Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Mark » Chapter 10 » Verse 1-52

Mark 10:1-52 King James Version (KJV)

1 And 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.

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

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

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

5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For 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 cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 But 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.

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

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

17 And 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?

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

19 Thou 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.

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

21 Then 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.

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

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

24 And 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!

25 It 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.

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

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

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

29 And 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,

30 But 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.

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

32 And 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,

33 Saying, 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:

34 And 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.

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

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

37 They 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.

38 But 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?

39 And 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:

40 But 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.

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

42 But 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.

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

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

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

46 And 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.

47 And 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.

48 And 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.

49 And 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.

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

51 And 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.

52 And 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.


Mark 10:1-52 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And G2547 he arose G450 from thence, G2547 and cometh G2064 into G1519 the coasts G3725 of Judaea G2449 by G1223 the farther side G4008 of Jordan: G2446 and G2532 the people G3793 resort G4848 unto G4314 him G846 again; G3825 and, G2532 as G5613 he was wont, G1486 he taught G1321 them G846 again. G3825

2 And G2532 the Pharisees G5330 came to him, G4334 and asked G1905 him, G846 Is it G1487 lawful G1832 for a man G435 to put away G630 his wife? G1135 tempting G3985 him. G846

3 And G1161 he answered G611 and said G2036 unto them, G846 What G5101 did Moses G3475 command G1781 you? G5213

4 And G1161 they said, G2036 Moses G3475 suffered G2010 to write G1125 a bill G975 of divorcement, G647 and G2532 to put her away. G630

5 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said G2036 unto them, G846 For G4314 the hardness G4641 of your G5216 heart G4641 he wrote G1125 you G5213 this G5026 precept. G1785

6 But G1161 from G575 the beginning G746 of the creation G2937 God G2316 made G4160 them G846 male G730 and G2532 female. G2338

7 For this cause G1752 G5127 shall G2641 a man G444 leave G2641 his G846 father G3962 and G2532 mother, G3384 and G2532 cleave G4347 to G4314 his G846 wife; G1135

8 And G2532 they twain G1417 shall be G2071 one G1519 G3391 flesh: G4561 so then G5620 they are G1526 no more G3765 twain, G1417 but G235 one G3391 flesh. G4561

9 What G3739 therefore G3767 God G2316 hath joined together, G4801 let G5563 not G3361 man G444 put asunder. G5563

10 And G2532 in G1722 the house G3614 his G846 disciples G3101 asked G1905 him G846 again G3825 of G4012 the same G846 matter.

11 And G2532 he saith G3004 unto them, G846 Whosoever G3739 G1437 shall put away G630 his G846 wife, G1135 and G2532 marry G1060 another, G243 committeth adultery G3429 against G1909 her. G846

12 And G2532 if G1437 a woman G1135 shall put away G630 her G846 husband, G435 and G2532 be married G1060 to another, G243 she committeth adultery. G3429

13 And G2532 they brought G4374 young children G3813 to him, G846 that G2443 he should touch G680 them: G846 and G1161 his disciples G3101 rebuked G2008 those that brought G4374 them.

14 But G1161 when Jesus G2424 saw G1492 it, he was much displeased, G23 and G2532 said G2036 unto them, G846 Suffer G863 the little children G3813 to come G2064 unto G4314 me, G3165 and G2532 forbid G2967 them G846 not: G3361 for G1063 of such G5108 is G2076 the kingdom G932 of God. G2316

15 Verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 Whosoever G3739 shall G1209 not G3362 receive G1209 the kingdom G932 of God G2316 as G5613 a little child, G3813 he shall G1525 not G3364 enter G1525 therein. G1519 G846

16 And G2532 he took G1723 them G846 up in his arms, G1723 put G5087 his hands G5495 upon G1909 them, G846 and blessed G2127 them. G846

17 And G2532 when he was gone forth G1607 into G1519 the way, G846 G3598 there came G4370 one G1520 running, G4370 and G2532 kneeled G1120 to him, G846 and asked G1905 him, G846 Good G18 Master, G1320 what G5101 shall I do G4160 that G2443 I may inherit G2816 eternal G166 life? G2222

18 And G1161 Jesus G2424 said G2036 unto him, G846 Why G5101 callest thou G3004 me G3165 good? G18 there is none G3762 good G18 but G1508 one, G1520 that is, God. G2316

19 Thou knowest G1492 the commandments, G1785 Do G3431 not G3361 commit adultery, G3431 Do G5407 not G3361 kill, G5407 Do G2813 not G3361 steal, G2813 Do G5576 not G3361 bear false witness, G5576 Defraud G650 not, G3361 Honour G5091 thy G4675 father G3962 and G2532 mother. G3384

20 And G1161 he answered G611 and said G2036 unto him, G846 Master, G1320 all G3956 these G5023 have I observed G5442 from G1537 my G3450 youth. G3503

21 Then G1161 Jesus G2424 beholding G1689 him G846 loved G25 him, G846 and G2532 said G2036 unto him, G846 One thing G1520 thou G4671 lackest: G5302 go thy way, G5217 sell G4453 whatsoever G3745 thou hast, G2192 and G2532 give G1325 to the poor, G4434 and G2532 thou shalt have G2192 treasure G2344 in G1722 heaven: G3772 and G2532 come, G1204 take up G142 the cross, G4716 and follow G190 me. G3427

22 And G1161 he was sad G4768 at G1909 that saying, G3056 and went away G565 grieved: G3076 for G1063 he had G2192 G2258 great G4183 possessions. G2933

23 And G2532 Jesus G2424 looked round about, G4017 and saith G3004 unto his G846 disciples, G3101 How G4459 hardly G1423 shall they that have G2192 riches G5536 enter G1525 into G1519 the kingdom G932 of God! G2316

24 And G1161 the disciples G3101 were astonished G2284 at G1909 his G846 words. G3056 But G1161 Jesus G2424 answereth G611 again, G3825 and saith G3004 unto them, G846 Children, G5043 how G4459 hard G1422 is it G2076 for them that trust G3982 in G1909 riches G5536 to enter G1525 into G1519 the kingdom G932 of God! G2316

25 It is G2076 easier G2123 for a camel G2574 to go G1525 G1330 through G1223 the eye G5168 of a needle, G4476 than G2228 for a rich man G4145 to enter G1525 into G1519 the kingdom G932 of God. G2316

26 And G1161 they were astonished G1605 out of measure, G4057 saying G3004 among G4314 themselves, G1438 G2532 Who G5101 then can G1410 be saved? G4982

27 And G1161 Jesus G2424 looking upon G1689 them G846 saith, G3004 With G3844 men G444 it is impossible, G102 but G235 not G3756 with G3844 God: G2316 for G1063 with G3844 God G2316 all things G3956 are G2076 possible. G1415

28 Then G2532 Peter G4074 began G756 to say G3004 unto him, G846 Lo, G2400 we G2249 have left G863 all, G3956 and G2532 have followed G190 thee. G4671

29 And G1161 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said, G2036 Verily G281 I say G3004 unto you, G5213 There is G2076 no man G3762 that G3739 hath left G863 house, G3614 or G2228 brethren, G80 or G2228 sisters, G79 or G2228 father, G3962 or G2228 mother, G3384 or G2228 wife, G1135 or G2228 children, G5043 or G2228 lands, G68 for my G1700 sake, G1752 and G2532 the gospel's, G2098

30 But G3362 he shall receive G2983 an hundredfold G1542 now G3568 in G1722 this G5129 time, G2540 houses, G3614 and G2532 brethren, G80 and G2532 sisters, G79 and G2532 mothers, G3384 and G2532 children, G5043 and G2532 lands, G68 with G3326 persecutions; G1375 and G2532 in G1722 the world G165 to come G2064 eternal G166 life. G2222

31 But G1161 many G4183 that are first G4413 shall be G2071 last; G2078 and G2532 the last G2078 first. G4413

32 And G1161 they were G2258 in G1722 the way G3598 going up G305 to G1519 Jerusalem; G2414 and G2532 Jesus G2424 went G2258 before G4254 them: G846 and G2532 they were amazed; G2284 and G2532 as they followed, G190 they were afraid. G5399 And G2532 he took G3880 again G3825 the twelve, G1427 and began G756 to tell G3004 them G846 what things should G3195 happen G4819 unto him, G846

33 Saying, G3754 Behold, G2400 we go up G305 to G1519 Jerusalem; G2414 and G2532 the Son G5207 of man G444 shall be delivered G3860 unto the chief priests, G749 and G2532 unto the scribes; G1122 and G2532 they shall condemn G2632 him G846 to death, G2288 and G2532 shall deliver G3860 him G846 to the Gentiles: G1484

34 And G2532 they shall mock G1702 him, G846 and G2532 shall scourge G3146 him, G846 and G2532 shall spit upon G1716 him, G846 and G2532 shall kill G615 him: G846 and G2532 the third G5154 day G2250 he shall rise again. G450

35 And G2532 James G2385 and G2532 John, G2491 the sons G5207 of Zebedee, G2199 come G4365 unto him, G846 saying, G3004 Master, G1320 we would G2309 that G2443 thou shouldest do G4160 for us G2254 whatsoever G3739 G1437 we shall desire. G154

36 And G1161 he said G2036 unto them, G846 What G5101 would G2309 ye that I G3165 should do G4160 for you? G5213

37 G1161 They said G2036 unto him, G846 Grant G1325 unto us G2254 that G2443 we may sit, G2523 one G1520 on G1537 thy G4675 right hand, G1188 and G2532 the other G1520 on G1537 thy G4675 left hand, G2176 in G1722 thy G4675 glory. G1391

38 But G1161 Jesus G2424 said G2036 unto them, G846 Ye know G1492 not G3756 what G5101 ye ask: G154 can ye G1410 drink G4095 of the cup G4221 that G3739 I G1473 drink of? G4095 and G2532 be baptized G907 with the baptism G908 that G3739 I G1473 am baptized with? G907

39 And G1161 they said G2036 unto him, G846 We can. G1410 And G1161 Jesus G2424 said G2036 unto them, G846 Ye shall G4095 indeed G3303 drink G4095 of the cup G4221 that G3739 I G1473 drink of; G4095 and G2532 with the baptism G908 that G3739 I G1473 am baptized withal G907 shall ye be baptized: G907

40 But G1161 to sit G2523 on G1537 my G3450 right hand G1188 and G2532 on G1537 my G3450 left hand G2176 is G2076 not G3756 mine G1699 to give; G1325 but G235 it shall be given to them for whom G3739 it is prepared. G2090

41 And G2532 when the ten G1176 heard G191 it, they began G756 to be much displeased G23 with G4012 James G2385 and G2532 John. G2491

42 But G1161 Jesus G2424 called G4341 them G846 to him, and saith G3004 unto them, G846 Ye know G1492 that G3754 they which are accounted G1380 to rule G757 over the Gentiles G1484 exercise lordship G2634 over them; G846 and G2532 their G846 great ones G3173 exercise authority G2715 upon them. G846

43 But G1161 so G3779 shall it G2071 not G3756 be G2071 among G1722 you: G5213 but G235 whosoever G3739 G1437 will G2309 be G1096 great G3173 among G1722 you, G5213 shall be G2071 your G5216 minister: G1249

44 And G2532 whosoever G3739 G302 of you G5216 will G2309 be G1096 the chiefest, G4413 shall be G2071 servant G1401 of all. G3956

45 For G1063 even G2532 the Son G5207 of man G444 came G2064 not G3756 to be ministered unto, G1247 but G235 to minister, G1247 and G2532 to give G1325 his G846 life G5590 a ransom G3083 for G473 many. G4183

46 And G2532 they came G2064 to G1519 Jericho: G2410 and G2532 as he G846 went G1607 out of G575 Jericho G2410 with G2532 his G846 disciples G3101 and G2532 a great G2425 number of people, G3793 blind G5185 Bartimaeus, G924 the son G5207 of Timaeus, G5090 sat G2521 by G3844 the highway side G3598 begging. G4319

47 And G2532 when he heard G191 that G3754 it was G2076 Jesus G2424 of Nazareth, G3480 he began G756 to cry out, G2896 and G2532 say, G3004 Jesus, G2424 thou Son G5207 of David, G1138 have mercy G1653 on me. G3165

48 And G2532 many G4183 charged G2008 him G846 that G2443 he should hold his peace: G4623 but G1161 he cried G2896 the more G3123 a great deal, G4183 Thou Son G5207 of David, G1138 have mercy G1653 on me. G3165

49 And G2532 Jesus G2424 stood still, G2476 and commanded G2036 him G846 to be called. G5455 And G2532 they call G5455 the blind man, G5185 saying G3004 unto him, G846 Be of good comfort, G2293 rise; G1453 he calleth G5455 thee. G4571

50 And G1161 he, casting away G577 his G846 garment, G2440 rose, G450 and came G2064 to G4314 Jesus. G2424

51 And G2532 Jesus G2424 answered G611 and said G3004 unto him, G846 What G5101 wilt G2309 thou that I should do G4160 unto thee? G4671 G1161 The blind man G5185 said G2036 unto him, G846 Lord, G4462 that G2443 I might receive my sight. G308

52 And G1161 Jesus G2424 said G2036 unto him, G846 Go thy way; G5217 thy G4675 faith G4102 hath made G4982 thee G4571 whole. G4982 And G2532 immediately G2112 he received his sight, G308 and G2532 followed G190 Jesus G2424 in G1722 the way. G3598


Mark 10:1-52 American Standard (ASV)

1 And 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 But 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.

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

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

17 And 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?

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

19 Thou 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.

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

21 And 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.

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

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

24 And 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!

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

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

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

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

29 Jesus 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,

30 but 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.

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

32 And 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:

34 and 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.

35 And 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.

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

37 And 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.

38 But 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?

39 And 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:

40 but 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.

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

42 And 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.

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

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

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

46 And 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.

47 And 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.

48 And 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.

49 And 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.

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

51 And 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.

52 And 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.


Mark 10:1-52 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And having risen thence, he doth come to the coasts of Judea, through the other side of the Jordan, and again do multitudes come together unto him, and, as he had been accustomed, again he was teaching them.

2 And the Pharisees, having come near, questioned him, if it is lawful for a husband to put away a wife, tempting him,

3 and he answering said to them, `What did Moses command you?'

4 and they said, `Moses suffered to write a bill of divorce, and to put away.'

5 And Jesus answering said to them, `For the stiffness of your heart he wrote you this command,

6 but from the beginning of the creation, a male and a female God did make them;

7 on this account shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife,

8 and they shall be -- the two -- for one flesh; so that they are no more two, but one flesh;

9 what therefore God did join together, let not man put asunder.'

10 And in the house again his disciples of the same thing questioned him,

11 and he saith to them, `Whoever may put away his wife, and may marry another, doth commit adultery against her;

12 and if a woman may put away her husband, and is married to another, she committeth adultery.'

13 And they were bringing to him children, that he might touch them, and the disciples were rebuking those bringing them,

14 and Jesus having seen, was much displeased, and he said to them, `Suffer the children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the reign of God;

15 verily I say to you, whoever may not receive the reign of God, as a child -- he may not enter into it;'

16 and having taken them in his arms, having put `his' hands upon them, he was blessing them.

17 And as he is going forth into the way, one having run and having kneeled to him, was questioning him, `Good teacher, what may I do, that life age-during I may inherit?'

18 And Jesus said to him, `Why me dost thou call good? no one `is' good except One -- God;

19 the commands thou hast known: Thou mayest not commit adultery, Thou mayest do no murder, Thou mayest not steal, Thou mayest not bear false witness, Thou mayest not defraud, Honour thy father and mother.'

20 And he answering said to him, `Teacher, all these did I keep from my youth.'

21 And Jesus having looked upon him, did love him, and said to him, `One thing thou dost lack; go away, whatever thou hast -- sell, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, be following me, having taken up the cross.'

22 And he -- gloomy at the word -- went away sorrowing, for he was having many possessions.

23 And Jesus having looked round, saith to his disciples, `How hardly shall they who have riches enter into the reign of God!'

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words, and Jesus again answering saith to them, `Children, how hard is it to those trusting on the riches to enter into the reign of God!

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

26 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying unto themselves, `And who is able to be saved?'

27 And Jesus, having looked upon them, saith, `With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'

28 And Peter began to say to him, `Lo, we left all, and we followed thee.'

29 And Jesus answering said, `Verily I say to you, there is no one who left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or fields, for my sake, and for the good news',

30 who may not receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and fields, with persecutions, and in the age that is coming, life age-during;

31 and many first shall be last, and the last first.'

32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them, and they were amazed, and following they were afraid. And having again taken the twelve, he began to tell them the things about to happen to him,

33 -- `Lo, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be delivered to the chief priests, and to the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the nations,

34 and they shall mock him, and scourge him, and spit on him, and kill him, and the third day he shall rise again.'

35 And there come near to him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying, `Teacher, we wish that whatever we may ask for ourselves, thou mayest do for us;'

36 and he said to them, `What do ye wish me to do for you?'

37 and they said to him, `Grant to us that, one on thy right hand and one on thy left, we may sit in thy glory;'

38 and Jesus said to them, `Ye have not known what ye ask; are ye able to drink of the cup that I drink of, and with the baptism that I am baptized with -- to be baptized?'

39 And they said to him, `We are able;' and Jesus said to them, `Of the cup indeed that I drink of, ye shall drink, and with the baptism that I am baptized with, ye shall be baptized;

40 but to sit on my right and on my left, is not mine to give, but -- to those for whom it hath been prepared.'

41 And the ten having heard, began to be much displeased at James and John,

42 but Jesus having called them near, saith to them, `Ye have known that they who are considered to rule the nations do exercise lordship over them, and their great ones do exercise authority upon them;

43 but not so shall it be among you; but whoever may will to become great among you, he shall be your minister,

44 and whoever of you may will to become first, he shall be servant of all;

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

46 And they come to Jericho, and as he is going forth from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, a son of Timaeus -- Bartimaeus the blind -- was sitting beside the way begging,

47 and having heard that it is Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and to say, `The Son of David -- Jesus! deal kindly with me;'

48 and many were rebuking him, that he might keep silent, but the more abundantly he cried out, `Son of David, deal kindly with me.'

49 And Jesus having stood, he commanded him to be called, and they call the blind man, saying to him, `Take courage, rise, he doth call thee;'

50 and he, having cast away his garment, having risen, did come unto Jesus.

51 And answering, Jesus saith to him, `What wilt thou I may do to thee?' and the blind man said to him, `Rabboni, that I may see again;'

52 and Jesus said to him, `Go, thy faith hath saved thee:' and immediately he saw again, and was following Jesus in the way.


Mark 10:1-52 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And rising up thence he comes into the coasts of Judaea, and the other side of the Jordan. And again crowds come together to him, and, as he was accustomed, again he taught them.

2 And Pharisees coming to [him] asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [his] wife? (tempting him).

3 But he answering said to them, What did Moses command you?

4 And they said, Moses allowed to write a bill of divorce, and to put away.

5 And Jesus answering said to them, In view of your hard-heartedness he wrote this commandment for you;

6 but from [the] beginning of [the] creation God made them male and female.

7 For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united to his wife,

8 and the two shall be one flesh: so that they are no longer two but one flesh.

9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

10 And again in the house the disciples asked him concerning this.

11 And he says to them, Whosoever shall put away his wife and shall marry another, commits adultery against her.

12 And if a woman put away her husband and shall marry another, she commits adultery.

13 And they brought little children to him that he might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

14 But Jesus seeing [it], was indignant, and said to them, Suffer the little children to come to me; forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall in no wise enter into it.

16 And having taken them in his arms, having laid his hands on them, he blessed them.

17 And as he went forth into the way, a person ran up to [him], and kneeling to him asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 But Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? no one is good but one, [that is] God.

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

20 And he answering said to him, Teacher, all these things have I kept from my youth.

21 And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, One thing lackest thou: go, sell whatever thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, [taking up the cross].

22 But he, sad at the word, went away grieved, for he had large possessions.

23 And Jesus looking around says to his disciples, How difficultly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. And Jesus again answering says to them, Children, how difficult it is that those who trust in riches should enter into 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 into the kingdom of God.

26 And they were exceedingly astonished, saying to one another, And who can be saved?

27 But Jesus looking on them says, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.

28 Peter began to say to him, Behold, *we* have left all things and have followed thee.

29 Jesus answering said, Verily I say to you, There is no one who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, [or wife], or children, or lands, for my sake and for the sake of the gospel,

30 that shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time: houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the coming age life eternal.

31 But many first shall be last, and the last first.

32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going on before them; and they were amazed, and were afraid as they followed. And taking the twelve again to [him], he began to tell them what was going to happen to him:

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

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

35 And there come to him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying [to him], Teacher, we would that whatsoever we may ask thee, thou wouldst do it for us.

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

37 And they said to him, Give to us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and one on thy left hand, in thy glory.

38 And Jesus said to them, Ye do not know what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup which *I* drink, or be baptised with the baptism that *I* am baptised with?

39 And they said to him, We are able. And Jesus said to them, The cup that *I* drink ye will drink and with the baptism that *I* am baptised with ye will be baptised,

40 but to sit on my right hand or on my left is not mine to give, but for those for whom it is prepared.

41 And the ten having heard [of it], began to be indignant about James and John.

42 But Jesus having called them to [him], says to them, Ye know that those who are esteemed to rule over the nations exercise lordship over them; and their great men exercise authority over them;

43 but it is not thus among you; but whosoever would be great among you, shall be your minister;

44 and whosoever would be first of you shall be bondman of all.

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

46 And they come to Jericho, and as he was going out from Jericho, and his disciples and a large crowd, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, the blind [man], sat by the wayside begging.

47 And having heard that it was Jesus the Nazaraean, he began to cry out and to say, O Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me.

48 And many rebuked him, that he might be silent; but he cried so much the more, Son of David, have mercy on me.

49 And Jesus, standing still, desired him to be called. And they call the blind [man], saying to him, Be of good courage, rise up, he calls thee.

50 And, throwing away his garment, he started up and came to Jesus.

51 And Jesus answering says to him, What wilt thou that I shall do to thee? And the blind [man] said to him, Rabboni, that I may see.

52 And Jesus said to him, Go, thy faith has healed thee. And he saw immediately, and followed him in the way.


Mark 10:1-52 World English Bible (WEB)

1 He 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.

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

3 He answered, "What did Moses command you?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 But 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 the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15 Most assuredly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

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

17 As 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?"

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

19 You 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.'"

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

21 Jesus 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."

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

23 Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!"

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

25 It is easier for a camel to go through a{or, the} needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God."

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

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

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

29 Jesus said, "Most assuredly 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 Gospel's sake,

30 but 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.

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

32 They 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.

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

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

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

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

38 But 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?"

39 They 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;

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

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

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

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

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

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

46 They 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.

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

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

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

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

51 Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "Rhabboni,{Rhabboni is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "great teacher."} that I may see again."

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


Mark 10:1-52 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And he got up, and went into the country of Judaea on the other side of Jordan: and great numbers of people came together to him again; and, as was his way, he gave them teaching.

2 And Pharisees came to him, testing him with the question, Is it right for a man to put away his wife?

3 And he said to them in answer, What did Moses say you were to do?

4 And they said to him, Moses let us give her a statement in writing, and be free from her.

5 But Jesus said to them, Because of your hard hearts he gave you this law.

6 But from the first, male and female made he them.

7 For this cause will a man go away from his father and mother, and be joined to his wife;

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

9 Let not that which has been joined together by God be parted by man.

10 And in the house the disciples put questions to him again about this thing.

11 And he said to them, Whoever puts away his wife and takes another, is false to his wife;

12 And if she herself puts away her husband and takes another, she is false to her husband.

13 And they took to him little children, so that he might put his hands on them: and the disciples said sharp words to them.

14 And when Jesus saw it, he was angry, and said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not keep them away; for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Truly I say to you, Whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all.

16 And he took them in his arms, and gave them a blessing, putting his hands on them.

17 And while he was going out into the way, a man came running to him, and went down on his knees, saying, Good Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life?

18 And Jesus said to him, Why do you say I am good? no one is good but one, and that is God.

19 You have knowledge of what is said in the law, Do not put any one to death, Do not be untrue in married life, Do not take what is not yours, Do not give false witness, Do not get money by deceit, Give honour to your father and mother.

20 And he said to him, Master, all these laws I have kept from the time when I was young.

21 And Jesus, looking on him and loving him, said, There is one thing needed: go, get money for your goods, and give it to the poor, and you will have wealth in heaven: and come with me.

22 But his face became sad at the saying, and he went away sorrowing: for he was one who had much property.

23 And Jesus, looking round about, said to his disciples, How hard it is for those who have wealth to come into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were full of wonder at his words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard it is for those who put faith in wealth to come into the kingdom of God!

25 It is simpler for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a man of wealth to come into the kingdom of God.

26 And they were greatly surprised, saying to him, Who then may have salvation?

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

28 Peter said to him, See, we have given up everything, and come after you.

29 Jesus said, Truly I say to you, There is no man who has given up house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or land, because of me and the good news,

30 Who will not get a hundred times as much now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and land--though with great troubles; and, in the world to come, eternal life.

31 But a great number who are first will be last: and those who are last will be first.

32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them: and they were full of wonder; but those who came after him were in fear. And again he took the twelve, and gave them word of the things which were to come on him,

33 Saying, See, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be given up to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will give an order for his death, and will give him up to the Gentiles:

34 And they will make sport of him, and put shame on him, and give him cruel blows, and will put him to death; and after three days he will come back from the dead.

35 And there came to him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying to him, Master, will you give us whatever may be our request?

36 And he said to them, What would you have me do for you?

37 And they said to him, Let us be seated, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.

38 But Jesus said to them, You have no knowledge of what you are saying. Are you able to take of my cup? or to undergo the baptism which I am to undergo?

39 And they said to him, We are able. And Jesus said to them, You will take of the cup from which I take; and the baptism which I am about to undergo you will undergo:

40 But to be seated at my right hand or at my left is not for me to give: but it is for those for whom it has been made ready.

41 And hearing this, the ten became very angry with James and John.

42 And Jesus made them come to him, and said to them, You see that those who are made rulers over the Gentiles are lords over them, and their great ones have authority over them.

43 But it is not so among you: but whoever has a desire to become great among you, let him be your servant:

44 And whoever has a desire to be first among you, let him be servant of all.

45 For truly the Son of man did not come to have servants, but to be a servant, and to give his life for the salvation of men.

46 And they came to Jericho: and when he was going out of Jericho, with his disciples and a great number of people, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind man, was seated by the wayside, with his hand out for money.

47 And when it came to his ears that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he gave a cry, and said, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

48 And some of them, turning in protest, gave him an order to be quiet: but he went on crying out all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me.

49 And Jesus came to a stop and said, Let him come. And crying out to the blind man, they said to him, Be comforted: come, he has sent for you.

50 And he, putting off his coat, got up quickly, and came to Jesus.

51 And Jesus said to him, What would you have me do to you? And the blind man said, Master, make me able to see.

52 And Jesus said to him, Go on your way; your faith has made you well. And straight away he was able to see, and went after him in the way.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Mark 10

Commentary on Mark 10 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 10

In this chapter, we have,

  • I. Christ's dispute with the Pharisees concerning divorce (v. 1-12).
  • II. The kind entertainment he gave to the little children that were brought to him to be blessed (v. 13-16).
  • III. His trial of the rich man that enquired what he must do to get to heaven (v. 17-22).
  • IV. His discourse with his disciples, upon that occasion, concerning the peril of riches (v. 23-27), and the advantage of being impoverished for his sake (v. 28-31).
  • V. The repeated notice he gave his disciples of his sufferings and death approaching (v. 32-34).
  • VI. The counsel he gave to James and John, to think of suffering with him, rather than of reigning with him (v. 35-45).
  • VII. The cure of Bartimeus, a poor blind man (v. 46-52). All which passages of story we had the substance of before, Mt. 19 and 20.

Mar 10:1-12

Our Lord Jesus was an itinerant Preacher, did not continue long in a place, for the whole land of Canaan was his parish, or diocese, and therefore he would visit every part of it, and give instructions to those in the remotest corners of it. Here we have him in the coasts of Judea, by the further side of Jordan eastward, as we found him, not long since, in the utmost borders westward, near Tyre and Sidon. Thus was his circuit like that of the sun, from whose light and heat nothing is hid. Now here we have him,

  • I. Resorted to by the people, v. 1. Wherever he was, they flocked after him in crowds; they came to him again, as they had done when he had formerly been in these parts, and, as he was wont, he taught them again. Note, Preaching was Christ's constant practice; it was what he was used to, and, wherever he came, he did as he was wont. In Matthew it is said, He healed them; here it is said, He taught them: his cures were to confirm his doctrine, and to recommend it, and his doctrine was to explain his cures, and illustrate them. He taught them again. Note, Even those whom Christ hath taught, have need to be taught again. Such is the fulness of the Christian doctrine, that there is still more to be learned; and such our forgetfulness, that we need to be reminded of what we do know.
  • II. We have him disputed with by the Pharisees, who envied the progress of his spiritual arms, and did all they could to obstruct and oppose it; to divert him, to perplex him, and to prejudice the people against him.
    Here is,
    • 1. A question they started concerning divorce (v. 2); Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? This was a good question, if it had been well put, and with a humble desire to know the mind of God in this matter; but they proposed it, tempting him, seeking an occasion against him, and an opportunity to expose him, which side soever he should take of the question. Ministers must stand upon their guard, lest, under pretence of being advised with, they be ensnared.
    • 2. Christ's reply to them with a question (v. 3); What did Moses command you? This he asked them, to testify his respect to the law of Moses, and to show that he came not to destroy it; and to engage them to a universal impartial respect for Moses's writings and to compare one part of them with another.
    • 3. The fair account they gave of what they found in the law of Moses, expressly concerning divorce, v. 4. Christ asked, What did Moses command you? They own that Moses only suffered, or permitted, a man to write his wife a bill of divorce, and to put her away, Deu. 24:1. "If you will do it, you must do it in writing, delivered into her own hand, and so put her away, and never return to her again.'
    • 4. The answer that Christ gave to their question, in which he abides by the doctrine he had formerly laid down in this case (Mt. 5:32), That whosoever puts away his wife, except for fornication, causeth her to commit adultery. And to clear this he here shows,
      • (1.) That the reason why Moses, in his law, permitted divorce, was such, as that they ought not to make use of that permission; for it was only for the hardness of their hearts (v. 5), lest, if they were not permitted to divorce their wives, they should murder them; so that none must put away their wives but such as are willing to own that their hearts were so hard as to need this permission.
      • (2.) That the account which Moses, in this history, gives of the institution of marriage, affords such a reason against divorce, as amounts to a prohibition of it. So that if the question be, What did Moses command? (v. 3), it must be answered, "Though by a temporary proviso he allowed divorce to the Jews, yet by an eternal reason he forbade it to all the children of Adam and Eve, and that is it which we must abide by.'
        Moses tells us,
        • [1.] That God made man male and female, one male, and one female; so that Adam could not put away his wife and take another, for there was no other to take, which was an intimation to all his sons, that they must not.
        • [2.] When this male and this female were, by the ordinance of God, joined together in holy marriage, the law was, That a man must leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife (v. 7); which intimates not only the nearness of the relation, but the perpetuity of it; he shall so cleave to his wife as not to be separated from her.
        • [3.] The result of the relation is, That, though they are two, yet they are one, they are one flesh, v. 8. The union between them is the most intimate that can be, and, as Dr. Hammond expresses it, a sacred thing that must not be violated.
        • [4.] God himself was joined them together; he has not only, as Creator, fitted them to be comforts and helps meet for each other, but he has, in wisdom and goodness, appointed them who are thus joined together, to live together in love till death parts them. Marriage is not an invention of men, but a divine institution, and therefore is to be religiously observed, and the more, because it is a figure of the mystical inseparable union between Christ and his church.
        Now from all this he infers, that men ought not to put their wives asunder from them, whom God has put so near them. The bond which God himself has tied, is not to be lightly untied. They who are divorcing their wives for every offence, would do well to consider what would become of them, if God should in like manner deal with them. See Isa. 50:1; Jer. 3:1.
    • 5. Christ's discourse with his disciples, in private, about this matter, v. 10-12. It was an advantage to them, that they had opportunity of personal converse with Christ, not only about gospel mysteries, but about moral duties, for further satisfaction. No more is here related of this private conference, that the law Christ laid down in this case-That it is adultery for a man to put away his wife, and marry another; it is adultery against the wife he puts away, it is a wrong to her, a breach of his contract with her, v. 11. He adds, If a woman shall put away her husband, that is, elope from him, leave him by consent, and be married to another, she commits adultery (v. 12), and it will be no excuse at all for her to say that it was with the consent of her husband. Wisdom and grace, holiness and love, reigning in the heart, will make those commands easy which to the carnal mind may be as a heavy yoke.

Mar 10:13-16

It is looked upon as the indication of a kind and tender disposition to take notice of little children, and this was remarkable in our Lord Jesus, which is an encouragement not only to little children to apply themselves to Christ when they are very young, but to grown people, who are conscious to themselves of weakness and childishness, and of being, through manifold infirmities, helpless and useless, like little children. Here we have,

  • I. Little children brought to Christ, v. 13. Their parents, or whoever they were that had the nursing of them, brought them to him, that he should touch them, in token of his commanding and conferring a blessing on them. It doth not appear that they needed any bodily cure, nor were they capable of being taught: but it seems,
    • 1. That they had the care of them were mostly concerned about their souls, their better part, which ought to be the principal care of all parents for their children; for that is the principal part, and it is well with them, it if be well with their souls.
    • 2. They believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; and therefore to him they brought them, that he might touch them, knowing that he could reach their hearts, when nothing their parents could say to them, or do for them, would reach them. We may present our children to Christ, now that he is in heaven, for from thence he can reach them with his blessing, and therein we may act faith upon the fulness and extent of his grace, the kind intimations he hath always given of favour to the seed of the faithful, the tenour of the covenant with Abraham, and the promise to us and to our children, especially that great promise of pouring his Spirit upon our seed, and his blessing upon our offspring, Isa. 44:3.
  • II. The discouragement which the disciples gave to the bringing of children to Christ; They rebuked them that brought them; as if they had been sure that they knew their Master's mind in this matter, whereas he had lately cautioned them not to despise the little ones.
  • III. The encouragement Christ gave to it.
    • 1. He took it very ill that his disciples should keep them off; When he saw it, he was much displeased, v. 14. "What do you mean? Will you hinder me from doing good, from doing good to the rising generation, to the lambs of the flock?' Christ is very angry with his own disciples, if they discountenance any in coming to him themselves, or in bringing their children to him.
    • 2. He ordered that they should be brought to him, and nothing said or done to hinder them; suffer little children, as soon as they are capable, to come to me, to offer up their supplications to me, and to receive instructions from me. Little children are welcome betimes to the throne of grace with their Hosannas.
    • 3. He owned them as members of his church, as they had been of the Jewish church. He came to set up the kingdom of God among men, and took this occasion to declare that that kingdom admitted little children to be the subjects of it, and gave them a title to the privileges of subjects. Nay, the kingdom of God is to be kept up by such: they must be taken in when they are little children, that they may be secured for hereafter, to bear up the name of Christ.
    • 4. That there must be something of the temper and disposition of little children found in all that Christ will own and bless. We must receive the kingdom of God as little children (v. 15); that is, we must stand affected to Christ and his grace as little children do to their parents, nurses, and teachers. We must be inquisitive, as children, must learn as children (that is the learning age), and in learning must believe, Oportet discentem credere-A learner must believe. The mind of a child is white paper (tabula rose-a mere blank), you may write upon it what you will; such must our minds be to the pen of the blessed Spirit. Children are under government; so must we be. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? We must receive the kingdom of God as the child Samuel did, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. Little children depend upon their parents' wisdom and care, are carried in their arms, go where they send them, and take what they provide for them; and thus must we receive the kingdom of God, with a humble resignation of ourselves to Jesus Christ, and an easy dependence upon him, both for strength and righteousness, for tuition, provision, and a portion.
    • 5. He received the children, and gave them what was desired (v. 16); He took them up in his arms, in token of his affectionate concern for them; put his hands upon them, as was desired, and blessed them. She how he out-did the desires of these parents; they begged he would touch them, but he did more.
      • (1.) He took them in his arms. Now the scripture was fulfilled (Isa. 40:11), He shall gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom. Time was, when Christ himself was taken up in old Simeon's arms, Lu. 2:28. And now he took up these children, not complaining of the burthen (as Moses did, when he was bid to carry Israel, that peevish child, in his bosom, as a nursing father bears the sucking child, Num. 11:12), but pleased with it. If we in a right manner bring our children to Christ, he will take them up, not only in the arms of his power and providence, but in the arms of his pity and grace (as Eze. 16:8); underneath them are the everlasting arms.
      • (2.) He put his hands upon them, denoting the bestowing of his Spirit upon them (for that is the hand of the Lord), and his setting them apart for himself.
      • (3.) He blessed them with the spiritual blessings he came to give. Our children are happy, if they have but the Mediator's blessing for their portion. It is true, we do not read that he baptized these children, baptism was not fully settled as the door of admission into the church until after Christ's resurrection; but he asserted their visible church-membership, and by another sign bestowed those blessings upon them, which are now appointed to be conveyed and conferred by baptism, the seal of the promise, which is to us and to our children.

Mar 10:17-31

  • I. Here is a hopeful meeting between Christ and a young man; such he is said to be (Mt. 19:20-22), and a ruler (Lu. 18:18), a person of quality. Some circumstances here are, which we had not in Matthew, which makes his address to Christ very promising.
    • 1. He came running to Christ, which was an indication of his humility; he laid aside the gravity and grandeur of a ruler, when he came to Christ: thus too he manifested his earnestness and importunity; he ran as one in haste, and longing to be in conversation with Christ. He had now an opportunity of consulting this great Prophet, in the things that belonged to his peace, and he would not let slip the opportunity.
    • 2. He came to him when he was in the way, in the midst of company: he did not insist upon a private conference with him by night, as Nicodemus did, though like him he was a ruler, but when he shall find him without, will embrace that opportunity of advising with him, and not be ashamed, Cant. 8:1.
    • 3. He kneeled to him, in token of the great value and veneration he had for him, as a teacher come from God, and his earnest desire to be taught by him. He bowed the knee to the Lord Jesus, as one that would not only do obeisance to him now, but would yield obedience to him always; he bowed the knee, as one that meant to bow the soul to him.
    • 4. His address to him was serious and weighty; Good Master, what shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life? Eternal life was an article of his creed, though then denied by the Sadducees, a prevailing party: he asks, What shall he do now that he may be happy for ever. Most men enquire for good to be had in this world (Ps. 4:6), any good; he asks for good to be done in this world, in order to the enjoyment of the greatest good in the other world; not, Who will make us to see good? But, "Who will make us to do good?' He enquires for happiness in the way of duty; the summum bonum-chief good which Solomon was in quest of, was that good for the sons of men which they do should do, Eccl. 2:3. Now this was,
      • (1.) A very serious question in itself; it was about eternal things, and his own concern in those things. Note, Then there begins to be some hope of people, when they begin to enquire solicitously, what they shall do to get to heaven.
      • (2.) It was proposed to a right person, one that was every way fit to answer it, being himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the true way to life, to eternal life; who came from heaven on purpose, first to lay open for us, and then to lay open to us; first to make, and then to make known, the way to heaven. Note, Those who would know what they shall do to be saved, must apply themselves to Christ, and enquire of him; it is peculiar to the Christian religion, both to show eternal life, and to show the way to it.
      • (3.) It was proposed with a good design-to be instructed. We find this same question put by a lawyer, not kneeling, but standing up (Lu. 10:25), with a bad design, to pick quarrels with him; he tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do? It is not so much the good words as the good intention of them that Christ looks at.
    • 5. Christ encouraged this address,
      • (1.) By assisting his faith, v. 18. He called him good Master; Christ would have him mean thereby, that he looked upon him to be God, since there is none good but one, that is God, who is one, and his name one, Zec. 14:9. Our English word God doubtless hath affinity with good; as the Hebrews name God by his power, Elohim, the strong God; so we by his goodness, the good God.
      • (2.) By directing his practice (v. 19); Keep the commandments; and thou knowest what they are. He mentions the six commandments of the second table, which prescribe our duty to our neighbour; he inverts the order, putting the seventh commandment before the sixth, to intimate that adultery is a sin no less heinous than murder itself. The fifth commandment is here put last, as that which should especially be remembered and observed, to keep us to all the rest. Instead of the tenth commandment, Thou shalt not covet, our Saviour here puts, Defraud not. Meµ apostereµseµs-that is, saith Dr. Hammond, "Thou shalt not rest contented with thy own, and not seek to increase it by the diminution of other men's.' It is a rule of justice not to advance or enrich ourselves by doing wrong or injury to any other.
    • 6. The young man bid fair for heaven, having been free from any open gross violations of the divine commands. Thus far he was able to same in some measure (v. 20), Master, all these have I observed from my youth. He thought he had, and his neighbours thought so too. Note, Ignorance of the extent and spiritual nature of the divine law, makes people think themselves in a better condition than they really are. Paul was alive without the law. But when he saw that to be spiritual, he saw himself to be carnal, Rom. 7:9, 14. However, he that could say he was free from scandalous sin, went further than many in the way to eternal life. But though we know nothing by ourselves, yet are we not thereby justified. 1 Co. 4:4.
    • 7. Christ had a kindness for him; Jesus, beholding him, loved him, v. 21. He was pleased to find that he had lived inoffensively, and pleased to see that he was inquisitive how to live better than so. Christ particularly loves to see young people, and rich people, asking the way to heaven, with their faces thitherward.
  • II. Here is a sorrowful parting between Christ and this young man.
    • 1. Christ gave him a command of trial, by which it would appear whether he did in sincerity aim at eternal life, and press towards it: he seemed to have his heart much upon it, and if so, he is what he should be; but has he indeed his heart upon it? Bring him to the touchstone.
      • (1.) Can he find in his heart to part with his riches for the service of Christ? He hath a good estate, and now, shortly, at the first founding of the Christian church, the necessity of the case will require that those who have lands, sell them, and lay the money at the apostles' feet; and how will he dispense with that? Acts 4:34, 35. After awhile, tribulation and persecution will arise, because of the word; and he must be forced to sell his estate, or have it taken from him, and how will he like that? Let him know the worst now; if he will not come up to these terms, let him quit his pretensions; as good as the first as at last. "Sell whatsoever thou hast over and above what is necessary for thy support;' probably, he had no family to provide for; let him therefore be a father to the poor, and make them his heirs. Every man, according to his ability, must relieve the poor, and be content, when there is occasion, to straiten himself to do it. Worldly wealth is given us, not only as maintenance to bear our charges through this world, according to our place in it, but as talent, to be used and employed for the glory of our great Master in the world, who hath so ordered it, that the poor we should have always with us as his receivers.
      • (2.) Can he find it in his heart to go through the hardest costliest services he may be called to as a disciple of Christ, and depend upon him for a recompence in heaven? He asks Christ what he should do more than he has done to obtain eternal life, and Christ puts it to him, whether he has indeed that firm belief of, and that high value for, eternal life that he seems to have. Doth he really believe there is a true treasure in heaven sufficient to make up all he can leave, or lose, or lay out, for Christ? Is he willing to deal with Christ upon trust? Can he give him credit for all he is worth; and be willing to bear a present cross, in expectation of a future crown?
    • 2. Upon this he flew off (v. 22); He was sad at that saying; was sorry that he could not be a follower of Christ upon any easier terms than leaving all to follow him; that he could not lay hold on eternal life, and keep hold of his temporal possessions too. But since he could not come up to the terms of discipleship, he was so fair as not to pretend to it; He went away grieved. Here appeared the truth of that (Mt. 6:24), Ye cannot serve God and mammon; while he held to mammon he did in effect despise Christ, as all those do who prefer the world before him. He bids for what he has a mind for in the market, yet goes away grieved, and leaves it, because he cannot have it at his own price. Two words to a bargain. Motions are not marriages. That which ruined this young man was, he had great possessions; thus the prosperity of fools destroys them, and those who spend their days in wealth are tempted to say to God, Depart from us; or to their hearts, Depart from God.
  • III. Here is Christ's discourse with his disciples. We are tempted to wish that Christ had mollified that saying which frightened this young gentleman from following him, and by an explanation taken off the harshness of it: but he knew all men's hearts; he would not court him to be his follower, because he was a rich man and a ruler; but, if he will go, let him go. Christ will keep no man against his will; and therefore we do not find that Christ called him back, but took this occasion to instruct his disciples in two things.
    • 1. The difficulty of the salvation of those who have an abundance of this world; because there are few who have a deal to leave, that can be persuaded to leave it for Christ, or to lay it out in doing good.
      • (1.) Christ asserts this here; He looked about upon his disciples, because he would have them all take notice of what he said, that by it they might have their judgments rightly informed, and their mistakes rectified, concerning worldly wealth, which they were apt to over-rate; How hardly shall they who have riches enter into the kingdom of God! v. 23. They have many temptations to grapple with, and many difficulties to get over, which lie not in the way of poor people. But he explains himself, v. 24, where he calls the disciples children, because as such they should be taught by him, and portioned by him with better things than this young man left Christ to cleave to; and whereas he had said, How hardly will those who have riches get to heaven; here he tells them, that the danger arose not so much from their having riches as from their trusting to them, and placing their confidence in them, expecting protection, provision, and a portion from them; saying that to their gold, which they should say only to their God, Thou art my hope, Job 31:24. They have such a value as this for the wealth of the world, will never be brought to put a right value upon Christ and his grace. They that have ever so much riches, but do not trust in them, that see the vanity of them, and their utter insufficiency to make a soul happy, have got over the difficulty, and can easily part with them for Christ: but they have ever so little, if they set their hearts upon that little, and place their happiness in it, it will keep them from Christ. He enforces this assertion with, v. 25, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man, that trusts in riches, or inclines to do so, to enter into the kingdom of God. The disproportion here seems so great (though the more it is so the more it answers the intention), that some have laboured to bring the camel and the eye of the needle a little nearer together.
        • [1.] Some imagine there might be some wicket-gate, or door, to Jerusalem, commonly known by the name of the needle's eye, for its straitness, through which a camel could not be got, unless he were unloaded, and made to kneel, as those camel, Gen. 24:11. So a rich man cannot get to heaven unless he is willing to part with the burthen of his worldly wealth, and stoop to the duties of a humble religion, and so enter at the strait gate.
        • [2.] Others suggest that the word we translate a camel, sometimes signifies a cable-rope, which, though not to be got through a needle's eye, yet is of great affinity to it. A rich man, compared with the poor, is as a cable to a single thread, stronger, but not so pliable, and it will not go through the needle's eye, unless it be untwisted. So the rich man must be loosed and disentangled from his riches, and then there is some hope of him, that thread by thread he may be got through the eye of the needle, otherwise he is good for nothing but to cast anchor in the earth.
      • (2.) This truth was very surprising to the disciples; They were astonished at his words, v. 24. They were astonished out of measure, and said among themselves, Who then can be saved? They knew what were generally the sentiments of the Jewish teachers, who affirmed that the Spirit of God chooses to reside in rich men; nay, they knew what abundance of promises there were, in the Old Testament, of temporal good things; they knew likewise that all either are rich, or fain would be so, and that they who are rich, have so much the larger opportunities of doing good, and therefore were amazed to hear that it should be so hard for rich people to go to heaven.
      • (3.) Christ reconciled them to it, by referring it to the almighty power of God, to help even rich people over the difficulties that lie in the way of their salvation (v. 27); He looked upon them, to engage their attention, and said, "With men it is impossible; rich people cannot by their own skill or resolution get over these difficulties, but the grace of God can do it, for with him all things are possible.' If the righteous scarcely are saved, much more may we say so of the rich; and therefore when any get to heaven, they must give all the glory to God, who worketh in them both to will and to do.
    • 2. The greatness of the salvation of those that have but a little of this world, and leave it for Christ. This he speaks of, upon occasion of Peter's mentioning what he and the rest of the disciples had left to follow him; Behold, (saith he), we have left all to follow thee, v. 28. "You have done well,' saith Christ, "and it will prove in the end that you have done well for yourselves; you shall be abundantly recompensed, and not only you shall be reimbursed, who have left but a little, but those that have ever so much, though it were so much as this young man had, that could not persuade himself to quit it for Christ; yet they shall have much more than an equivalent for it.'
      • (1.) The loss is supposed to be very great; he specifies,
        • [1.] Worldly wealth; houses are here put first, and lands last: if a man quit his house, which should be for his habitation, and his land, which should be for his maintenance, and so make himself a beggar and an outcast. This has been the choice of suffering saints; farewell houses and lands, though ever so convenient and desirable, through the inheritance of fathers, for the house which is from heaven, and the inheritance of the saints in light, where are many mansions.
        • [2.] Dear relations. Father and mother, wife and children, brethren and sisters. In these, as much as in any temporal blessing, the comfort of life is bound up; without these the world would be a wilderness; yet, when we must either forsake these or Christ, we must remember that we stand in nearer relation to Christ than we do to any creature; and therefore to keep in with him, we must be content to break with all the world, and to say to father and mother, as Levi did, I have not known you. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when his love to Christ comes to stand in competition with a love that is lawful, nay, that is his duty. It is easy to such a one to forsake a lust for Christ, for he hath that within him, that rises against it; but to forsake a father, a brother, a wife, for Christ, that is, to forsake those whom he knows he must love, is hard. And yet he must do so, rather than deny or disown Christ. Thus great is the loss supposed to be; but it is for Christ's sake, that he may be honoured, and the gospel's, that it may be promoted and propagated. It is not the suffering, but the cause, that makes the martyr. And therefore,
      • (2.) The advantage will be great.
        • [1.] They shall receive a hundred-fold in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters; not in specie, but that which is equivalent. He shall have abundance of comfort while he lives, sufficient to make up for all his losses; his relation to Christ, his communion with the saints, and his title to eternal life, shall be to him brethren, and sisters, and houses, and all. God's providence gave Job double to what he had had, but suffering Christians shall have a hundred-fold in the comforts of the Spirit sweetening their creature comforts. But observe, It is added here in Mark, with persecutions. Even when they are gainers by Christ, let them still expect to be sufferers for him; and not be out of the reach of persecution, till they come to heaven. Nay, The persecutions seem to come in here among the receivings in this present time; for unto you it is given, not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for his name; yet this is not all,
        • [2.] They shall have eternal life in the world to come. If they receive a hundred-fold in this world, one would think they should not be encouraged to expect any more. Yet, as if that were a small matter, they shall have life eternal into the bargain; which is more than ten thousand-fold, ten thousand times told, for all their losses. But because they talked so much, and really more than became them, of leaving all for Christ, he tells them, though they were first called, that there should be disciples called after them, that should be preferred before them; as St. Paul, who was one born out of due time, and yet laboured more abundantly than all the rest of the apostles, 1 Co. 15:10. Then the first were last, and the last first.

Mar 10:32-45

Here is,

  • I. Christ's prediction of his own sufferings; this string he harped much upon, though in the ears of his disciples it sounded very harsh and unpleasing.
    • 1. See here how bold he was; when they were going up to Jerusalem, Jesus went before them, as the captain of our salvation, that was now to be made perfect through sufferings, v. 32. Thus he showed himself forward to go on with his undertaking, even when he came to the hardest part of it. Now that the time was at hand, he said, Lo, I come; so far was he from drawing back, that now, more than ever, he pressed forward. Jesus went before them, and they were amazed. They began now to consider what imminent danger they ran themselves into, when they went to Jerusalem; how very malicious the Sanhedrim which sat there was against their Master and them; and they were ready to tremble at the thought of it. To hearten them, therefore, Christ went before them. "Come,' saith he, "surely you will venture where your Master ventures.' Note, When we see ourselves entering upon sufferings, it is encouraging to see our Master go before us. Or, He went before them, and therefore they were amazed; they admired to see with what cheerfulness and alacrity he went on, though he knew he was going to suffer and die. Note, Christ's courage and constancy in going on with his undertaking for our salvation, are, and will be, the wonder of all his disciples.
    • 2. See here how timorous and faint-hearted his disciples were; As they followed, they were afraid, afraid for themselves, as being apprehensive of their own danger; and justly might they be ashamed of their being thus afraid. Their Master's courage should have put spirit into them.
    • 3. See here what method he took to silence their fears. He did not go about to make the matter better than it was, nor to feed them with hopes that he might escape the storm, but told them again what he had often told them before, the things that should happen to him. He knew the worst of it, and therefore went on thus boldly, and he will let them know the worst of it. Come, be not afraid; for,
      • (1.) There is no remedy, the matter is determined, and cannot be avoided.
      • (2.) It is only the Son of man that shall suffer; their time of suffering was now at hand, he will now provide for their security.
      • (3.) He shall rise again; the issue of his sufferings will be glorious to himself, and advantageous to all that are his, v. 33, 34. The method and particulars of Christ's sufferings are more largely foretold here than in any other of the predictions-that he shall first be delivered up by Judas to the chief priests and the scribes; that they shall condemn him to death, but, not having the power to put him to death, shall deliver him to the Gentiles, to the Roman powers, and they shall mock him, and scourge him, and spit upon him, and kill him. Christ had a perfect foresight, not only of his own death, but of all the aggravating circumstances of it; and yet he thus went forth to meet it.
  • II. The check he gave to two of his disciples for their ambitious request. This story is much the same here as we had it Mt. 20:20. Only there they are said to have made their request by their mother, here they are said to make it themselves; she introduced them, and presented their petition, and then they seconded it, and assented to it.
    Note,
    • 1. As, on the one hand, there are some that do not use, so, on the other hand, there are some that abuse, the great encouragements Christ has given us in prayer. He hath said, Ask, and it shall be given you; and it is a commendable faith to ask for the great things he has promised; but it was a culpable presumption in these disciples to make such a boundless demand upon their Master; We would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. We had much better leave it to him to do for us what he sees fit, and he will do more than we can desire, Eph. 3:20.
    • 2. We must be cautious how we make general promises. Christ would not engage to do for them whatever they desired, but would know from them what it was they did desire; What would ye that I should do for you? He would have them go on with their suit, that they might be made ashamed of it.
    • 3. Many have been led into a snare by false notions of Christ's kingdom, as if it were of this world, and like the kingdoms of the potentates of this world. James and John conclude, If Christ rise again, he must be a king, and if he be a king, his apostles must be peers, and one of these would willingly be the Primus par regni-The first peer of the realm, and the other next him, like Joseph in Pharaoh's court, or Daniel in Darius's.
    • 4. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the eyes of Christ's own disciples have many a time been dazzled. Whereas to be good should be more our care than to look great, or to have the pre-eminence.
    • 5. Our weakness and short-sightedness appear as much in our prayers as in any thing. We cannot order our speech, when we speak to God, by reason of darkness, both concerning him and concerning ourselves. It is folly to prescribe to God, and wisdom to subscribe.
    • 6. It is the will of Christ that we should prepare for sufferings, and leave it to him to recompense us for them. He needs not be put in mind, as Ahasuerus did, of the services of his people, nor can he forget their work of faith and labour of love. Our care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to suffer with him, and then we may trust him to provide in the best manner how we shall reign with him, and when, and where, and what, the degrees of our glory shall be.
  • III. The check he gave to the rest of the disciples, for their uneasiness at it. They began to be much displeased, to have indignation about James and John, v. 41. They were angry at them for affecting precedency, not because it did so ill become the disciples of Christ, but because each of them hoped to have it himself. When the Cynic trampled on Alexander's foot-cloth, with Calco fastum Alexandri-Now I tread on Alexander's pride, he was seasonably checked with Sed majori fastu-But with a greater pride of thine own. So these discovered their own ambition, in their displeasure at the ambition of James and John; and Christ took this occasion to warn them against it, and all their successors in the ministry of the gospel, v. 42-44. He called them to him in a familiar way, to give them an example of condescension, then when he was reproving their ambition, and to teach them never to bid their disciples keep their distance. He shows them,
    • 1. That dominion was generally abused in the world (v. 42); That they seemed to rule over the Gentiles, that have the name and title of rulers, they exercise lordship over them, that is all they study and aim at, not so much to protect them, and provide for their welfare, as to exercise authority upon them; they will be obeyed, aim to be arbitrary, and to have their will in every thing. Sic volo, sic jubeo, stat pro ratione voluntas-Thus I will, thus I command; my good pleasure is my law. Their care is, what they shall get by their subjects to support their own pomp and grandeur, not what they shall do for them.
    • 2. That therefore it ought not to be admitted into the church; "It shall not be so among you; those that shall be put under your charge, must be as sheep under the charge of the shepherd, who is to tend them and feed them, and be a servant to them, not as horses under the command of the driver, that works them and beats them, and gets his pennyworths out of them. He that affects to be great and chief, that thrusts himself into a secular dignity and dominion, he shall be servant of all, he shall be mean and contemptible in the eyes of all that are wise and good; he that exalteth himself shall be abased.' Or rather, "He that would be truly great and chief, he must lay out himself to do good to all, must stoop to the meanest services, and labour in the hardest services. Those not only shall be most honoured hereafter, but are most honourable now, who are most useful.' To convince them of this, he sets before them his own example (v. 45); "The Son of man submits first to the greatest hardships and hazards, and then enters into his glory, and can you expect to come to it any other way; or to have more ease and honour than he has?'
      • (1.) He takes upon him the form of a servant, comes not to be ministered to, and waited upon, but to minister, and wait to be gracious.
      • (2.) He comes obedient to death, and to its dominion, for he gives his life a ransom for many; did he die for the benefit of good people, and shall not we study to live for their benefit?

Mar 10:46-52

This passage of story agrees with that, Mt. 20:29, etc. Only that there were told of two blind men; here, and Lu. 18:35, only of one: but if there were two, there was one. This one is named here, being a blind beggar that was much talked of; he was called Bartimeus, that is, the son of Timeus; which, some think, signifies the son of a blind man; he was the blind son of a blind father, which made the case worse, and the cure more wonderful, and the more proper to typify the spiritual cures wrought by the grace of Christ, on those that not only are born blind, but are born of those that are blind.

  • I. This blind man sat begging; as they do with us. Note, Those who by the providence of God are disabled to get a livelihood by their own labour, and have not any other way of subsisting, are the most proper objects of charity; and particular care ought to be taken of them.
  • II. He cried out to the Lord Jesus for mercy; Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David. Misery is the object of mercy, his own miserable case he recommends to the compassion of the Son of David, of whom it was foretold, that, when he should come to save us, the eyes of the blind should be opened, Isa. 35:5. In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should have an eye to him as the promised Messiah, the Trustee of mercy and grace.
  • III. Christ encouraged him to hope that he should find mercy; for he stood still, and commanded him to be called. We must never reckon it a hindrance to us in our way, to stand still, when it is to do a good work. Those about him, who had discouraged him at first, perhaps were now the persons that signified to him the gracious call of Christ; "Be of good comfort, rise, he calls thee; and if he calls thee, he will cure thee.' Note, The gracious invitations Christ gives us to come to him, are great encouragements to our hope, that we shall speed well if we come to him, and shall have what we come for. Let the guilty, the empty, the tempted, the hungry, the naked, be of good comfort, for he calls them to be pardoned, to be supplied, to be succoured, to be filled, to be clothed, to have all that done for them, which their case calls for.
  • IV. The poor man, hereupon, made the best of his way to Christ; He cast away his loose upper garment, and came to Jesus (v. 50); he cast away every thing that might be in danger of throwing him down, or might in any way hinder him in coming to Christ, or retard his motion. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast away the garment of their own sufficiency, must strip themselves of all conceit of that, and must free themselves from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, doth most easily beset them, Heb. 12:1.
  • V. The particular favour he begged, was, that his eyes might be opened; that so he might be able to work for his living, and might be no longer burthensome to others. It is a very desirable thing to be in a capacity of earning our own bread; and where God has given men their limbs and senses, it is a shame for men by their foolishness and slothfulness to make themselves, in effect, blind and lame.
  • VI. This favour he received; his eyes were opened (v. 52); and two things Mark here adds, which intimate,
    • 1. How Christ made it a double favour to him, by putting the honour of it upon his faith; "Thy faith hath made thee whole; faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and power; not thy importunity, but thy faith, setting Christ on work, or rather Christ setting thy faith on work.' Those supplies are most comfortable, that are fetched in by our faith.
    • 2. How he made it a double favour to himself; When he had received his sight, he followed Jesus by the way. By this he made it appear that he was thoroughly cured, that he no more needed one to lead him, but could go himself; and by this he evidenced the grateful sense he had of Christ's kindness to him, that, when he had his sight, he made this use of it. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow him; that we may do honour to him, and receive instruction from him. Those that have spiritual eye-sight, see that beauty in Christ, that will effectually draw them to run after him.