Marriage and Divorce (Mark 10:1-12)
Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that it is a divine union that should not be separated by human decision. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate (Mark 10:9).

Receiving the Kingdom like a Child (Mark 10:13-16)
Jesus highlights the importance of childlike faith and humility. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Mark 10:15).

The Rich Young Man (Mark 10:17-31)
Jesus challenges the young man's attachment to wealth, teaching that true discipleship requires surrendering earthly possessions. Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me (Mark 10:21).

Jesus Predicts His Death (Mark 10:32-34)
Jesus foretells His suffering and resurrection, underscoring His mission of redemption.

The Request of James and John (Mark 10:35-45)
Jesus teaches about true greatness through servanthood. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Mark 10:43).

Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus' faith and persistence lead to his healing, illustrating the power of faith in Christ. Go, said Jesus, your faith has healed you (Mark 10:52).Value and Protect Marriage
Uphold the sanctity of marriage by fostering love, commitment, and faithfulness in your relationships.

Cultivate Childlike Faith
Approach God with humility and trust, free from pride and self-reliance.

Prioritize Eternal Treasures
Evaluate your attachment to material possessions and seek to invest in heavenly treasures.

Embrace Servanthood
Seek opportunities to serve others selflessly, following Jesus' example of humility and love.

Exercise Persistent Faith
Like Bartimaeus, persist in faith and prayer, trusting in Jesus' power to transform your life.1. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in Mark 10. He is depicted as a teacher and healer, addressing various issues such as marriage, wealth, and discipleship. In this chapter, He travels to Judea and beyond the Jordan, teaches about divorce, blesses children, and discusses the challenges of wealth in entering the kingdom of God. The Greek name for Jesus is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous).

2. Pharisees
The Pharisees are a group of Jewish religious leaders who approach Jesus to test Him with questions about the lawfulness of divorce. Their interaction with Jesus highlights their focus on legalistic interpretations of the law. The Greek term for Pharisees is Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi).

3. Disciples
The disciples are Jesus' followers who accompany Him and receive private teachings. In Mark 10, they are involved in discussions about divorce, the blessing of children, and the challenges of wealth. The Greek word for disciples is μαθηταί (mathētai).

4. Children
Children are brought to Jesus so that He might touch them. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for childlike receptivity. The Greek term for children is παιδία (paidia).

5. Rich Young Man
A rich young man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus' response leads to a discussion about the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. The Greek text refers to him as a man with great possessions (ἔχων κτήματα πολλά, echōn ktēmata polla).

6. Peter
Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, speaks up to remind Jesus that they have left everything to follow Him. This prompts Jesus to teach about the rewards of discipleship. The Greek name for Peter is Πέτρος (Petros).

7. James and John
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, request positions of honor in Jesus' glory. Their request leads to a teaching on servanthood and greatness in the kingdom of God. The Greek names are Ἰάκωβος (Iakōbos) for James and Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) for John.

8. Bartimaeus
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, calls out to Jesus for mercy as He leaves Jericho. Jesus heals him, and Bartimaeus follows Him on the way. The Greek name is Βαρτιμαῖος (Bartimaios).1. Judea
Mark 10:1: "Then Jesus left that place and went into the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Again the crowds came to Him, and as was His custom, He taught them."
Judea is a region in the southern part of ancient Israel, significant in Jewish history and the ministry of Jesus. The Greek term used here is "Ἰουδαία" (Ioudaia), referring to the area traditionally associated with the tribe of Judah.

2. Beyond the Jordan
Mark 10:1: "Then Jesus left that place and went into the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Again the crowds came to Him, and as was His custom, He taught them."
This phrase refers to the area east of the Jordan River. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it often indicates the region of Perea. The Greek phrase "πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου" (peran tou Iordanou) is used, meaning "beyond the Jordan."1. Teaching on Divorce (Mark 10:1-12)
Jesus travels to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. The Pharisees test Him by asking about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus refers to the creation account, emphasizing that God made them male and female and that marriage is a union that should not be separated by man. He explains that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts but reiterates the original divine intention for marriage.

2. Blessing the Little Children (Mark 10:13-16)
People bring children to Jesus for Him to touch them, but the disciples rebuke them. Jesus is indignant and instructs them to allow the children to come to Him, stating that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. He emphasizes the need to receive the kingdom of God like a child and blesses the children.

3. The Rich Young Man (Mark 10:17-22)
A man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus lists the commandments, and the man claims to have kept them all. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man leaves sorrowful because he has great wealth, highlighting the challenge of wealth in entering the kingdom of God.

4. Teaching on Wealth and the Kingdom (Mark 10:23-31)
Jesus comments on the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God, using the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples are astonished, and Jesus assures them that with God, all things are possible. Peter mentions their sacrifices, and Jesus promises rewards for those who leave everything for His sake, both in this life and the life to come.

5. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (Mark 10:32-34)
As they travel to Jerusalem, Jesus takes the Twelve aside and predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection. He details how He will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, mocked, spit upon, flogged, and killed, but will rise again on the third day.

6. The Request of James and John (Mark 10:35-45)
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, request to sit at Jesus' right and left in His glory. Jesus questions their understanding and speaks of the cup He must drink and the baptism He must undergo. He teaches about servant leadership, stating that whoever wants to be great must be a servant, and the Son of Man came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

7. Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
As Jesus leaves Jericho, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, calls out to Him for mercy. Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he persists. Jesus calls him over, and Bartimaeus expresses his desire to see. Jesus heals him, saying, "Go, your faith has healed you," and Bartimaeus follows Jesus along the road. Marriage
Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31-33

Childlike Faith
Matthew 18:3-4, Luke 18:17

Wealth and Discipleship
Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Servanthood
Philippians 2:5-7, John 13:12-17

Faith and Healing
James 5:15, Hebrews 11:6Pray for strength and wisdom to honor and protect the sanctity of marriage.
Ask God to help you cultivate a childlike faith, free from pride and self-reliance.
Seek God's guidance in prioritizing eternal treasures over earthly possessions.
Pray for a heart of servanthood, willing to serve others selflessly.
Ask for increased faith and persistence in prayer, trusting in Jesus' power to heal and transform.

1. How does Jesus' teaching on divorce in verses 1-12 challenge or affirm your understanding of marriage?

2. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a little child?

3. What does the encounter with the rich young ruler reveal about the dangers of wealth and the nature of discipleship?

4. How does the third prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection add to your understanding of His mission?

5. In the request of James and John, how do you see your own desires for significance or recognition reflected?

6. What does the healing of Bartimaeus teach us about faith and persistence?

7. How does Jesus' teaching about greatness in the kingdom of God challenge worldly concepts of success and power?

8. How can you apply the lesson from the rich young ruler to your own life? Are there things you value more than following Jesus?

9. How can you cultivate a childlike faith as Jesus encourages in verses 13-16?

10. What does it mean in a modern context to give one's life as a ransom for many?

11. Why do you think Jesus' teachings on wealth and poverty were so counter-cultural then and remain so today?

12. How do you feel when you read Jesus' clear expectation of self-sacrifice for His disciples? Is it challenging, inspiring, daunting, or something else?

13. Can you identify ways in which you might have been blind in your faith, and how you can learn from Bartimaeus' encounter with Jesus?

14. What does it look like in your everyday life to serve others as Jesus instructed His disciples?

15. In the context of modern relationships and society, how can Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce be applied?

16. How can Jesus' interaction with children influence your approach to younger generations within the faith community?

17. How does the rich young ruler's response to Jesus challenge your own responses to God's commands?

18. How can you demonstrate servant leadership in your own life, following the example of Jesus?

19. In what ways have you experienced the truth of Jesus' statement that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first?

20. What steps can you take to cultivate a faith that persists in calling out to Jesus, like Bartimaeus, even when others might try to silence you?