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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

CHAPTER TEN:
DIVORCE, CHILDREN, MATERIALISM, BAPTISM,
AND A RANSOM

[“Child-like Service”]
Key word: Minister

Mark 10:1-12 – Pharisees Debate About Divorce

|| Matthew 19:1-9 237

237	Matthew 19:1-9: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:1 Now Jesus left from there and arrived along the border of Judaea on the other side of the Jordan. And the crowds gathered again, and as was his custom he began to teach them. MK10:2 Pharisees were also there and trying to test Jesus they asked him: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” MK10:3 So Jesus began to answer them, asking: “What did Moses command you?” MK10:4 So they answered: “Moses permitted a divorce certificate so a man could dismiss his wife” [Deuteronomy 24:1] MK10:5 Now Jesus responded and said: “Because of the hard-heartedness 238 of you [men] Moses wrote such a commandment.

238

Hard-heartedness: Or, perversity. Jesus means the hearts of Jewish husbands. Matthew states that this was a concession by Moses, and not something that came from God. Tradition had evolved the original divorce statement into virtually anything in the wife that displeased her husband. This was true of many cultures where a man only had to raise two fingers to dismiss a wife he was displeased with. Jewish law did not permit a woman to divorce her husband.

MK10:6 However, from the beginning of [human] creation ‘the God made [humankind] male and female. … MK10:7 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and [[and stick to his wife]]. 239

239	Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

MK10:8 And the two will be one flesh, and so they are not longer two, but one flesh.’ 240 [Genesis 1:27; 2:24]

240	One flesh: Jesus creates a conflate, that is, a combination of two verses into a single paraphrase or quote. He combines Genesis 1:27 with Genesis 2:24.

MK10:9 Therefore, whatever the God yoked together, let no one separate.” MK10:10 Now later in the house the disciples asked him the same question again. MK10:11 So Jesus told them: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 241

241	Commits adultery against her: It is the innocent victim who is ‘adulterated.’ On the occasion of this discussion Jesus does not state the only grounds for divorce as he does elsewhere.

MK10:12 Also, if a woman ever divorces her husband 242 and marries another – she commits adultery.”

242	A woman ever divorces her husband: This had to shock all those listening as under Jewish law a woman could not divorce her husband. Roman law did permit this and it is to Romans he writes. The saying in the ancient world was ‘the further one goes west the more liberated the woman becomes.’

Mark 10:13-16 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

|| Matthew 19:13-15; 243 Luke 18:15-17

243	Matthew 19:13-15: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:13 Then they brought little children to Jesus so that he might touch them. But his disciples rebuked the parents 244 who brought them.

244	Disciples rebuked the parents: Our patient grows thin for these men. If these represent the best of the Jews at the time, we begin to understand why Jesus calls the whole generation adulterous and wicked.

MK10:14 Now when he was aware of this he was very upset, 245 and so he told the disciples: “Allow the little children to approach me and do not try to stop them! Because those [who are ‘little children’] belong to the Kingdom of the God.

245	He was very upset: Or, displeased, angry, indignant.

MK10:15 I tell you this truth: Whoever does not accept God’s Realm like a ‘little child’ 246 will never gain entrance.” 247

246	Little child: These self-righteous, arrogant and jealousy ambitious men needed to make a great change. This they finally do after Pentecost.

247	Gain entrance: Not only is it hard for the arrogant and ambitious to even become members of the Church – the Realm of Profession – it is virtually impossible for such to ever gain the celestial Kingdom of the Father. [Matthew 13:40-43]

MK10:16 Then Jesus took the children in his arms 248 and laid his hands upon them, blessing them.

248	Jesus took the children in his arms: This is surely an endearing sight, as we watch the faces of the apostles who had opposed the children. They must surely feel ashamed.

Mark 10:17-22 – Sell and Give to Poor

|| Matthew 19:16-22; 249 Luke 18:18-23

249	Matthew 19:16-22: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:17 Now after Jesus had continued on his travels, a man came running up to him and fell on his knees. He pleaded: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?” MK10:18 Then Jesus said to him: “Why do you call me ‘good’? 250 No one is ‘good’ but One – the God! 251

250	Why do you call me ‘good’: Had Jesus been God himself he could not have even posed the question, for the answer would be obvious. While Messiah is called the “Righteous One” he is never called “Good.”

251	No one is ‘good’ but One – the God: Jesus is in no way “God.” Whatever goodness Jesus possessed he received from the Absolute Source of all Goodness – the God [HO THEOS]. Only “the God” is perfect and absolute goodness. All others must receive from His goodness.

MK10:19 You know the commandments? ‘Do not murder! Do not commit adultery! Do not steal! Do not testify falsely! Honor your father and mother!’” [Exodus 20:12-16] 252

252	Exodus 20:12-16: Jesus quotes from the Ten Commandments. We note he omits two commands that many would consider premier – God’s Name and the Sabbath.

MK10:20 Now the man answered Jesus: “Teacher, I have kept all of these 253 [commandments] since I was a child!”

253	I have kept all of these: He had never murdered, never committed adultery, never stolen anything, never lied as a witness, and always cared respectfully for his parents. By any basis of judgment among civilized nations, this Jews was an outstanding human being.

MK10:21 Jesus studied him with loving concern 254 and then said: “You lack one thing. Leave now and go sell every thing you possess and give the money to the poor 255 – then you will have treasure in heaven. [Afterward] return, [[shoulder your own stake,]] 256 and then follow me.” 257

254

Jesus studied him with loving concern: Or, KJV: beholding him loved him; BER: looking at him, prized him dearly; PME: looked steadily at him, and his heart warmed toward him. The Greek is EGAPESEN and may be without emotion or sentiment. Jesus is interest and concerned about the man and now takes positive action to seek his highest good – even though this may not be received well.

255

Go sell every thing you possess and give the money to the poor: Jesus has said the same to his “little flock” of personal disciples. See notes on Luke 12:32, 33. This rich man must do this BEFORE he even becomes an intimate follower of Jesus. It is a challenge for all Christians do research the words riches, money, and possessions. See notes on Acts 4:32-37 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19

256	Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

257	And then follow me: The man must first do all that Jesus asked, and only after that, even begin to follow him.

MK10:22 Now this statement made the man very sad 258 and so he left grieving, for he had many possessions.

258	Made the man very sad: Or, countenance fell, brow darkened, face clouded, somber look.

Mark 10:23-31 – The Difficulty of Money

|| Matthew 19:27-30; Luke 18:26-30

MK10:23 Jesus studied the faces of his disciples and then said to them: “How difficult it will be for those with money 259 to gain entrance into God’s Realm!”

259	Those with money: Jesus parallels those with money as the rich. In the Scriptures the rich are defined as those with a surplus, while the poor are those who must depend on others for existence. Compare Luke 21:1-4.

MK10:24 Now this statement astounded the disciples, but Jesus responded, saying again: “Children, how difficult will it be [[for those who trust in riches]] 260 to gain entrance into God’s Realm?

260	Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

MK10:25 It would be easier for a camel to thread the eye of a needle 261 than for a rich person to gain entrance into God’s Realm!”

261	Camel to thread the eye of a needle: Or, cable, rope. Some manuscripts use “rope.” Others see this “eye” as a very narrow and low entrance where a camel had to get on its knees to pass through.

MK10:26 But the disciples were even more astonished and said among themselves: “Who can be saved, then?” MK10:27 Jesus looked intently at their faces and said: “With humans it is impossible! But, not for God! Because everything is possible with the God!” 262

262	Everything is possible with the God: The phrase has been much abused outside of its context. Jesus is describing the difficulty of a rich person entering the Kingdom. It would take a miracle for God for such to happen. For details on riches see this and related words in Luke.

MK10:28 Then Peter said to Jesus: “Look, we have left everything to follow you!” 263

263

We have left everything to follow you: Peter says “left” and not “we have sold everything.” He is not actually being honest, for after the dead of Jesus he and others are seen still possessing a fishing boats. Jesus asks Peter about this. Surely by Pentecost they had done exactly what the Nazarene had directed at Luke 12:32, 33.

MK10:29 So Jesus answered and said: “I tell you this truth: No one who has left behind 264 house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or fields – in behalf of my name and the Good News –

264	Left behind: Or, given up, sacrificed. Jesus has in mind putting discipleship before all other things. Elsewhere the Nazarene uses “hate” though he means to “love less.”

MK10:30 will receive a hundred times more now in this present season – houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, [[wife]] 265 and fields, together with persecutions. And in the coming [New] Age 266 life everlasting.

265	Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported. Though Luke uses it.

266	The coming [New] Age: Or, ABU: in the age to come; PME: in the next world.

MK10:31 However, many of those who are ‘first’ will be last, and the ‘last’ first.” 267

267	Those who are ‘first’ will be last, and the ‘last’ first: Here those ‘first’ are the rich with money, while the ‘last’ are the poor. Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 1:26.

Mark 10:32-34 – Predicts His Suffering

|| Matthew 20:17-19; 268 Luke 18:31-33

268	Matthew 20:17-19: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:32 Now as they were ascending to Jerusalem, Jesus went on ahead and this amazed them. As they followed they became frightened, but Jesus again took the Twelve aside privately and began to tell them what was destined to happen to him. MK10:33 He said: “Look, we are ascending to Jerusalem, and there the Son of Humankind [Daniel 7:13] will be handed over to the chief priests and Bible Copyists. They will condemn him to death and turned over to the non-Jews. MK10:34 They will mock him, scourge him, spit at him, and then kill him, but on the third day he will be resurrected.”

Mark 10:35-40 – Nespotism and Baptism

|| Matthew 20:20-23 269

269	Matthew 20:20-23: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:35 Now later James and John, 270 the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus, asking: “Teacher, we want you to do whatever we wish to ask you.”

270	James and John: Two of the three Jesus took into the mountain of transfiguration. In other accounts it is the mother of these two brothers who makes this request, though likely prompted by them.

MK10:36 So Jesus said to them: “What do you want me to do for you?” MK10:37 Then they said to Jesus: “Give us permission to sit, one on your right hand and one on your left hand, during your glory.” 271

271	During your glory: Though likely not understanding the full meaning of these words, they probably refer to his Return or Parousia and the subsequent rule and judgment. Compare notes on Matthew 25:31-46.

MK10:38 However, Jesus responded: “You have no idea what you ask! Are you willing to drink the cup 272 I will drink? Are you willing to be baptized in my baptism?” 273

272	Cup: Compare notes on Matthew 20:22; Luke 12:50; John 18:11; Romans 6:3.

273	Baptism: Both the cup and baptism are symbols for a life of self-sacrifice with the possibility of martyrdom.

MK10:39 Then [James and John] said: “We can!” But, Jesus told them: “You shall for a certainty drink from my cup, 274 and you will be baptized in my own baptism.

274	You shall for a certainty drink from my cup: James was martyred as the record in Acts shows. John lived a long life of self-sacrifice dying at about the age of 100.

MK10:40 However, this sitting on my right or left hand is not mine to grant, but will be granted to those to whom it has been prepared.” 275

275	Those to whom it has been prepared: It would appear that such places will be assigned. It is possible these would turn out to be Peter and John.

Mark 10:41-45 – The True Minister

|| Matthew 20:24-28; 276 Luke 22:24-27

276	Matthew 20:24-28: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:41 Now when the other ten [apostles] heard of this they were very indignant. 277

277	They were very indignant: We can see the ongoing problem with jealous ambition among the apostles.

MK10:42 Then Jesus asked them all to approach and told them: “You are quite aware that those who seem to rule the non-Jews lord it over them, and their ‘great ones’ exercise authority over them. MK10:43 But, it should not be the same among you. 278 Instead, whoever will actually be ‘great’ among you shall be your servant.

278

It should not be the same among you: Jesus is speaking to his twelve apostles. They are not to have one of their members lording it over the others. Such heavy authority did finally arise in the Church as foretold. [Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thessalonians 2:4] This did not mean there was no legitimate “authority” within the Church. Compare notes on Titus 2:15 and Hebrews 13:7, 17.

MK10:44 Also, whoever will be ‘first’ among you must be the servant of everyone. MK10:45 For even the Son of Humankind [Daniel 7:13] came not to be served, but rather to serve, and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” 279

279	Give his soul a ransom in exchange for many: Or, WEY: as the redemption-price; GDS: to free many others. The Greek uses POLLON [much] and not PANTA [all]. Though the ransom of Christ is available to ALL it will actually only cover MANY. [Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:4-6]

Mark 10:46-52 – Blind Bartimaeus Healed

|| Matthew 20:29-34; 280 Luke 18:35-43

280	Matthew 20:29-34: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

MK10:46 Now they approached Jericho, and as Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd of people, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, 281 was sitting by the road.

281	Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus: This blind beggar is named as he likely became a well-known Christian later. There was another beggar present who is not mentioned by Mark.

MK10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to shout and say: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” MK10:48 But, many [in the crowd] rebuked him 282 and told him to keep quiet. However, he just shouted even more: “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

282	Rebuked him: Possibly including some of the apostles.

MK10:49 Now Jesus stopped and said: “All of you bring him here!” MK10:50 Then [Bartimaeus] threw off his garment, and rising he approached Jesus. MK10:51 So Jesus responded and said to him: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered: “Rabboni, 283 I wish to see again!”

283	Rabboni: A more intimate and respectful designation than “Rabbi.”

MK10:52 Then Jesus said to him: “Go now, your faith has healed you.” Instantly, he regained his sight and began to follow Jesus on the road.

Review Questions on Chapter Ten