‏ Mark 10

* The Pharisees' question concerning divorce. (1-12) Christ's

love to little children. (13-16) Christ's discourse with the

rich young man. (17-22) The hinderance of riches. (23-31) Christ

foretells his sufferings. (32-45) Bartimeus healed. (46-52)

1-12 Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in

crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant

practice. He here shows that the reason why Moses' law allowed

divorce, was such that they ought not to use the permission; it

was only for the hardness of their hearts. God himself joined

man and wife together; he has fitted them to be comforts and

helps for each other. The bond which God has tied, is not to be

lightly untied. Let those who are for putting away their wives

consider what would become of themselves, if God should deal

with them in like manner. 13-16 Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ,

that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It

does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they

capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them

believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good;

therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they

should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or

done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as

soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must

receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand

affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their

parents, nurses, and teachers. 17-22 This young ruler showed great earnestness. He asked what

he should do now, that he might be happy for ever. Most ask for

good to be had in this world; any good, #Ps 4:6|; he asks for

good to be done in this world, in order to enjoy the greatest

good in the other world. Christ encouraged this address by

assisting his faith, and by directing his practice. But here is

a sorrowful parting between Jesus and this young man. He asks

Christ what he shall do more than he has done, to obtain eternal

life; and Christ puts it to him, whether he has indeed that firm

belief of, and that high value for eternal life which he seems

to have. Is he willing to bear a present cross, in expectation

of future crown? The young man was sorry he could not be a

follower of Christ upon easier terms; that he could not lay hold

on eternal life, and keep hold of his worldly possessions too.

He went away grieved. See #Mt 6:24|, Ye cannot serve God and

mammon. 23-31 Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about

the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of

this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world,

will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the

greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this

world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good

man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love

to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them

still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us

learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love

of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with

all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are

allowed to keep in his service. 32-45 Christ's going on with his undertaking for the salvation

of mankind, was, is, and will be, the wonder of all his

disciples. Worldly honour is a glittering thing, with which the

eyes of Christ's own disciples have many times been dazzled. Our

care must be, that we may have wisdom and grace to know how to

suffer with him; and we may trust him to provide what the

degrees of our glory shall be. Christ shows them that dominion

was generally abused in the world. If Jesus would gratify all

our desires, it would soon appear that we desire fame or

authority, and are unwilling to taste of his cup, or to have his

baptism; and should often be ruined by having our prayers

answered. But he loves us, and will only give his people what is

good for them. 46-52 Bartimeus had heard of Jesus and his miracles, and

learning that he was passing by, hoped to recover his eyesight.

In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should look to him

as the promised Messiah. The gracious calls Christ gives us to

come to him, encourage our hope, that if we come to him we shall

have what we come for. Those who would come to Jesus, must cast

away the garment of their own sufficiency, must free themselves

from every weight, and the sin that, like long garments, most

easily besets them, #Heb 12:1|. He begged that his eyes might be

opened. It is very desirable to be able to earn our bread; and

where God has given men limbs and senses, it is a shame, by

foolishness and slothfulness, to make themselves, in effect,

blind and lame. His eyes were opened. Thy faith has made thee

whole: faith in Christ as the Son of David, and in his pity and

power; not thy repeated words, but thy faith; Christ setting thy

faith to work. Let sinners be exhorted to imitate blind

Bartimeus. Where the gospel is preached, or the written words of

truth circulated, Jesus is passing by, and this is the

opportunity. It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual

healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow

him; that we may honour him, and receive instruction from him.

Those who have spiritual eyesight, see that beauty in Christ

which will draw them to run after him.