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 boldly 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, separate) (Mark 10:6-9; Genesis 1:27; 2:24).
God created the world and put Adam in charge of it. He created Eve to be Adam's helpmate. A helpmate is a working partner who provides support. Paul encouraged Christians to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
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 (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 sets the perfect example and leads the way in compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. We love Him, because He first loved us (I John 4:19).
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 (Ephesians 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.
The act of submission was one that Jesus demonstrated in His own life by being in submission to His Heavenly Father. When James and John sought to be in high positions next to Jesus, which angered the other ten disciples, Jesus called them to Him, and said to them, You know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles (the unsaved world) exercise lordship over them. . . . But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister (servant). . . . For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered to (be served), but to minister (serve), and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:42-43,45).
Word Studies:
10:1 resort = gathered; 11:8 strawed = spread.
Cross References:
For Mark 10:6: See Genesis 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Genesis 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Psalm 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Isaiah 56:7; Jerermiah 7:11.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Gina Lesnefsky · Pray for Bill Wright and the Bible Pathway International Internet Radio Ministry on KXVI Communications, Garland TX · Government Officials: Rep. Virgil Goode, Jr. (VA), Rep. Gene Green (TX), and Rep. David Hobson (OH) · Country: United States (273 million) in North America · Major languages: English and Spanish · Religious freedom · 51% Protestant; 22% Roman Catholic; 17% other religions; 4% cults; 3% Jewish; 2% Eastern Orthodox; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in such a manner that others would be encouraged to praise and glorify God also (Jude 1:24-25).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 9:6