Bible Pathways 10/17/04

October 17

Read Mark 10 - 11

In Today's Reading:

Jesus on divorce; children blessed; rich young ruler; blind Bartimaeus healed; triumphal entry; cleansing the Temple

King Herod arrested John the Baptist, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. For John said to him, It is not lawful for you to have her. . . . And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison (Matthew 14:3-4,10). In an effort to have Jesus arrested and, hopefully, executed by Herod, the Pharisees asked Jesus: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? (Mark 10:2). Jesus was not intimidated, but quoted the Word of God, saying: From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they two shall be one flesh: so then they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (divorce) (Mark 10:6-9; Genesis 2:24).

The foremost responsibility in a marriage relationship rests with the husband, who is to love his wife, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). Although numerous imperfections exist within the Church, Jesus does not give up on the Church and seek some other means of uniting people to follow Him. Furthermore, Jesus doesn't force anyone to be in submission to Him. The husband's conduct toward, and compassion for, his wife need to be like that of Christ for His Church. Christ leads the way and sets the perfect example in compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.

When a man is in submission to Christ, he prepares the way for his wife to desire to be in submission to him: Therefore as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing (5:24). It is imperative that a wife feel secure in her husband's love. It is his responsibility to let her know by word and action how very important she is to him.

God created the world and put Adam in charge of it. He created Eve to be Adam's helpmate. Husband and wife are a team and should be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

Word Studies:

10:1 resort = gathered; 11:8 strawed = spread.

Cross References:

For Mark 10:6: See Gen. 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Gen. 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Psa. 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Virgil Goode, Jr. (VA), Rep. Gene Green (TX), and Rep. David Hobson (OH) · Country: Turkmenistan (4 million) southwestern central Asia · Major languages: Turkmen and Russian · Religious freedom: 76% Muslim; 6% Russian/Armenian Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the blessings of God upon your family and home (II Samuel 7:29).

Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 3:17