October 31

Matthew 19; Mark 10 (biblegateway.com)

Following Jesus Without Reservation

In Matthew 19 and Mark 10, Jesus’ teachings grow increasingly personal and challenging. The Pharisees test Him with a question about divorce, hoping to trap Him in controversy. Jesus responds by pointing back to God’s original design for marriage in Genesis. Parents then bring their children to Jesus, and while the disciples try to turn them away, Jesus welcomes them, saying, “Let the little children come to Me…for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). This scene highlights the humility and dependence that characterize true faith.

Next, a rich young ruler approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Though outwardly moral and obedient, his heart is bound by material wealth. Jesus lovingly tells him to sell his possessions and follow Him, exposing the man’s divided loyalty. The young ruler departs in sorrow, and Jesus teaches that while it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom by their own means, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

As the disciples wrestle with the cost of discipleship, Jesus reassures them that every sacrifice made for His sake will be rewarded a hundredfold. In this, He affirms both the challenge and the eternal hope of following Him.

Matthew 19 — Teachings on Marriage, Discipleship, and the Kingdom

Matthew 19 marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry as He leaves Galilee for the last time and begins His final journey toward Jerusalem. His teachings in this chapter address practical and spiritual matters at the heart of discipleship, including marriage, celibacy, childlike faith, wealth, and eternal life. Each scene reveals how Jesus called people to wholehearted devotion, correcting distorted human traditions and emphasizing God’s original design for life and relationships.

As Jesus entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan, large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there (v. 1–2). The Pharisees soon approached with another attempt to test Him, asking whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason (v. 3). Within Jewish debate, two main schools of thought existed: the followers of Shammai allowed divorce only for sexual immorality, while the followers of Hillel permitted it for almost any cause. Jesus did not take sides in their argument but instead returned to God’s original design in Scripture. From the beginning, He reminded them, the Creator made humanity male and female and joined them together in a lifelong covenant. “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (v. 6). In God’s plan, marriage was created as a sacred and enduring union, an expression of love and mutual devotion meant to reflect His faithfulness and care.

The Pharisees countered by citing Moses’ allowance for divorce (Deuteronomy 24:1–4). Jesus explained that this concession was given because of the hardness of human hearts, not because it reflected God’s perfect will. He acknowledged that divorce exists as part of life in a fallen world, yet He pointed His followers back to the higher calling of grace, forgiveness, and commitment within marriage whenever possible. “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (v. 9). His words highlight the sacredness of marriage and encourage faithfulness while recognizing human brokenness and the need for God’s redeeming grace.

Yet even in this difficult teaching, God’s grace shines through. Scripture reminds us that while God’s ideal is lifelong faithfulness, His mercy extends to all who turn to Him in repentance. For those who have known the pain of broken relationships, Christ offers forgiveness, healing, and hope. His truth is never meant to condemn but to restore, guiding us to live in the light of His grace and to honor Him in every relationship.

The disciples, startled by the strictness of this standard, remarked that it might be better not to marry at all (v. 10). Jesus replied that celibacy is a special calling, not for everyone but for those to whom it is given. Some remain unmarried due to circumstances beyond their control, others by human choice, and still others voluntarily for the sake of God’s kingdom (v. 11–12). This teaching upheld both marriage and celibacy as honorable when undertaken in obedience to God’s will.

Next, people brought little children to Jesus so that He might place His hands on them and pray for them (v. 13). The disciples, however, rebuked those who brought them, thinking the children were interrupting more important matters. They had already forgotten Jesus’ earlier teaching about the value of children and the seriousness of causing one of them to stumble (cf. 18:1–14). Jesus quickly corrected His disciples, saying, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (v. 14). He then laid His hands on them and blessed them all before departing (v. 15). In this moment, Jesus demonstrated not only His love for children but also the kind of heart that pleases God. The kingdom of heaven, He explained, belongs to those who come with childlike humility, trust, and sincerity.

The disciples viewed the children as distractions, but Jesus saw them as a living example of the faith required to enter God’s kingdom. While the religious leaders clung to pride and position, these little ones came with open hearts. Their simplicity and dependence reveal what true faith looks like, trusting fully in the Father’s care. Jesus’ response reminds us that no one is too small, too simple, or too insignificant to receive His blessing.

This passage challenges believers to approach God with the same openness and dependence as a child, free of pretense, pride, or self-sufficiency. Childlike faith is not weakness but genuine trust in the goodness of our Savior. Those who come to Him in that spirit find themselves embraced by the same hands that blessed the children long ago.

A rich young ruler then approached Jesus, asking what good deed he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 16). His question revealed a works-based mindset common among the religious elite, assuming that righteousness could be achieved through human effort. Jesus first directed him to the commandments, pointing him to the moral heart of God’s law, love for both God and neighbor (v. 17–19). The man confidently claimed to have kept them all, yet he sensed something was still missing (v. 20). Jesus then gave a personal challenge: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” The young man left sorrowful, for he had great possessions (v. 21–22). His reaction revealed that while he had obeyed outwardly, his heart remained divided. The issue was not wealth itself but misplaced trust; his riches had become his master, keeping him from wholehearted devotion to Christ.

By asking the man to give up his possessions, Jesus exposed the deeper issue of idolatry. Though the man professed to have kept the commandments, his refusal to surrender revealed that he had violated the first and greatest one: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). His wealth had taken God’s rightful place in his life.

When Jesus said the man would “be perfect” if he sold all and followed Him, He was not demanding universal poverty but illustrating what it means to be complete and justified before God, fully surrendered, holding nothing back. Scripture does not require every believer to sell everything, but it does call each of us to a willing heart that values obedience over comfort. We must be ready to release anything that competes with our love for the Lord. This encounter reminds us that following Jesus involves more than moral living; it requires total surrender. We cannot love God with all our hearts and still cling tightly to worldly security. True discipleship means trusting that what we gain in Christ far outweighs anything we give up for Him. The question each believer must face is this: What am I holding onto that keeps me from following Jesus completely?

The encounter with the rich young ruler prompted Jesus to teach His disciples about the danger of misplaced trust in riches. Turning to them, He said, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 23–24). The image was deliberately extreme. The camel, one of the largest animals familiar to the Jews, could no more pass through the tiny eye of a sewing needle than a person who trusts in wealth could enter God’s kingdom. This was not a reference to a small city gate, as some suggest, but to an impossible task, illustrating how human effort can never achieve salvation.

The disciples were astonished. In their culture, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God’s blessing. If even the rich, those considered most favored by God, could not enter easily, “Who then can be saved?” they asked (v. 25). Jesus answered, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (v. 26). His reply redirected their understanding of salvation: eternal life is not earned but granted by God’s grace. Human achievement, status, or moral effort can never open heaven’s gate. Only through faith in Christ and the transforming work of God’s Spirit can anyone be saved.

This passage reminds us that God is not impressed by what we possess but by whether we trust Him completely. Rich or poor, each person must come to Him the same way, empty-handed, dependent, and believing. The real question for every heart is this: Am I trusting in Christ alone, or in something I can lose?

Peter, speaking on behalf of the group, reminded Jesus that they had left everything to follow Him and asked what reward they would receive (v. 27). Jesus assured them that their sacrifice was not forgotten. “In the renewal of all things,” He said, “the twelve apostles will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (v. 28). This “renewal” points to the complete restoration of God’s kingdom foretold by the prophets, involving the spiritual, political, and physical transformation of all creation. In that day, the twelve apostles (excluding Judas) will share in the final establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth, reigning with Him in righteousness and glory.

Jesus further promised that everyone who has forsaken home, family, or possessions for His sake will receive “a hundredfold” and also inherit eternal life (v. 29). This does not mean every believer will gain material wealth, but that whatever is lost for Christ’s sake will be repaid many times over in spiritual blessings and eternal reward. Even when faithfulness leads to rejection or loss, believers gain the far greater treasure of belonging to God’s family and living in His presence.

Finally, Jesus added a sobering reminder: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (v. 30). In God’s kingdom, the values of this world are reversed. Those who seem to have everything now, like the rich young ruler, may one day find they have lost what truly matters, while those who humbly serve, sacrifice, and suffer for Christ’s sake will share in His glory. This passage reminds us that God rewards faithfulness, not fame. Our true reward is not earthly comfort but the presence and favor of Christ Himself, now through the indwelling Spirit, and one day in His eternal kingdom. The challenge for every believer is this: Are we living for what lasts forever, or for what will one day fade away?

Matthew 19 presents a series of tests and teachings that call for undivided devotion to Christ. Marriage is reaffirmed as a lifelong covenant rooted in creation and divine design. Discipleship demands faithfulness in every relationship, whether in marriage or in singleness. The encounter with the rich young ruler exposes the subtle idolatry of possessions, reminding believers that following Christ requires full surrender.

This passage reinforces both divine grace and human responsibility. God’s commands reveal His holy standards, but each person must choose obedience through the enabling grace of the Spirit. Salvation cannot be earned, yet it requires a willing heart that forsakes all rival allegiances. True discipleship involves continual surrender, faithful stewardship, and humble dependence on God’s mercy.

The challenge of Matthew 19 remains urgent: to trust the Lord above every comfort, to honor His design in our relationships, and to live each day in light of the eternal kingdom where human greatness is reversed and grace alone prevails.

Mark 10 — Teachings on Marriage, Wealth, and Servant Leadership

Mark 10 parallels Matthew 19 in content but emphasizes discipleship through the lens of humility and service. As Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem, He taught about marriage, children, wealth, and leadership in the kingdom of God. Each lesson challenged the prevailing attitudes of His day, revealing the cost and character of truly following Him.

Similar to what we read in Matthew 19, Jesus confronted the Pharisees’ questions about divorce (v. 1–12). Mark’s account, however, contains several unique details and a broader emphasis. It is shorter and more direct, focusing squarely on the divine permanence of marriage and Jesus’ appeal to creation: “From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female” (v. 6). This direct reference to Genesis highlights God’s intentional design for marriage and the sacred union of husband and wife, truths that remain countercultural yet foundational for Christian homes today.

God created the first couple, Adam and Eve, distinctly male and female, unique yet perfectly designed to complement one another. In marriage, a man leaves his parents, is joined to his wife, and the two become “one flesh,” forming a new and sacred union meant to reflect deep unity, love, and mutual commitment. From the beginning, God’s design for marriage was that it be a lasting and loving covenant, a relationship built on faithfulness, grace, and devotion that mirrors His steadfast love for His people.

Mark alone records that Jesus applied His teaching equally to both men and women (v. 12), noting that in the Roman world, women could also initiate divorce. By including this, Mark highlights the shared responsibility and equal worth of both husband and wife within marriage, emphasizing that faithfulness and commitment are mutual expressions of love and respect.

While Matthew includes an exception clause (“except for sexual immorality”), Mark focuses on the ideal rather than the exceptions. His words are not meant to condemn those who have experienced brokenness or loss but to lift marriage back to the place of honor God intended. Taken together, both Gospels reveal that marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, and that even where human relationships falter, His grace brings forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings.

Immediately following, parents brought little children to Jesus so He might bless them, but the disciples tried to turn them away (v. 13–16). Jesus was indignant and said that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. He emphasized that one must receive the kingdom with the simplicity and trust of a child. He took the children in His arms, blessed them, and laid His hands on them. In doing so, He taught that entrance into the kingdom is not earned by status, wisdom, or merit but granted through humble, dependent faith.

Then came the encounter with the rich young ruler (v. 17–27), a man who knelt before Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. His posture showed respect, but his question revealed a works-based view of salvation, seeking to do something rather than to believe and surrender. Jesus first directed him to the commandments that govern human relationships, which the man claimed to have kept since his youth. Yet Jesus, looking at him with love, exposed the one thing he lacked: a heart fully surrendered to God. “Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” The man went away sorrowful, for his wealth held his heart (v. 21–22).

Mark adds a touching detail not found in Matthew: “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” That single statement reveals Christ’s heart. His call to surrender was not harsh but compassionate. True love tells the truth, even when it challenges what a person values most. Jesus was not condemning wealth itself but addressing the danger of misplaced trust. The man’s possessions had become his master, preventing him from giving full allegiance to Christ.

Turning to His disciples, Jesus taught about the spiritual danger of riches: “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23). The image of a camel passing through the eye of a needle illustrated the impossibility of salvation through human effort. Wealth can easily deceive a person into self-reliance, dulling the spiritual hunger meant to draw us to God. Astonished, the disciples asked, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus replied, “With man it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Salvation is never achieved by effort or status. It is a gift of divine grace.

Peter then reminded Jesus that the disciples had left everything to follow Him (v. 28). Jesus assured them that anyone who has sacrificed home, family, or possessions for His sake will receive blessings both now and in the life to come, “with persecutions” (v. 30). This honest addition is unique to Mark, reminding believers that discipleship brings both reward and hardship. The Lord ended with a sobering reversal: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (v. 31). In God’s kingdom, humility outweighs status, and eternal reward belongs to those who serve with surrendered hearts.

This passage reminds us that following Christ demands more than moral living. It calls for complete surrender and trust. Earthly security can never substitute for eternal life. The question each believer must consider is: What am I holding onto that keeps me from following Jesus wholeheartedly?

As they continued on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus took the Twelve aside and again predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection (v. 32–34). He described in detail how He would be handed over, mocked, scourged, and killed, and how He would rise again on the third day. Despite His clarity, the disciples still struggled to grasp the nature of His mission. James and John soon approached, asking to sit at His right and left in glory (v. 35–37). Their request revealed a desire for honor rather than humility. Jesus gently corrected them, explaining that sharing His glory meant sharing His suffering. The cup He was to drink symbolized the suffering and sacrifice that lay ahead. Positions in the kingdom, He said, are not granted by ambition but by the Father’s will (v. 38–40).

When the other disciples heard this request, they became indignant, showing that rivalry and pride were still among them (v. 41). Jesus used the moment to teach about true greatness. In the world, rulers dominate others, but in His kingdom, greatness is defined by service. “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (v. 43–44). He pointed to Himself as the supreme example: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (v. 45). This statement encapsulates the essence of His mission and the substitutionary sacrifice that would redeem humanity.

The chapter concludes with Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus near Jericho (v. 46–52). Sitting by the roadside, Bartimaeus called out persistently, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though others tried to silence him, he cried out all the more. Jesus stopped, called him forward, and asked what he wanted. “Rabbi, let me recover my sight,” he replied. Jesus said, “Go; your faith has made you well,” and immediately Bartimaeus regained his sight and followed Him along the way. His healing was both physical and symbolic, a picture of spiritual enlightenment that comes through faith and perseverance.

Mark 10 provides a rich portrait of discipleship. The call to follow Christ encompasses marriage, family, possessions, and ambition. Faithfulness in marriage reflects God’s covenant love. Receiving the kingdom like a child reveals humility and trust. The encounter with the rich young ruler exposes the danger of clinging to material security rather than surrendering all to Christ. True greatness, Jesus teaches, is not found in power or prestige but in humble service.

Mark 10 calls every believer to evaluate priorities, relationships, and motives. Christ’s followers are to walk in humility, persevere in faith, and reflect the heart of the One who came to serve and to save.

Conclusion

Matthew 19 and Mark 10 remind us that discipleship requires surrender and placing Christ above comfort, possessions, and even earthly relationships. Jesus calls His followers to faithfulness in marriage, humility like a child, and wholehearted trust in God rather than wealth. These passages challenge believers to evaluate their priorities: what holds our hearts back from fully following Christ? Yet they also comfort us with the promise that nothing surrendered to God is ever lost. For those who walk in obedience, the reward is eternal and includes fellowship with Christ, both now and forever.