Reflection on Mark 10

Mark 10: 1-16

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them,“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Jesus is the BETTER parent: Who welcomes children, opens the kingdom of God to them and blesses them. Jesus does not despise their “smallness” or look down on them.

Mark 10: 17-31

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ ” (vs. 18-19)

Jesus shows us how to glorify God. When he is addressed as “good teacher” he points to God as the ultimate GOOD. He shows us true humility by not putting forward His good-ness although He is good.

Mark 10: 32-34

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said,“and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” (vs. 32-34)

Jesus shows us a BETTER way to accept death, even a violent and unlawful death at the hands of enemies

When he tells his disciples “We are going up to Jerusalem” (vs.33)...he is telling them: We are going to my death...we are walking into my execution...

Mark 10: 35-45

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (vs. 42-45)

Jesus is the BETTER Saviour: Who does not call his disciples to make sacrifices that he has not made himself.

May we always serve instead of demanding to be served and feeling that we are entitled to be served.

May we look to the life of Jesus and the sacrifice he has made as the only reason to be alive.