And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. Mark 10:18
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:17-31, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: God seeks love of Him above all things. The rich young man who knelt before Jesus in v17 loved his wealth above all - wealth was his idol (v22). God does want obedience to His commands (v19), but our love of God results in our obedience. If we love God we will want to love others and want to please Him in all that we are and do. See also 1 John 5:3. We cannot earn our salvation as it is completely dependent on God's will and decisive action - vv26-27. We must put everything in life below God in terms of priorities - v29. Those who do this will be blessed either now or in Heaven (or both) - vv29-30. These verses vv29-30 also describe how believers will not only be blessed but also subject to persecutions - see also John 16:33. Jesus came not to be served but to serve (v45) - so we should also serve and take up a posture of humility.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: People are often distracted by the world and what it offers: money, status, etc. Such distractions can lead to not just sin but eternal damnation.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid idols - put everything in this life below God in terms of priorities. Be humble. Love God and love others - all of commandments hang on these two (Matthew 22:34-40). Be bold and lean on God and He will deliver through His strength - not our own.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You ARE good, Holy and perfect and You gave me faith and the Holy Spirit and You are working in me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You bless by working in me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
