Chapter Overview
This chapter is packed with events: the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce and the rich young ruler turns from Jesus when asked to sell all he has. Jesus speaks of how difficult it is for the rich to be saved. The apostles have given up everything, but they struggle to understand that the mission will cost Jesus His life and theirs as well. James and John ask for positions of glory, but Jesus informs them that great sacrifice will be required first. A blind beggar approaches asking Jesus to heal Him. The disciples try to silence him, but Jesus heals him because of his faith. There is a common thread of love and mercy throughout all these stories. Everyone needs to learn that the kingdom is about caring for others.
The Pharisees asked about divorce. But that was not God’s will, because it would be unloving and consequential for the wife who was sent away. The rich man was asked to sell his goods and give them to help the poor, but he did not have the heart to do it. The apostles sought places of honor because they struggled to see the mission as being about others. They even tried to prevent a blind man from being healed. Jesus came to earth because He loves us and wants to provide blessings for us. His followers will make decisions based on how they affect other people. We are here to love God and love our neighbor with sacrificial love.
Wonderful Father of love, please soften our hearts to feel more love and compassion for others. It was Your love for us that brought Your Son to come and die for our sins. Whether it is our spouse, the poor among us, or fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, help us to make decisions that reflect care for them. Selfishness is dangerous and hurtful. Cleanse our hearts and make us more like Your Son. Give us the wisdom to see the blind around us looking for sight and develop in us the Christ-like compassion to show Jesus to them.
Thought Questions
- 1What would happen to divorce in our country if everyone prioritized selfless love and service for the person they chose to marry?
- 2How would the poor and homeless be affected in our area if all believers extended charity to them in the likeness of Jesus’ kindness to us?
- 3Will you take some time today to look around at people, all people, and see them with the same love and compassion that Jesus does?