging by Jesus’ response to him, that was how that man saw himself, as a fundamentally good person, then there would be no need for Jesus Christ to be crucified. The whole human race would not need both atonement for their sins and their sin nature, which makes us all corrupted in the eyes of God, but we all would not then need regeneration by God's Spirit to transform our persons and thus make us fit for the Kingdom of heaven. We would simply need to be taught how to be "good people" and all the evil, violence, immorality, wickedness, greed, maliciousness and on it goes would simply end. People would simply love one another and do unto others as they would have done to them, as Jesus commands of us all. And the world would be a peaceful and happy place. Yet as we know even so called "good people" have within themselves both the means and will to do evil, to be manipulative, greedy, hateful, unforgiving, unloving, unkind, selfish, rude, arrogant etc. and thus manifest the fruits of such through their own so called "good" lives. Therefore the man’s basic premise that he or anyone else was fundamentally good was fundamentally flawed. For as Jesus would retort back to him, "No one is Good but God alone."
And so when we compare ourselves to other people (in this case to a good person) that we think is like person, we can easily justify ourselves. And that is what the rich young ruler was essentially doing when he greeted Jesus in that manner. He was putting himself on a plane of righteousness which belongs to God alone. Now in response to the rich young ruler's inquiry about what he must do to enter the Kingdom of heaven, he by inquiring as much also revealed that he himself did not yet see that through the Law, and by ones own obedience to it, no one can inherit eternal life. For as the Law reveals, both through the nation of Israel, as well as the individuals who were charged with keeping it, (if not our own lives as well) “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Rom. 3:23 Therefore no one has ever kept God's commandments in such a way as to stand justified in His sight by their obedience to them. For that is what is required to have eternal life to be justified by God who alone is Good. And so from the greatest of the Old Testament saints to least of them, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And so this young rulers wrong perception of himself Jesus will now tactfully expose, by first giving him opportunity to justify himself, which he had already done when he approached Jesus in that manner, (not in childlike faith, but rather in his own self-assurance that he could do something to earn salvation for himself), than Jesus will challenge him to follow in such a way so as to reveal what was really the "god" of his heart and life. Therefore having stated the exclusive Goodness of God, Jesus goes on to answer the man’s initial question, “…what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Not so that the man will think to gain eternal life by his own efforts, but rather so that he might see his own sinfulness and thus his need to be justified by God through faith (i.e. trust) in His Person. And so Jesus begins by stating six of God’s Ten Commandments which were to keep His people in a covenant relationship with Himself. Notice the ones Jesus cites, all have to do with one's relationship towards one's fellow person. ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” In the Laws table the first four Commandments have to do with one’s relationship to God. While the next six have to do with one’s relationship to their fellow person. It seems than Jesus intentionally did not cite those having to do with one’s relationship with God, since as we will see the man had an idol in his life which was keeping his heart from God. And thus having cited our duty towards our fellow persons, the man responds to Jesus by saying: “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Vs. 20 No doubt the man was a moral and principled person in that he tried to live in such a way so as not to do any intentional harm to his fellow person/s, by committing adultery, or murder, or stealing, or bearing false witness, or defrauding anyone., even honoring his parents, the man was sound in his life. Just as there are people today who though not having eternal life conduct themselves in an upright manner before God, and thus have His approval for doing so.
And so it is when the man declared these things to Jesus, the Scripture states: “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Vs. 22 Notice first that Jesus having heard his response looks at him and He loves him. Loves him for his obedience to God, yes, but loves him for who he is, a person who is honestly seeking eternal life. And so it is that with the mans declaration of having kept God's commands, Jesus will now say to him; “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Vs. 21 Now I want to be quite specific on what Jesus said here that His Word was spoken to this man in the context of this man asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Therefore Jesus’ response to him is not a formula for buying eternal life for oneself by selling all their possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor. Eternal life is a gift from God which cannot be purchased either by money or by our own self sacrifices (Eph 2:8-9). Instead by saying as much to Him Jesus was showing him just how much his wealth and privileges as a rich young ruler had come to mean to him. For God is not opposed to our having possessions, just their possessing us. Yet when Jesus asked him to forgo his possessions, to sell them and give the proceeds to the poor, promising him treasures in heaven if he did, and then come and take up the cross and follow Him, the man at Christ’s Word went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. For it appears he had made them his “god.” And thus his life was being lived in their service, not God’s. For though he kept several commandments of God his trust was not in God, but in his riches, which as the Jesus warns elsewhere cannot be held in parallel with God (Matt 6:19-24). Therefore Jesus knowing that these were keeping him from God, told him to sell whatever he had and give the proceeds to the poor; assuring him he would have treasures in heaven if he did; and then come, take up the cross, and follow Me. In other words God wants our hearts wide and unconditionally open to Him. He doesn't just want us to do a “good thing” for Him, He wants us to surrender our lives to Him. Therefore whatever is a hindrance to our following the Lord Jesus Christ we must forsake. For the man thought eternal life was something which one earned for himself, and then simply added it to his life along with all of his other possessions and pursuits. Therefore the man did not understand the fundamental nature of it, nor of himself, that he was utterly incapable of self redemption, of earning salvation through his own efforts. Yet when Jesus asked him to surrender the one thing that was keeping him from eternal life. Though he had been moved towards Jesus when he saw the way Jesus loved the children and blessed them. He would not forsake his riches for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and the gospel. His love of his possessions outweighed His desire for eternal life (consider Jesus' warnings in the Parable of the Sower about this, see Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:19). And so it is that his love of his possessions would keep him from having the love of God, forever.
And so it is when the rich young ruler came to Jesus wanting to justify himself, putting himself on an equal plane with God by his own self righteous assertion of having kept God's commandments, Jesus allowed him his own righteousness. Yet in doing so he never got to the grace of God. Instead he just went away from Jesus, sad, because he treasured the things of this life that he had acquired for himself more than eternal life. For again unless we forsake all that we have Jesus says we cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:33). Now in regards to this consider what the Apostle Paul wrote of himself regarding  the things he formerly "treasured", that he thought commend him to God or commended him in the sight of others: 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Phil. 3:7-11

Have you then come to place of wanting eternal life more than whatever? Are you willing to follow Jesus no matter what the cost? Don't trade your soul for what will not last (Mark 8:36-39). The Lord Jesus Christ 's invitation to eternal life is right here and now for you. But you have to make a personal decision to pick up the cross and to daily follow Him. Which begins by first inviting Him into your heart and life. For following Jesus always begins with first seeing one’s own sin and need to be redeemed from it, and so begin by acknowledging your own brokenness to God, that you need Jesus Christ to save you because you cannot save, nor change yourself. Therefore if you believe and see your need for Christ, and want Him to be your Lord and Savior, then please pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I believe you died on the cross and rose from the dead for my sins forgiveness, so that I could have new and everlasting life the moment I believe in You. Lord Jesus I do believe in You and by faith I accept You as My Lord and Savior, in Your Name Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Now if you have made that wonderful decision to believe in God’s love for you and trust His Son Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to save you, than you are saved (John 3:16). For the Scripture says we are sealed with the Holy Spirit the moment we believe (Eph. 1:13-14). Now it is the Holy Spirit who not only brings us into a relationship with God the Father through our faith in Jesus Christ His Son but it is He who also transforms our person to be more and more like Jesus Christ's, which is God’s plan for us all who believe to be His image bearers. For in bearing His image we also find our own. Therefore I encourage you to seek out God’s Word and learn what Jesus Christ not only commands of us, but also has laid up for us with Himself. Since He is always with us and is always Advocating for us as we move through this life on our journey’s home. May God bless you and yours, and may His love, Jesus Christ’s eternal love, richly fill you all, amen.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 10:13-16 Jesus' receives little children

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

Devotional
Jesus having answered the Pharisees question on the lawfulness of divorce by quoting the Scriptures to them, rather than endorsing or even addressing the common schools of thought of the day. And thus having defended the sanctity of marriage; Jesus gave some commands restricting divorce as only permitted for sexual immorality. So having reiterated God’s plan for man and woman; that is a permanent marriage relationship that establishes the family unit, that itself then is the backbone on which society is to be built upon. While teaching amongst the people, some of them bring their children to Him, “that He might touch them” vs. 13 the idea being that He might bless them. Clearly some of the people were moved by His Words which affirmed God’s Word and desire that men and women be faithful to each other so that they provide safe and loving environments for their children to grow up in (Malachi 2:13-16). For you throw that away and you’ve got nothing but broken hearts, homes, and lives. Yet as the people bring these little children to Jesus the disciples rebuke those who did. Why they did so is not stated. It may have been a cultural taboo to do so when a rabbi was teaching? Or more likely it may have been that their own hearts were still hardened to the significance God places on all people, including children. Whatever the reason, what truly matters is how Jesus responded, for that is always the measure of what constitutes Godliness and what does not. Now the Scripture says when Jesus saw it He was greatly displeased and said to them, …“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Vs. 14 Now the word translated greatly displeased carries with it strong connotations of indignation, often accompanied by displaying a physical displeasure or expression of grief. In other words Jesus was more than just a little annoyed at their doing so; though His reply seems more governed by peace and composure rather than an outburst of some sort.

Still that His own disciples would hinder people from bringing their children to Him clearly is not His will for their children or for anyone else as He said: “…do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of God.” How about us than are we hindering people from bringing their loved ones to Jesus Christ?

I mean when church congregations become exclusive clubs that minister only to their own members and those they deem fit are we not becoming segregationists. And thus forbidding people from bringing their own to Christ, at least through our doors, though that maybe what a congregation wants; isolation from the greater community in which they worship. But is that God’s will for His church? To plant a church that bears His Son’s Name in a neighborhood only to have it become utterly isolated from its neighbors? For children coming to God the Father unreservedly (regardless of their background) is what the Kingdom of heaven is truly like. Therefore to forbid them or anyone else is exceedingly displeasing or grievous to God.

Now Jesus statement didn’t end there. For having told the disciples not to forbid the children coming to Him. He immediately went on to say: 15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. Vs. 15-16

In contrast to hardened hearts of His disciples Jesus unabashedly takes up the children in His arms and puts His hands on them and blesses them. For isn’t that why Jesus became a man, so that He could touch our lives with His Person. And having touched our hearts and entered our lives with His Person He wants to work through our person’s to again reach others. That is what ministry is. But we can hinder that from happening through us when we set up our own “boundaries of faith” that only serve our own or someone else's purposes, not God’s. For God did not call us out of the world of sin and into legalism, or racism, or denominationalism, or any other “ism”, but into Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now Jesus statement of receiving the Kingdom of God as a little child as a requirement for entrance into it does not mean a person must act childish to enter it. Rather they must have child like trust in God and Jesus Christ as Lord. For trusting one’s own devices will not get you into it, same with trusting one’s own good works or obedience; as if we could do anything to earn it or deserve it. Ones trust must be unconditional, and it must be child like in God’s love demonstrated for us all through Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death and His resurrection to new life so that we might also have new and everlasting life. Therefore God requires not perfect trust, just dependent trust. As children are dependent on their parents for everything, so must we be dependent on God for the salvation of our souls. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

Now Jesus’ physical display of love for the children brought to Him is a love that transcends both peoples and cultures. Since Jesus doesn’t just love the “good” children, or the “obedient” children, or the pretty, healthy, successful, athletic or academically inclined or astute children of the world. Jesus Christ loves every child in the world. Therefore Jesus loves everyone who comes to Him with a humble and open heart trusting in Him they will most definitely be found in His Kingdom. For His arms are open wide, ready and willing to receive anyone, anywhere, at any time, at any point in their life when they come freely to Him. That is what makes the angels of God in heaven sing. When God’s children come home, for Jesus said: there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who have no need for repentance (Luke 15:7, 9 paraphrase). Have you then made that most crucial decision to come home? God waits with arms wide open to receive you when you turn away from your sins and turn in faith to Him by believing in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 10:1-12 Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce

Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. 2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him. 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 ‘and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 “And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Devotional
Jesus having left Capernaum now moves south into the region of Judea on the other side of the Jordan. It was from this region where Moses before entering the promise land assembled the children of Israel; the first covenant people of God. So it seems fitting that here in this area, Jesus being tested by the Pharisees, that He would address the issue of marriage; which in many ways (for those who believe and are married) is a marker of one’s own faithfulness to God. They on the other hand made frequent use of the Laws statute that permitted divorce, (for a reason of uncleanness, see Deut. 24:1-4). Something various priestly elements in Israel had loosely qualified amongst themselves over time, in order to avoid committing adultery, which was utterly treacherous and devastating on their part, both towards their wives and children (Malachi 2:13-16). Nonetheless in the course of giving a stern rebuke of their justifying both their greed and themselves before God, Jesus also said to them in Luke’s gospel: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.” Luke 16:18

Making it quite clear that in no way does the Lord Jesus Christ endorse dissolving a marriage “for just any reason” as Matthew records their inquiry (See Matt. 19:3-9). Therefore with their “inquiry” Jesus gives us what should’ve been their, and now must be our understanding of marriage. That is, it is only to be broken (though it need not be) if one of the spouses is unfaithful towards the other spouse, in which case the sin of adultery rests with the offender (Malachi 3:5). Not with the party who remains faithful to the marriages covenant relationship. For in the eyes of the Lord marriage is sacred and binding. We see this clearly throughout the Scriptures as the Lord uses the marriage relationship to describe His own covenantal relationship with Israel. But here especially by Jesus’ citing from Genesis; both the creation account (Gen. 1:27); where He quotes the Scriptures which state: in the beginning God ‘made them male and female’ Vs. 6 Indicating that God’s intended purposes for having two distinct sexes was not just for the propagation of the human race, but for the establishment of the human family and it’s relationship’s (and thus greater society) through heterosexual marriages. For Jesus says 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 ‘and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” vs.7-9
Therefore it could not be clearer; what God has joined in matrimonial union, let no man separate. Now the fact that in marriage they (that is the man and the woman) become one flesh moves beyond just sexual union (though that is a part of a marriage union, as the Apostle Paul warns of a believer becoming “one flesh” with a ritual harlot by committing sexual immorality with her (see 1 Cor. 6:14-20). Rather the one flesh union is a joining of their whole person’s (within their natural distinctions and personalities) into one. And because they are one flesh in matrimony, they have emotional as well as physical ties to each other, which is what God intends for them. For the marriage bond is to be the upmost of all relationship bonds. Only ones commitment to the Lord is to excel it (Luke 14:26). Thus there is to be an exclusivity there, an intimacy there (both emotional and physical), and thus a deep trust, faithfulness and appreciating love there. Out of which a family is to be born and reared. Show me a well adjusted marriage, and I will more than likely show you well adjusted people and children.
That’s how important a healthy marriage is to the well being of the individual and the children who are raised in it, and thus society overall. For a healthy marriage builds both self esteem and a sense of security in couples and their children. And by being commitment to each other in the good times and the bad, husband and wife in many ways exemplify how God deals with all His children who keep their trust in Him (Ps. 34:22).

Now notice Jesus’ Words that He says: “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife”. vs. 7 Not his same sex partner! For homosexuality is only propagated by those who are either ignorant of His ways or whom having rejected true knowledge of Him, God has given over to a debased mind (consider Rom. 1:18-32), for homosexuality is thoroughly condemned in the Scriptures, being called an abomination to the Lord (Lev. 18:22-23; 20:13, 15, 16; Deut. 23:17-18) something that does not change in the New Testament (1 Cor. 6:9-11). For all such things are a perversion of the marriage union and what God has designed us as distinct sexes for, and what marriage is also to reflect. That is the covenant relationship of God with His people and Jesus Christ to His church. Therefore it is to be hallowed by those who believe and obey the truth (Eph. 5:31-32), as the Scripture universally teaches “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Heb. 13:4

Again that the two become one flesh indicates the complete union of them, and the care they must have for each other, which then begins the family cycle; of raising children and preparing them for adulthood and thus perpetuates a healthy and caring society. Something that readily falls away when perversion is pursued. As was the case in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:13; 18:1-19:29); which itself is said in the N.T. to be an example of God’s eternal wrath against all such things; “as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 7

Now the Scripture teaches that we are to make a distinction between those who willfully give themselves over to their sins, and those who have fallen into sin but need and want restoration (Gal. 6:1-2; Jude 22-23). For the gospel is not a message of sinless obedience approving one before God. But faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead whose Spirit is the transforming Power of God; who first makes alive, then progressively transforms all who believe Christ's Image. The quintessential Image bearer of God. For that is what we were originally created to be, God's image bearers (Gen. 1:26; 5:1-2). Yet through Adam's sin we all as a human race became separated from God. Until Jesus Christ took our sins penalty upon Himself on the cross and having atoned for it, He has by One sacrifice provided the means for our restoration to God when we repent and believe in Him. Therefore whatever obedience one may have towards to the gospel this is not to make them look down on others, since it is only Jesus Christ's Righteousness that makes us who believe approved before God (Luke 18:9-14; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 2:21).

Now in regards to the Pharisees response to Jesus by saying: “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” Vs. 4 This is true (See Deut. 24:1-4), Moses did indeed permit writing a certificate of divorce and putting her away but what they did not mention was on what grounds, for some type of uncleanness. Which according to various schools of thought of the day could be a serious sexual transgression or just about any sort of displeasure a husband found in his wife. All which goes against the laws intention to preserve a marriages sanctity, therefore the provision for divorce was only as Jesus said because of the hardness of their hearts. For it is also clear in that same statute that a man who divorced his wife could not remarry her, if she had remarried another man. Even if the other man died; to do so was an abomination in the eyes of God, to remarry her after she had been defiled by another man. Jesus than having rebuked their understanding of the passage, which they were employing to suite their own desires, then says: ...“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 “And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” vs. 11-12

Thus by so saying Jesus effectively ends a person divorcing their spouse and marrying another "for any reason" as some of the Priestly elements in Israel were inclined to justify doing. And in light of such things what does Jesus’ teaching say to our culture which has so embraced the notion of personal “liberty” and “rights” to the extent that personal responsibility and faithfulness has been forfeited for pure selfishness and self centeredness. Marriage is never an act of convenience in the eyes of God but one of commitment.

Now in Matthew's gospel it is stated a little differently saying: “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” Matt. 19:8-9

Again Jesus is quite clear the only just stipulation for one pursuing a divorce is that the other spouse committed sexual immorality and thus broke the marriage covenant. For to do so for any other reason and then go on to marry another is as Jesus says to commit adultery. Same with someone marrying a divorced person. Which effectively ends their (or anyone else’s) using the law of Moses statute to justify divorcing their wives for any reason, except for her committing sexual immorality. For to do so now after Jesus Christ has clarified the matter is only to commit adultery in the eyes of God by doing so. Similarly marrying a woman who is divorced is also to commit adultery because she is already bound (in the eyes of God) to another man.

Which opens up a whole bunch of questions; what about believers who divorced their spouses before they came to faith in Christ? Clearly Jesus Christ was crucified and has risen from the dead and is ascended back to the Father so that He might now justify everyone who believes in Him. So in regards to whatever lawless and or sinful deeds that were done before someone came to faith in the Lord Jesus these are these are unconditionally and completely forgiven the moment we believe (Rom. 4:7-8; Col. 2:13-15). “...For you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:11
Now in regards to sin after conversion we have the Scriptural promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 Thus there is provision for us as we are being transformed into Christ likeness by the Holy Spirit. For we have Jesus Christ advocating for us before the throne of God (1 John 1:16-10; 2:1-2; Heb. 4:14-16) when we turn from our sins and turn to God believing in Him (2 Cor. 7:10).

Now in saying that we each individually must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ and give an accounting of ourselves. For everyone will be rewarded according to what they have done in the flesh. Therefore there is strong motivation for us to obey Him here and now (2 Cor. 5:10-11). As well God’s hands are not tied by His giving us grace, through faith in His Son. For as a loving father chastens his children, so God the Father also chastens us, which produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness in all of us who have been trained by it (See Heb. 12:3-11). Final thought, if believers have spouses who do not believe and their spouses want to dissolve the marriage, believers are under no obligation. For God called has called us to peace (1 Cor. 7:15). However believers are to never divorce their spouses simply because they are unbelievers, for who knows one day they may be won for Christ (1 Cor. 7:16). Therefore believers are to do what they can to keep their marriages both pure and themselves peaceable within them.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 9:38-50 Jesus warns of offenses

38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. 42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’
45 “And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 46 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’
47 “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— 48 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Devotional
Jesus’ having made exceedingly significant even the most seemingly insignificant of believers by saying: “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37 And thus having made reception of His Person the condition by which one receives God’s Person. Here commands us not to be contentious towards those who do not follow the Lord in one’s own sphere. For John and the other Apostles saw someone casting out demons in Christ’s Name, yet they forbade them because they did not follow Christ with them. Therefore Jesus in response to John’s declaration of having done, so says …“Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 39-41

Therefore Jesus commands us all, as His followers, not to forbid those who do not follow Him directly with us. For no one who works a miracle in Christ’s Name (we might also understand this as the works of God, as Jesus said of Himself, see John 10:37-38) can soon afterward speak evil of Him. As Jesus said “For he who is not against us is on our side.” Vs. 40 Jesus goes on to say “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 41 Which in some ways is a follow up to receiving children in Jesus Christ’s Name, and shows that such a person is not hostile towards the Lord or His purposes. Therefore Jesus says when someone receives even just a child in His Name, they receive Him; and when someone gives a disciple just a cup of cold water to drink in Christ’s Name, because we belong to Him, they will by no means lose their reward. Jesus then is telling us to put away our biases and preconceived notions about who His followers are, even who will receive us as His followers. For the Body of Christ is far greater and more diversified than just your church or your personal ministry, it is far greater and more diverse than your immediate Christian friends and acquaintances whom you grew up with, or now cherish. For the Body of Christ’s purposes are far greater and exceedingly more important than just a social cause or political party; a preferred Bible translation, worship style, seminary, Bible college, or even denomination.

The Body of Christ in all of its diversity and activity is a living and dynamic organism both here on earth, and in heaven by which Jesus binds together and builds up all believers by His Spirit with a goal of transforming us into His likeness, making us fit for the Kingdom of heaven, but also making His Person known, obeyed and praised here and now. For as we are dependent on the Holy Spirit for our change, witness and empowerment with His fruits and the gifts of God in us to live out Jesus Christ’s life within us, so we are intertwined with each other making each and every member vital for the functioning well of the whole Body (1 Cor. 12:18-31). For the fullness of the life (the new and abundant life) and love of Jesus Christ cannot be fully expressed, nor experienced apart from Him and those who are His, in the context of His Body, of whom He is the head of all. Therefore I urge you all to be at peace with everyone who truly serves Jesus Christ our Lord and King and His Kingdom purposes. Whether directly in church related ministry or indirectly out in the world in whatever capacities they do. For we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ all serve Him; though we do so often outside of each other’s spheres of influence, or realms of service, as the Holy Spirit teaches: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Cor. 12:4-6 Therefore serve the Lord Jesus Christ heartily in whatever station God has placed you in without disqualifying others who do not serve Him there with you.

Now in this there must be Holy Spirit discernment. Since there are, and will be false brethren who will operate under the banner of Jesus Christ, but who do not serve the King or the Kingdom of heaven. The many passages in the N.T. warning of them and the false doctrine forwarded by them are not to be disregarded when one seeks to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Consider Matt. 7:15-23; Acts 20:17-38; 1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 12-21; Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11; 17; 21-31; 5:7-15; Phil. 3:1-3, 18-21; Col. 2:8-10; 20-22; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 6:3-10; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-22, 3:1-13; Jude; 1 John 2:18-23; 4:1-6; 2 John 9-11 etc.), for it is only those who are born of the Spirit of God and thus have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives who belong to Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:9). And thus seek to have their lives conforming to the gospel and doctrine of Christ. Not sinless perfection, but always moving forwards in faith as Jesus takes both our successes and failures and conforms us to His Person.

Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ having commanded us all not to be contentious towards anyone who likewise follows Him wherever they follow and serve Him; and having assured us all of His rewarding everyone who aids us in His work now warns of causing offenses. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. 43 “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’ Vs. 42-44

The word Jesus uses here, that is translated stumble, is a word which warns of causing believers to stumble in their faith walk. Whether through ones sin or inducements to it (see parallel passages Matt. 18:6-9; Luke 17:1-5), thus turning the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 3). And or justifying ones sin by whatever means one would do that and thus leading many astray by it. This is especially important in the Pastoral role for what a pastor approves of or condemns will have a huge impact on what his people accept and believe is acceptable behavior. That is why the Apostle Paul in no uncertain terms said that those who are sinning (that is within church leadership) are to be rebuked openly so that the rest of the congregation may fear (1 Tim. 5:20). Now that is fairly obvious. But what may not be so is that the word used that is translated stumble also means according to Enhanced Strong’s: 1b3) “to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another.”

Therefore Jesus' warning not only entails what we do but what we say of others and how this affects people's opinions of that person. For if someone in leadership causes others to judge unfavorably another person (for whatever reasons they would justify doing such evil) the ripple effects will be far reaching. That's likely why God judges gossip and worse slander so readily (Ex. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:3, 50:20-21, 101:5; Prov. 6:19; 8:18; 10:18, 11:9, 11:13, 16:28; 17:4, 9, 26:20, 26:22; Matt. 5:22, 12:35-37, 18:15-17, Rom. 1:29-30; 1 Thess. 5:11; Titus 2:3, 1 Peter 2:1-3; 4:15), because it forwards all kinds of evil towards people in the human heart and inevitably this comes out in their attitudes and actions as well. Therefore speak evil of no one; rather be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men (Titus 3:2). For Jesus in His warning against sin is stating His guardianship of His most vulnerable followers, here children yes, but also all believers who themselves maybe in the eyes of others “insignificant” and or easily exploited or discredited. New born believers, or sadly what some would describe as socially insignificant people, whether in the church or in the world. Those then who think to take advantage of God’s children, or cause one of them to stumble into sin, or to lose faith, or to fall away from the faith, or to be judged unjustly, put themselves in a very perilous place as Jesus warns us all here.

Therefore instead of trying to justify your sin repent of it! For the Lord Jesus warns if your hand, foot or eye causes you to sin (vs. 43-38) cut it off! In other words no sacrifice is too great if it will keep you from your sin and or temptations towards it. For it is better to enter into life maimed, crippled, or blind rather than having two hands, two feet or two eyes “…and to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— 44 “where
‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’ Vs. 43-44

Therefore Jesus' warning serves a strong backdrop for keeping a clear moral and ethical conscience for all believers. Yet it is not a warning that closes the door on reconcilation of sinners; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom. 3:23 Or of someone who has fallen into sin (Gal. 6:1-2); “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecc. 7:20 It is that someone continues on in their sin, unrepentant and unmoved out of it. That is what Jesus in the strongest of terms is warning against here. Therefore rather than justifying your sin do whatever it takes to repent of it. “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” vs. 49-50

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
 
Additional Resources Consulted
Enhanced Strong's Lexicon, Strong, James.

Mark 9:33-37 Who is the "greatest"

33 Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”

Devotional
Now Jesus and the disciples came to Capernaum, and when they were in a certain house, Jesus asked them saying, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?” vs. 33 Jesus’ inquiry is not for His understanding but ultimately theirs and ours. For with Jesus’ question the disciples do not respond. Instead they keep silent for they had disputed amongst themselves who would be the greatest. And this after Jesus’ openly declares His Person is now being betrayed. The disciples then had their priorities all turned around. For instead of seeking to know the Lord better and understand His will for themselves in light of this revelation; they became preoccupied with their own ambitious desires. Something after Christ’s resurrection and ascension they themselves would later come to understand the dangers of (Consider James 3:13-18). Yet Jesus is not “putting them to shame” for having done so. Instead He turns a negative into a positive. For the art of teaching is being able to instill values where once there were failures. And thus Jesus when He had sat down He calls the twelve to Himself, and He says: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 35-37

In a radical departure then from what people naturally desire to do, or what the disciples here did. Jesus says that those who desire to be first amongst His followers shall be last of all, and servant of all. Not just last amongst His followers, but last amongst all; and not just a servant of those we like to serve, or by serving hope to forward one’s own ambitions or agenda’s, but a servant of all. Which itself is the antitheses of the world’s value system that makes being first and serving one’s own interests’ priority one. The Apostle Paul in light of suffering persecution from false brethren who preached Christ from selfish ambition (Phil. 1:16-18) wrote to the churches: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil. 2:3-4

That is a command that the Lord Jesus has given by which both individual believers, and or church assembles will either grow spiritually or stagnate. Because you cannot be self directed and have your heart directed towards Jesus Christ’s priorities. Nor can you be an obedient follower of the Lord Jesus Christ while looking out for your own interests at the expense of others. Following Jesus Christ means following a pattern of self denial in respect of, and obedience towards the gospel, for the well being of others. For to deny that, is only to deny Jesus Christ’s own pattern of life and death. Therefore Godly ambition is not adversarial; it does not seek its own at the expense of, or without regards for others; it seeks to be the best that a person can be with whatever natural and spiritual gifts and talents God has endowed them with to be a blessing and service to others.

Unfortunately the disciples during a time when Jesus is preparing both them and Himself for His destiny on a cross were caught up in their own misguided ambitions. Therefore it must be said about such things that they are only born out of the sin nature that always says, even at its most rudimentary level, me “first” and me “lord.” However Jesus says all His followers must live differently. And with His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave the Lord Jesus has indeed provided a way for us to live differently and sacrificially, by His Spirit who indwells all who believe. Therefore the self serving ambitions and desires that are within our old nature must not direct our new lives. For in justifying these one only misrepresents what it means to follow Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul said: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Gal. 5:13

Therefore Jesus having said “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” vs. 35 Now takes a little child and sets him in midst of them and when He take taken him up into His arms, says 37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37

It seems the child is an object lesson of our cherished person in the eyes of God. For we are all God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:26). Believers than are not to find their significance in holding positions of power or prestige, or anything else rather in belonging to Jesus Christ and being in the Kingdom of heaven. Consider the utter lack of ambition in a child, as well as the dependency of a child, which again stands juxtaposed to the self made or directed life. And thus is far more important to God to see that sort of heart in us, than our striving after what we think will make us significant or important or beloved in the eyes of God or accepted by others. In Matthew’s parallel passage Jesus makes it clear to His disciples when He says that unless you are converted and become as little children you will by no means enter the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3). For following Jesus Christ is not striving to get to the top, like someone struggling to climb the corporate latter of “success”. It is as Jesus says humbling oneself as a little child is how one becomes greatest in the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:4). Indeed that is how ones enters it, by child like faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Now Jesus says “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37 People will stand or fall on their reception or rejection of God’s children. Not just little children, but all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are God’s child and thus when anyone receives one of us in Jesus Christ’s Name they receive the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; for we are His ambassadors offering peace to all through the blood of Christ’s cross. And thus when anyone receives the Lord Jesus Christ they receive God the Father Himself.
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.