Opening Question
If you could request any gift from God, what might it be?
Introduction
As this lesson completes chapter 10, we also complete the three major chapters on discipleship in Mark. We learn more about Jesus’ death, and also Jesus’ approach to lordly authority and power among disciples. As a church, we have much to learn about this truth from Jesus, and much to relinquish in our hierarchal structure built on a nearly apostolic succession model of power through position/title.
Mark 10:1-12
Jesus is asked about divorce. And if there is a topic more ripe for discussion and disagreement based on popular opinion verses Jesus’ teaching, I’m not sure what it could be. We live in a culture that argues that romantic love (Greek: eros) forms the basis of marriage. But that means commitment need only be maintained as long as the romance remains alive. If eros is no longer experienced, then a partner concludes the marriage was a mistake and ends it. Even Christian marriages end at rates nearly equaling those outside.
Where does Jesus turn in scripture to support His contention that divorce is not His will? What practice in Judaism does it seem Jesus is addressing since He is speaking to men here?
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus loved kids! They were not lesser beings in His view, but filled with the love of life that He created. And it seems that they trusted Him as well. His appreciation is contrasted by the approach of the disciples who attempt to shield Jesus from their supposed intrusion.
What teaching about the Kingdom relates it to children? How did little children receive the kingdom of God?
Mark 10:17-31
One of the saddest stories in the gospels, this man who comes to Jesus and asks what He must do to inherit eternal life. The question is an odd one, though. The only requirement for real inheritance is to be a member of the family. But this man felt like an outsider, apparently. Jesus answer refers Him back to some specific commandments, which perhaps he feels he has kept (and maybe only outwardly). But there is insinuation he lacks in other areas. And the fact that he loves wealth and Jesus does not mention the 10th commandment hints at this, as well as the first table of the decalogue, including having no other gods before the Creator. The text says the man leaves sad because He has great wealth when Jesus invites him to relinquish all and follow.
Why do you suppose Jesus asked this man to give everything, but not Zacchaeus, or others such as Nicodemus? How much more poignant is this passage when we see contrasted Jesus’ love for the man and the man’s response in leaving sad?
Why is it so hard to set wealth aside in favor of God’s kingdom? Why are the two often at odds with each other?
Mark 10:32-45
Once again, for the 3rd time in three chapters, Jesus predicts His death followed by his teaching on discipleship. This time, the foil for His lesson is the question of James (Jacob in the Greek) and John: can we sit on each side of you in the Kingdom. But Jesus tells them it’s not His place to give.
Who was on Jesus’ left and right when He became the King of the Kingdom of suffering? Would James and John have wanted to drink that cup if they knew what it contained?
What does Jesus say in vss. 42-45 regarding power and prestige? How does this apply to the church today?
Mark 10:46-52
One final healing story, and this time, Jesus heals a blind man without needing to heal twice! But Jesus has also hopefully cleared things up with His disciples, and hopefully they are seeing more clearly now themselves.
Closing Comments
The patience of Jesus with His disciples is rather encouraging. We are slow to understand the ways of God, and see the world through limited and tainted lenses. He longs to give us true 20/20 eyesight.
