March 9, 2016 Wednesday)
We are studying the gospel of Mark on Wednesdays at the Bethel Baptist Church of Ingleside. Tonight our study takes us to Mark 10:13-31.
The first section of this text tells us about little children and the Savior. People were bringing their children to Jesus so that He could put his hands upon them, but the disciples rebuked them. This upset Jesus who told his disciples to allow the children to come to Him, because everyone who wanted to become part of the kingdom must behave as little children, exercising simple faith in humility. They continued to bring children to Him and He held them in his arms and laid his hands on them.
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “You know the commandments,” naming several of them. “I’ve always obeyed the commandments,” the man said. Then Jesus said to him, “Sell your possessions, give all your money to the poor, and follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus turned to his disciples to say, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” The disciples then asked, “Who then can be saved?” In effect Jesus said, “God can make a way.” Peter reminded the Lord, “We have forsaken everything to follow you.” Jesus replied that they would be rewarded in Heaven, where all our priorities will be brought into line with the truth.