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Mark-10

On Love and Law: A Devotional Study on Mark Chapter 10​

Introduction​

The chapter of Mark 10 deals with a profound question about love and law. In its context, Jesus engaged in a conversation about divorce with the Pharisees and disciples. However, beyond the controversy, we can draw spiritual insights and truths about love and law, insights that we can apply to our lives today. Let's dive into Mark 10 and explore the loving, law-abiding path that Jesus offers us.

Section 1: Divorce (Mark 10:1-12)​

Devotional Thought: In Mark 10:2-8, the Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" Jesus responded by reminding the Pharisees of God's original plan. God's design for marriage, Jesus said, is one of unbreakable unity. In our own lives, how do we honor God's design for marriage? Do we view marriage as a holy union, ordained by God? Or, do we attempt to find loopholes or divisions within it? Today, reflect on your perspective on marriage, and commit to viewing it as an honorable, sacred bond.

Reflection Questions:

  • What is God's design for marriage? How do you respond to it?
  • How can you honor God's design for marriage in your relationships and behavior?

Section 2: Children (Mark 10:13-16)​

Devotional Thought: As Jesus and His disciples made their way through the region, Jesus picked up a child and said, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever does not welcome me does not welcome the one who sent me." Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving and embracing children. In our interactions with children, do we reflect love and acceptance, or do we overlook and pass them by? Today, consider how you can love and accept children as Christ has loved and accepted us.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you welcome and love children in Jesus' name?
  • How can you reflect Christ's love towards children in your interactions with them?

Section 3: Riches (Mark 10:17-31)​

Devotional Thought: In Mark 10:17-22, a wealthy man approaches Jesus with a question. "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus responds by reminding the man of the commandments, but the man replies that he has kept these commandments since his youth. Jesus calls the wealthy man to go and sell what he has, and then follow Him. The wealthy man walked away dismayed, for the cost of discipleship was more than he could bear. Today, consider the cost of discipleship. In what areas of our life and possessions do we cling too tightly, preventing us from following Him wholeheartedly?

Reflection Questions:

  • What is the cost of discipleship for us?
  • Are there areas of our life and possessions that hinder us from following Jesus wholeheartedly?

Section 4: The Rich Young Man (Mark 10:23-31)​

Devotional Thought: As Jesus and His disciples continued to walk, they saw the rich man running after them. Jesus' disciples ask Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responds, "With man it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." In our own lives, do we trust God's power to save us? Are we overly focused on saving ourselves, or do we place that trust in the hands of God? Today, trust in God's power to save you.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do we place our trust in God's power to save us?
  • What areas of our life are we holding onto too tightly, preventing us from fully entrusting ourselves and salvation to God?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional journey through Mark 10, we are reminded of Jesus' teaching on love and law. His emphasis on honoring God's design for marriage, loving and accepting children, the cost of discipleship, and our trust in God's power to save us, reveals a clear path ahead. Let us follow Jesus wholeheartedly, embracing God's plan and design for our lives. Then, and only then, can we truly live a life that reflects the loving, law-abiding path that Jesus offers us.