Mark — Chapter 10

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1Then Jesus left that place and went into the region of Judea, beyond the Jordan. Again the crowds came to Him and He taught them, as was His custom.

2Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired.

3“What did Moses command you?” He replied.

4They answered, “Moses permitted a man to write his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.”

5But Jesus told them, “Moses wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart.

6However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’

7‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,

8and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

10When they were back inside the house, the disciples asked Jesus about this matter.

11So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.

12And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

13Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

16And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

17As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.

19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’”

20“Teacher,” he replied, “all these I have kept from my youth.”

21Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

22But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

24And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

25It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Who then can be saved?”

27Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

28Peter began to say to Him, “Look, we have left everything and followed You.”

29“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel

30will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

31But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

32As they were going up the road to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. Again Jesus took the Twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him:

33“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles,

34who will mock Him and spit on Him and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days He will rise again.”

35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and declared, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

36“What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired.

37They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.”

38“You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I will drink, or be baptized with the baptism I will undergo?”

39“We can,” the brothers answered. “You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said, “and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo.

40But to sit at My right or left is not Mine to grant. These seats belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

41When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.

42So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.

43But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

44and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

46Next, they came to Jericho. And as Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho with a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road.

47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.”

50Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus.

51“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”

52“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

1And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

2And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

3And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

6But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

8And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

10And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.

11And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

12And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

13And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

31But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

32And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

33Saying,Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

34And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

36And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

37They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

39And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

40But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.

41And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

42But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

44And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

46And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

48And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

49And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

50And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

51And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

52And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

1And he arose from thence and cometh into the borders of Judaea and beyond the Jordan: and multitudes come together unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

2And there came unto him Pharisees, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [his] wife? trying him.

3And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

5But Jesus said unto them, For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.

6But from the beginning of the creation, Male and female made he them.

7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife;

8and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.

9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

10And in the house the disciples asked him again of this matter.

11And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her:

12and if she herself shall put away her husband, and marry another, she committeth adultery.

13And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.

14But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.

16And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

17And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good save one, [even] God.

19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother.

20And he said unto him, Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth.

21And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

22But his countenance fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful: for he was one that had great possessions.

23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25It is easier for a camel to go through a needle`s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26And they were astonished exceedingly, saying unto him, Then who can be saved?

27Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God.

28Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

29Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel`s sake,

30but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

31But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

32And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them: and they were amazed; and they that followed were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were to happen unto him,

33[saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles:

34and they shall mock him, and shall spit upon him, and shall scourge him, and shall kill him; and after three days he shall rise again.

35And there come near unto him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying unto him, Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall ask of thee.

36And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

37And they said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on [thy] left hand, in thy glory.

38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

39And they said unto him, We are able. And Jesus said unto them, The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

40but to sit on my right hand or on [my] left hand is not mine to give; but [it is for them] for whom it hath been prepared.

41And when the ten heard it, they began to be moved with indignation concerning James and John.

42And Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them.

43But it is not so among you: but whosoever would become great among you, shall be your minister;

44and whosoever would be first among you, shall be servant of all.

45For the Son of man also came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

46And they come to Jericho: and as he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the way side.

47And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

48And many rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.

49And Jesus stood still, and said, Call ye him. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good cheer: rise, he calleth thee.

50And he, casting away his garment, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

51And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And the blind man said unto him, Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.

52And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And straightway he received his sight, and followed him in the way.

1Then Jesus left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan River. Again crowds gathered to him, and again, as was his custom, he taught them.

2Then some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

3He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”

4They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.”

5But Jesus said to them, “He wrote this commandment for you because of your hard hearts.

6But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female.

7For this reason a man will leave his father and mother,

8and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

9Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

10In the house once again, the disciples asked him about this.

11So he told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.

12And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

13Now people were bringing little children to him for him to touch, but the disciples scolded those who brought them.

14But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

16After he took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed them.

17Now as Jesus was starting out on his way, someone ran up to him, fell on his knees, and said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

20The man said to him, “Teacher, I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.”

21As Jesus looked at him, he felt love for him and said, “You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22But at this statement, the man looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich.

23Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

24The disciples were astonished at these words. But again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

26They were even more astonished and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?”

27Jesus looked at them and replied, “This is impossible for mere humans, but not for God; all things are possible for God.”

28Peter began to speak to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you!”

29Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel

30who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

31But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

32They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem. Jesus was going ahead of them, and they were amazed, but those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was going to happen to him.

33“Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and experts in the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles.

34They will mock him, spit on him, flog him severely, and kill him. Yet after three days, he will rise again.”

35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”

37They said to him, “Permit one of us to sit at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.”

38But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I experience?”

39They said to him, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism I experience,

40but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

41Now when the other 10 heard this, they became angry with James and John.

42Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions use their authority over them.

43But it is not this way among you. Instead whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant,

44and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

46They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.

47When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48Many scolded him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man and said to him, “Have courage! Get up! He is calling you.”

50He threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

51Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied, “Rabbi, let me see again.”

52Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the road.

1He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he was again teaching them.

2Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

3He answered, “What did Moses command you?”

4They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.”

5But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment.

6But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female.

7For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife,

8and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh.

9What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

10In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter.

11He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her.

12If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery.”

13They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.

14But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.

15Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”

16He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

17As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God.

19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’”

20He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.”

21Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”

22But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions.

23Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!”

24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!

25It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”

26They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?”

27Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”

28Peter began to tell him, “Behold, we have left all, and have followed you.”

29Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News,

30but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.

31But many who are first will be last; and the last first.”

32They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him.

33“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles.

34They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

35James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask.”

36He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”

37They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory.”

38But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

39They said to him, “We are able.” Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with;

40but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.”

41When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards James and John.

42Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

43But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.

44Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all.

45For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

46They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.

47When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!”

48Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”

49Jesus stood still, and said, “Call him.” They called the blind man, saying to him, “Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!”

50He, casting away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

51Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “Rabboni, that I may see again.”

52Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus on the way.

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Reflection

Summary

Jesus teaches that God's original design for marriage makes divorce a departure from His intent (vv. 1-12), then rebukes His disciples for turning away children and blesses them instead (vv. 13-16). A rich young man asks how to inherit eternal life but walks away sorrowful when told to sell his possessions, prompting Jesus to teach how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom (vv. 17-27). Jesus promises reward for those who have left everything to follow Him (vv. 28-31) and gives a third, more detailed prediction of His death and resurrection (vv. 32-34). When James and John ask for places of honor, He teaches that greatness in His kingdom means serving others, since the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (vv. 35-45). The chapter ends as Jesus restores sight to the blind beggar Bartimaeus outside Jericho (vv. 46-52).

Authorship & Background

Author: John Mark (see Chapter 1 notes for full authorship details).
Historical Context: Chapter 10 records Jesus' journey from Galilee to Jerusalem — the final approach to the cross. It contains teaching on divorce (vv.1-12), blessing children (vv.13-16), the rich young ruler (vv.17-31), the third passion prediction (vv.32-34), James and John's request (vv.35-45), and the healing of blind Bartimaeus (vv.46-52). Mark 10:45 is the key verse of the entire Gospel — the thesis statement that summarizes Jesus' mission: "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Classification: Gospel — Narrative
Key Themes: Divorce answered by going behind Moses' concession to Genesis itself, Jesus much displeased that children were being turned away, a rich man Jesus is said to have loved even as he asks him to give everything away, a saying about a camel and a needle's eye repeated because of how it was received, and the ransom verse that is the only place Mark explains the death in so many words
What Did Moses Command You (vv.1-12): The Pharisees ask whether it is lawful for a man to put away his wife, tempting him. He answers with a question about their own authority, what did Moses command you? and when they cite the writing of divorcement he treats it as concession rather than permission, for the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. Then the argument goes behind Moses to Genesis, from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female, and they twain shall be one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. The stricter application is given privately in the house, and Mark's version is the one that addresses a woman divorcing her husband as well.
Suffer the Little Children (vv.13-16): The disciples rebuke the people bringing children to him, and Mark records the reaction, when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased. The instruction is short, suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, and the reason turns the children into the lesson, of such is the kingdom of God. Then the demand made of everyone else, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein, and the gesture Mark adds, he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
The Rich Young Ruler (vv.17-22): Mark alone notes that "Jesus beholding him loved him" (v.21) — a detail showing Jesus' genuine affection for this man even as He made the hardest demand. The man went away grieved — the only person in the Gospels who came to Jesus and walked away sad.
A Camel Through a Needle's Eye (vv.23-31): The saying is repeated because of the reaction to it. How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God, and when the disciples are astonished he says it again with the camel and the needle. Their question is the right one, who then can be saved? and the answer removes the question from the realm of effort altogether, with men it is impossible, but not with God. Peter's claim that they have left all is not disputed, and the promise made in reply includes something nobody quotes, houses and brethren and lands, with persecutions.
The Third Prediction (vv.32-34): They were in the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went before them, and they were amazed, and as they followed, they were afraid. Mark puts the fear on the record before the prediction rather than after it. The third telling is the most detailed of the three: delivered to the chief priests, condemned to death, delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, scourged, spat upon, killed, and the third day he shall rise again.
James and John Ask for Glory (vv.35-45): Immediately after that, two of them ask to sit on his right and left hand in his glory. The reply asks whether they can drink the cup he drinks, they say they can, and he grants it in terms they have not understood. The other ten are displeased, and the correction is aimed at all of them: ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship, but so shall it not be among you. Whosoever will be chiefest, shall be servant of all. Then the verse the whole Gospel has been building toward, and it is the only place Mark explains the death: the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Blind Bartimaeus (vv.46-52): The last healing miracle in Mark before the cross. Bartimaeus cried out despite the crowd telling him to be quiet. He threw off his cloak (his most valuable possession as a beggar) and came to Jesus. His faith made him whole — and he "followed Jesus in the way" (v.52) — the way to Jerusalem, the way to the cross.

Map & Geography

  • Beyond the Jordan / Perea (v.1): Jesus departed Galilee and crossed to the region east of the Jordan (Perea), heading south toward Jerusalem. Crowds gathered again.
  • Jericho (v.46): The last major city before the ascent to Jerusalem, about 15 miles east of the capital. Bartimaeus was healed on the road out of Jericho.
  • The road to Jerusalem: The chapter marks the final journey toward the cross — Jesus is heading deliberately toward His death.

Places on this map

  • Jordan RiverIsrael / Jordan borderRuns about 65 miles as the crow flies from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, dropping from 700 to 1,400 feet below sea level. Narrow enough to wade at most fords, it was still the boundary that divided wilderness from inheritance. Wikipedia
  • Pereawestern JordanThe strip east of the Jordan between Pella and the Arnon, Jewish in population and ruled with Galilee under Herod Antipas. Pilgrims used it to bypass Samaria, which is the route behind the phrase beyond Jordan in the Gospels. Wikipedia
  • Galileenorthern IsraelThe northern hill country above the Jezreel Valley, wetter and greener than Judah and crossed by the trade road to Damascus. That traffic is why Judeans considered it mixed and provincial, and why Jesus grew up hearing more than one language. Wikipedia
  • JerusalemJerusalemA hill town about 2,500 feet up in the central spine of Judah, roughly 35 miles inland from the Mediterranean and 15 miles west of the Jordan. It sits on no trade route and has no river, which is why it mattered as a fortress and a sanctuary rather than as a market. Wikipedia
  • JerichoJericho, West BankAn oasis at a perennial spring in the Jordan valley, 850 feet below sea level and among the oldest continuously settled sites anywhere. It guarded the ford and the climb up to the central hills, so anyone entering Canaan from the east had to deal with it first. Wikipedia

Towns sit on their excavated or traditional site. Regions, rivers and seas are ringed rather than dotted, because for those a single point is only an anchor. Coastlines from Natural Earth.

Commentary

  • Enduring Word (David Guzik): enduringword.com Guzik examines the divorce teaching, children and the kingdom, the rich ruler, servant leadership, and Bartimaeus.
  • Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (1871): blueletterbible.org A critical and explanatory commentary on the whole Bible, more concise than Matthew Henry and closer to the Hebrew and Greek, with attention to historical and geographical detail. Public domain.
  • Matthew Henry's Exposition (1710): blueletterbible.org A devotional verse-by-verse commentary in the Puritan tradition, still among the most widely read three centuries on. Public domain.

Videos

Jesus on Divorce — Mark 10:10-12
David Guzik

Receiving & Doing — Mark 10:13-31
David Guzik

What Do You Want Jesus to Do? — Mark 10:32-52
David Guzik

Articles

  • GotQuestions.org: gotquestions.org On the whole book: an overview of the book of Mark -- who wrote it, when, why, and how it fits the rest of Scripture.

Links open on the publisher's own site. Nothing here is reproduced on this page.

Reflection

  • What God Has Joined (v.9) — Jesus affirmed marriage as God's design, not something to be casually broken by human decision. If you're married, what would it look like to invest more deliberately in the permanence and health of that covenant?
  • Loved and Still Asked to Surrender Everything (v.21) — Jesus looked at the rich young ruler, loved him, and then asked him to give up the one thing keeping him from following fully. What is God's love asking you to surrender, even though it costs you something real?
  • What Only God Can Do (v.27) — When the disciples asked who then could be saved, Jesus said it's impossible for people but not for God. Are you still trying to earn your way to God, or are you resting in what only He can accomplish?
  • The Cost Behind a Request for Glory (v.38) — When James and John asked for positions of honor, Jesus asked if they could drink the cup of suffering that came before it. Are you willing to accept the cost of following Christ, not just the reward you hope comes with it?
  • Greatness Defined by Service (v.45) — Jesus described His own mission as coming to serve rather than be served, giving His life as a ransom for many. Is your life oriented more toward being served or toward serving others?
  • Throwing Off What's in the Way (vv.50-52) — Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, his most valuable possession, without hesitation to come to Jesus and receive his sight. What are you still holding onto that you need to let go of to follow Christ more fully?