Read Mark 10

Highlights:

Law of divorce; children blessed; rich young ruler; request of James and John; triumphal entry; cleansing the Temple.

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 (Mark 10:37).

Jesus had just told His disciples that He would suffer and die at Jerusalem and arise on the third day, but they were still expecting an immediate kingdom (10:33-34).

James and John, along with their mother, asked Jesus if he would give them the two most prominent positions in His Kingdom. Their question, just like their thinking, was so off track. But Jesus was prepared to get them thinking the right way. Jesus answered them by asking a very striking question: Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? (10:38). Sharing the cup of agony, pain and humiliation that Jesus suffered was a far greater privilege than having a position of importance. Sometimes, our priorities in life can get out of sorts. We might think we need one thing, when it is really something else entirely that is of greater importance.

The rewards of life are the same way. It is easy to get wrapped up in end results. But what about life along the way? The joy should be in serving Christ. Yes, thank God, a home in heaven is being prepared for us. However, we live everyday for the honor and privilege of being the chosen vessel of God we are. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (Heb. 12:28).

Christians today should be just as willing to suffer with Christ as they are to reign with Him. When the authorities commanded the Apostles not to teach in Jesus' Name, they replied: We ought to obey God rather than men. After being beaten, the Apostles departed rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name (Acts 5:27-41.) We may never have to suffer beatings, imprisonment, or death for the cause of Christ. However, there will be times we will deal with our own brand of trials and tribulations. The greatest blessing that lies ahead for us is spending an eternity in the presence of God. He has promised that we will share His future honor if we share in His suffering (Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12).

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy Statutes (Ps. 119:71).

Thought for Today:

A true disciple is more than just a casual follower, for he is learning to die to self daily.

Cross References:

For Mark 10:6: See Gen. 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Gen. 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Ps. 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11.

Word Studies:

10:1 by the farther side of, beyond; people resort, multitudes gather; 11:8 strawed, spread, scattered.

Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8