Mark 10:2
Some Pharisees came to test Him. "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" they inquired.
Some Pharisees
The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the time of Jesus. Known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions, they often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the law. The Greek word for Pharisees, "Pharisaios," suggests a separation or distinction, indicating their role as religious leaders who set themselves apart in their observance of the law. Historically, the Pharisees were influential in the synagogues and among the common people, often challenging Jesus to test His understanding and authority.

came to test Him
The phrase "came to test Him" indicates the Pharisees' intention was not to seek genuine understanding but to trap Jesus in a theological or legal dilemma. The Greek word "peirazō" means to test or tempt, often with malicious intent. This reflects a pattern in the Gospels where religious leaders attempt to undermine Jesus' authority. Their testing was a common tactic to discredit Him in the eyes of the people or to find grounds for accusation.

Is it lawful
The question "Is it lawful" refers to the Pharisees' inquiry about the legality of divorce according to Jewish law. The Greek word "exesti" means it is permitted or lawful, pointing to the Pharisees' focus on legalistic interpretations of the Mosaic Law. This question was a matter of significant debate among Jewish scholars, with differing opinions on the grounds for divorce, reflecting the broader cultural and religious context of first-century Judaism.

for a man to divorce his wife
The phrase "for a man to divorce his wife" addresses the specific issue of divorce, which was a contentious topic in Jewish society. The Greek word "apoluō" means to release or send away, indicating the act of a husband dismissing his wife. In the historical context, divorce was a male prerogative, and the Pharisees' question highlights the patriarchal nature of the society. The Mosaic Law, particularly Deuteronomy 24:1-4, provided regulations for divorce, but interpretations varied, with some schools of thought allowing divorce for trivial reasons and others only for serious transgressions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is approached by the Pharisees to test Him. He is in the region of Judea, teaching the crowds.

2. Pharisees
A religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses. They approach Jesus with a question about divorce, intending to test Him.

3. Judea
The region where Jesus is teaching at this time. It is significant as a place where Jesus often encountered religious leaders and taught the crowds.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Intent of the Law
Jesus highlights the importance of understanding the heart and intent behind God's laws, rather than merely following them as a checklist.

The Sanctity of Marriage
Jesus reaffirms the sanctity and permanence of marriage, pointing back to God's original design in creation.

Testing God’s Wisdom
The Pharisees' question was a test, reminding us to approach God with sincerity rather than trying to trap or test Him.

Divorce and Hardness of Heart
Jesus indicates that divorce was permitted due to the hardness of human hearts, challenging us to examine our own hearts in relationships.

Seeking God’s Guidance in Relationships
This passage encourages believers to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all relationships, especially marriage, to align with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees in Mark 10:2 challenge our understanding of the purpose of marriage?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our approach to God's laws is aligned with His intent rather than merely following rules?

3. How does the concept of "hardness of heart" apply to our relationships today, and what steps can we take to soften our hearts?

4. What other biblical teachings on marriage and divorce can help us understand God's design for these relationships?

5. How can we apply Jesus' teachings in Mark 10:2 to modern-day challenges in marriage and relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 19:3-9
This passage parallels Mark 10:2-12, where the Pharisees also question Jesus about divorce. It provides additional context and details about Jesus' response.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
This Old Testament passage outlines the Mosaic Law regarding divorce, which the Pharisees reference in their question to Jesus.

Genesis 2:24
Jesus refers to this foundational scripture about marriage when discussing the nature of the marital bond, emphasizing the original intent of marriage.
Christ's Statement of the Divine Law of MarriageA.F. Muir Mark 10:1-12
DivorceR. Green Mark 10:1-12
The Law of MarriageE. Johnson Mark 10:1-12
A Cure for DivorcesMark 10:2-12
Doctrine of DivorceJ.J. Given Mark 10:2-12
God's Law Greater than Man'sDr. Wayland.Mark 10:2-12
Influence of a Christian WifeDr. Talmage.Mark 10:2-12
MarriageThomas Watson.Mark 10:2-12
The Family RelationC. S. Robinson, D. D.Mark 10:2-12
The Law of MarriageDr. Wayland.Mark 10:2-12
The Marriage Tie and the Married LifeA. Bibby, M. A.Mark 10:2-12
People
Bartimaeus, David, James, Jesus, John, Peter, Timaeus, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Jericho, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Road to Jerusalem
Topics
Asking, Divorce, Entrap, Husband, Lawful, Order, Party, Pharisees, Presently, Question, Questioned, Seeking, Tempting, Test, Tested, Testing, Trying, Whether, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 10:2

     8832   testing

Mark 10:2-9

     2333   Christ, attitude to OT
     5082   Adam, significance
     5731   parents
     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Mark 10:2-12

     8204   chastity

Library
June 21 Morning
Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.--I Peter 2:21. Even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.--Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good.--Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The meekness and gentleness of Christ.--In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.--Be
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 19 Evening
Gold tried in the fire.--REV. 3.18. 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, 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. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.--Now for
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Christ on the Road to the Cross
'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.' --Mark x. 32. We learn from John's Gospel that the resurrection of Lazarus precipitated the determination of the Jewish authorities to put Christ to death; and that immediately thereafter there was held the council at which, by the advice of Caiaphas, the formal decision was come to. Thereupon our Lord withdrew Himself into the wilderness which stretches south
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.'--Mark x. 46. The narrative of this miracle is contained in all the Synoptical Gospels, but the accounts differ in two respects--as to the number of men restored to sight, and as to the scene of the miracle. Matthew tells us that there were two men healed, and agrees with Mark in placing the miracle as Jesus was leaving Jericho. Mark says that there was one, and that the place was outside the gate in departing. Luke, on the other
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

An Eager Coming
'And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.'--Mark x. 50. Mark's vivid picture--long wail of the man, crowd silencing him, but wheeling round when Christ calls him--and the quick energy of the beggar, flinging away his cloak, springing to his feet--and blind as he was, groping his way. I. What we mean by coming to Jesus:--faith, communion, occupation of mind, heart, and will. II. How eagerly we shall come when we are conscious of need. This man wanted his eyesight: do we not want
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Love's Question
'What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51. 'What wilt Thou have me to do!'--Acts ix. 6. Christ asks the first question of a petitioner, and the answer is a prayer for sight. Saul asks the second question of Jesus, and the answer is a command. Different as they are, we may bring them together. The one is the voice of love, desiring to be besought in order that it may bestow; the other is the voice of love, desiring to be commanded in order that it may obey. Love delights in knowing,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Children and Childlike Men
'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.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Almost a Disciple
'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,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dignity and Service
'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 he baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with! 39. And they said
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

November the Second Leading to Christ
"Suffer little children to come unto Me." --MARK x. 13-22. "Unto Me!" We must not keep them at any half-way house. We are so prone to be satisfied if only we bring them a little way along the road. If we get them to pray! If we get them to attend the Lord's house! If we get them to be truthful and gentle! All of which is unspeakably good. It is a blessed thing to be in "the ways of Zion"; it is a far more blessed thing to be in the palace with Zion's King and Lord. When we are dealing with little
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Lord Our Righteousness
Jeremiah 23:6 -- "The Lord our Righteousness." Whoever is acquainted with the nature of mankind in general, or the propensity of his own heart in particular, must acknowledge, that self- righteousness is the last idol that is rooted out of the heart: being once born under a covenant of works, it is natural for us all to have recourse to a covenant of works, for our everlasting salvation. And we have contracted such devilish pride, by our fall from God, that we would, if not wholly, yet in part at
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
The Scripture before us is by several of the champions on the other side exhibited to the people as a rebuke to me. Their reasoning is rather ingenious than forcible: forsooth, because the disciples incurred the displeasure of Jesus Christ by keeping back the little children from coming to Him, therefore Jesus Christ is greatly displeased with me, and with all others like me, for keeping children from the font, and the performance there enacted; and specially displeased with me for exposing the Anglican
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Blind Beggar
This morning I shall address myself most particularly to the poor and blind souls here to-day. The poor blind man's faith described in this passage of Scripture, is a fit picture of the faith which I pray God you may be enabled to exert to the saving of your souls. We shall notice the origin of his faith, how his faith perceived its opportunity when Jesus passed by; we shall listen to his faith while it cries and begs; we shall look upon his faith while it leaps in joyous obedience to the divine
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Hardness of the Way.
"Children, how hard is it!"--St. Mark x. 24. I suspect there is scarcely a young man rich and thoughtful who is not ready to feel our Lord's treatment of this young man hard. He is apt to ask, "Why should it be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven?" He is ready to look upon the natural fact as an arbitrary decree, arising, shall I say? from some prejudice in the divine mind, or at least from some objection to the joys of well-being, as regarded from the creatures' side.
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Domestic Relation.
When we speak of home life with its relations and duties we are not digressing from the subject of gospel light. Nowhere does the light of Christianity shine so peaceful and beautiful as in the home. Nowhere is the power of its influence so felt as in the home circle. The public worship of Christians is an inspiring scene, but nothing apparently is so heavenly as the sacred family altar. A father and mother whose hearts are filled with holy love together with happy, obedient children bowing together
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
1, 2. It is too supposable a case that this Treatise may come into such hands.--3, 4. Since many, not grossly vicious, fail under that character.--5, 6. A more particular illustration of this case, with an appeal to the reader, whether it be not his own.--7 to 9. Expostulation with such.--10 to 12. More particularly--From acknowledged principles relating to the Nature of Got, his universal presence, agency, and perfection.--13. From a view of personal obligations to him.--14. From the danger Of this
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Value of Life
Whatever our present conceptions of Jesus Christ may be, we ought to approach our study of his teachings with a sense of reverence. With the slenderest human means at his disposal, within a brief span of time, he raised our understanding of God and of human life to new levels forever, and set forces in motion which revolutionized history. Of his teachings we have only fragments, but they have an inexhaustible vitality. In this course we are to examine these as our source material in order to discover,
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Tenth Lesson. What Wilt Thou?'
What wilt thou?' Or, Prayer must be Definite. And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?'--Mark x. 51; Luke xviii. 41. THE blind man had been crying out aloud, and that a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.' The cry had reached the ear of the Lord; He knew what he wanted, and was ready to grant it him. But ere He does it, He asks him: What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?' He wants to hear from his own lips, not only the general petition
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have Visited Canada--Stewardship.
Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who have visited Canada--Stewardship. The fallowing plain answers to practical questions, are written by those well acquainted with the work:-- I. "Are these children really street Arabs? If not, where do you find so many?" In the early days of the work, before the establishment of School Boards and kindred institutions, a large proportion of the children were actually taken from the streets. Now, the rescue work begins farther back,
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers

The Journey to Jerusalem
"And they went in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them; and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid."--Mark 10:32. "Jesu, was hat dich getrieben." [38]Laurentius Laurenti. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 Jesus! what was that which drew Thee To Jerusalem's ancient gate? Ah! the love that burned so truly, Would not suffer Thee to wait! On Thou journeyedst, thus securing Me a city more enduring! To my spirit now draw nearer, Lord, as to Jerusalem! Let each moment
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

The Footsteps
"Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of."--Mark x. 39. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Behold, My bride, how fair My mouth, Mine eyes; My heart is glowing fire, My hand is grace-- And see how swift My foot, and follow Me. For thou with Me shalt scorned and martyred be, Betrayed by envy, tempted in the wilds, And seized by hate, and bound by calumny; And they shall bind thine eyes lest thou should'st see, By hiding Mine eternal truth from thee. And they shall scourge
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

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