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Mark 10:23-31 “For Me and the Gospel”

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6–9 minutes

Mark 10:23-31 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

As the man walked away, Jesus said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23). The disciples were astonished at his words (v. 24). Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus took it a step further, saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (v. 25). This statement, using a metaphor with exaggeration, means “it is impossible.” At this, the disciples were even more amazed and asked, “Then who can be saved?” (v. 26). According to Jewish teachings at the time, wealth was considered God’s blessing upon the righteous. If a rich person could not be saved, others surely had even less hope.

Then Jesus answered, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.” (v. 27). Salvation—receiving eternal life—is not something that can be achieved through human effort; it is a gift given by God. At that time, Judaism taught that people could accumulate righteousness and thereby meet God’s standard—and that they were required to do so. The wealthy were considered to have the greatest potential to accomplish this. However, Jesus completely overturned this belief. Salvation is not earned through human effort but is a gift from God, and human righteousness is a response to that gift. A person’s wealth is unrelated to their level of righteousness.

Then Peter responded, “Look, we have left everything and followed You.” (v. 28). His statement is not much different from what the rich young man had said earlier: “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” (v. 20). Peter considered leaving everything to follow Jesus as his own righteousness. By saying this, he likely expected Jesus to commend him with words like, “Yes, you have already received salvation.” However, Jesus does not acknowledge his statement; instead, he remains silent as if he had not heard it.

Instead, Jesus gives a promise that whatever is sacrificed for him and the gospel will be abundantly repaid both in this life and in the life to come (vv. 29-30). His words about leaving “brothers or sisters or mother or father or children” (v. 29) can seem shocking. Jesus often used striking and provocative language in his teachings to make his message unforgettable in the hearts of his listeners. However, he does not mean that people should abandon their responsibilities and duties toward their parents or children. There may be times, like for the disciples, when following God’s calling requires letting go of material possessions and even the responsibilities of family life. However, this is not a universal or constant requirement for everyone.

What Jesus is teaching here is about priorities. In the life of a disciple, the highest priority must be Jesus, the kingdom of God, and the gospel. In daily life’s countless decisions and choices, we must strive to put the kingdom of God first. When we live this way, we will be able to let go without hesitation when the time comes—whether in response to a special calling or even at the threshold of death. At such moments, God will reward us with blessings far surpassing anything we have given up.

“The first will be last, and the last first” (v. 31) signifies the contrast between the earthly and heavenly orders. Those honored and esteemed in this world may be lowly in the kingdom of God, and those considered great on earth may be small in God’s kingdom. For this reason, Jesus sought out those who were marginalized and considered insignificant, bringing them the gospel. Such people most need the kingdom of God.

Meditation:

Becoming an adult, acquiring wealth, attaining power, becoming competent, and growing in intelligence are ideals that everyone pursues. These are the desires of all people in the world. Human history has become a “war of all against all” because everyone is competing to become stronger, rise to the top, and accumulate wealth. We all chase after these things because our sinful nature finds satisfaction in them. We want to be our own god, our own king, and our own master. And we desire to rule over as many people as possible. We believe we must grow up, gain wealth, obtain power, and become stronger to achieve this.

Jesus leads us in the opposite direction. He calls us to pursue becoming like a child, embracing poverty, accepting powerlessness, relinquishing competence, and setting aside worldly wisdom. Becoming like a child does not mean avoiding maturity but acknowledging our weakness and dependence on God. To become poor does not mean to be idle and irresponsible, but to refuse to make wealth our ultimate goal or become enslaved by material possessions. To become powerless means not to use whatever strength we have to dominate others. To become incompetent means not to rely on our own abilities as our source of confidence. To become foolish means not placing blind faith in our own knowledge or intellect.

If we do not take this path, our maturity, wealth, power, abilities, and wisdom can hinder us from relying on God. Regardless of what we possess, the most important task in our spiritual journey is to lay everything down and, like a child, continually hope in and depend on the kingdom of God. Even if we surrender everything before God, that in itself does not become our righteousness. Before God, we cannot claim righteousness by anything we do. We stand before him with humble hearts, waiting like children to receive his grace. When we are truly captivated by his grace, we will gladly surrender everything to God, saying, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10). And in doing so, we will find joy and gratitude in his presence.

Prayer:

Lord, you see and know our inner selves better than we do. If you find anything in us that we consider as our own righteousness, please remove it with the sharpness of your divine scalpel. We confess that even if we were to give our entire lives, we could never earn your grace. We believe your grace is only given to us because of your love. Oh Lord, wrap us in your grace so that nothing in this world appears greater than you. Let living for you be the highest purpose of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s grace is a gift that cannot be earned through wealth, power, or ability. True discipleship means putting God first and trusting in Him like a child rather than relying on our own strength. When we surrender to God, He blesses us in ways more incredible than we can imagine.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • Jesus said it’s hard for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. Why do you think he said that?
    • Jesus wants us to put him first. What is one way you can show that Jesus is most important in your life?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • Have you ever felt like you had to prove yourself to others? How does today’s lesson show us a different way to live?
    • Jesus promises that whatever we give up for him will be rewarded. What do you think those rewards look like in this life and in eternity?
  • For High School
    • In today’s world, wealth and power are seen as measures of success. Why do you think Jesus teaches the opposite?
    • The passage reminds us that we cannot earn God’s grace—it’s a gift. How does that change the way you see your relationship with God?

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