Month: February 2025

Lesson 21 Outline – Jim Erickson

Lesson 21 Teaching Video Outline

Speaker: Jim Erickson (Filling in for Mike Crawford)

Main Theme: Jesus’ Final Day Before His Death – Finishing Well

Introduction

Appreciation for leaders and their role in guiding discussions.
Encouragement to interpret scripture rightly and apply it to life.
Call for feedback and willingness to clarify any misunderstandings.

Overview of the Passage

This lesson covers 52 verses, focusing on six key scenes that highlight the intensity, emotional depth, and fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’ final hours.

Six Key Scenes

1. Context (Verses 1-2)

The religious leaders’ motives are revealed – they seek to kill Jesus discreetly.
Significance of Passover week – historical and symbolic connection to Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb.

2. The Alabaster Flask (Verses 3-9)

Mary anoints Jesus with an extravagant oil worth a year’s wages.
The disciples misunderstand the significance, but Jesus affirms her act.
Symbolic anointing of Jesus before His death.

3. Judas’ Betrayal (Verses 10-11)

Judas actively decides to betray Jesus.
Tension between free will and God’s sovereignty.

4. The Last Supper (Verses 12-25)

Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper (Communion) as a new covenant.

5. Peter’s Denial & Jesus in Gethsemane (Verses 32-42)

Jesus predicts Peter’s denial – Peter refuses to believe it.
Jesus prays in Gethsemane, showing submission to the Father.

6. Jesus’ Arrest & Desertion by His Disciples (Verses 43-51)

Jesus is arrested; all His disciples flee.
Possibly Mark himself is mentioned as the young man who ran away naked.

Application Points

1. Responding to Others’ Actions (Verses 1-2, 10-11)

Are you letting the motives or actions of others justify your own responses?
Do you get stuck trying to understand free will vs. God’s sovereignty?

2. Heart of Gratitude (Verses 3-9)

Mary expressed deep gratitude. Are you cultivating gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice?

3. Remembering the Cost of Freedom (Verses 12-25)

Are you taking time to reflect on what Jesus’ sacrifice cost Him?
How intimate is your devotional life with God?

4. Grit vs. Grace (Verses 32-42)

Peter relied on his own strength but failed – are you relying on grit instead of God’s grace?
Grit without dependence on God is just pride.
Are you making supplications from a heart of submission to God’s will?

5. Jesus’ Presence in Loneliness (Verses 43-51)

Jesus was abandoned by His closest friends – He understands loneliness.
Are you turning to Jesus when you feel alone?
Jesus’ final words in Matthew:

“And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Conclusion

Encouragement to reflect on Jesus’ suffering and example of obedience.
Challenge to cultivate gratitude, deepen devotional life, and rely on God’s grace.
Jesus is always with us – we are never truly alone.

Closing Prayer

May we walk closely with God, reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, and live in obedience to His will.

Lessons from Mark 14: Devotion and Betrayal During Jesus’ Final Days

Introduction

Mark 14:1-52 recounts several pivotal moments in the final days of Jesus before His crucifixion. It includes a woman’s extravagant act of devotion in Bethany, the Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus’ agonized prayer in Gethsemane, and finally His betrayal and arrest. These events are rich with meaning and relevance. In this post, we’ll explore some thought-provoking questions arising from this passage, each followed by an explanation to deepen our understanding. These questions are designed to help us reflect on our own faith and response to Jesus’ journey toward the cross.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Why did Jesus commend the woman’s extravagant act of anointing Him, and what does this teach us about showing devotion today?

In Mark 14:3-9, a woman pours an extremely expensive perfume on Jesus as an act of honor. Some bystanders scolded her for “wasting” something valuable, but Jesus praised her deed. He said, “She has done a beautiful thing to me,” recognizing her pure love and preparation for His burial. This prompts us to consider our own worship and sacrifices:

Wholehearted devotion: The woman gave Jesus her very best without reservation. Are we willing to offer our time, resources, and reputation extravagantly for Christ’s sake?
Facing criticism: Others criticized her, yet she did not waver in honoring Jesus. Do we hold back our faith expressions due to fear of others’ opinions?
Lasting impact: Jesus declared that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Sincere acts of love for Christ, however small or costly, have a lasting influence in God’s eyes.

2. How could Judas, who witnessed Jesus’ ministry firsthand, choose to betray Him? What warning does this give us about our own hearts?

Mark 14:10-11 introduces Judas Iscariot agreeing to hand Jesus over to the chief priests. It’s startling that one of the Twelve, who saw Jesus’ miracles and heard His teachings, would betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. Judas’s story is a sobering reminder to examine our motives and loyalty:

Outward closeness vs. inward reality: Judas was physically close to Jesus for years, yet his heart strayed. It’s possible to be involved in “religious” life and still not truly surrender to Christ.
Unchecked sin can grow: Judas’s greed (love of money) and disillusionment may have festered over time. Small compromises or hidden sins in our lives can harden our hearts if we don’t repent.
A warning for us: If someone as privileged as Judas could fall, we too must guard our hearts. We should humbly ask God to reveal any betrayal or hypocrisy in us and cultivate genuine love for Him.

3. What is the significance of Jesus instituting the Last Supper during Passover, and how does it deepen our understanding of His sacrifice?

During Mark 14:22-25, Jesus shares a Passover meal with His disciples and gives the bread and cup new meaning. He establishes the Lord’s Supper (Communion), saying the bread is His body and the wine is His blood of the covenant, poured out for many. This question invites us to reflect on why Jesus chose this moment:

Connection to Passover: The Passover lamb commemorated God’s rescue of Israel from slavery in Egypt. By identifying Himself with the bread and wine, Jesus signifies that His sacrifice will rescue us from sin and spiritual slavery, as the ultimate Passover Lamb.
The New Covenant: Jesus speaks of His blood as the blood of a new covenant. This echoes promises from Scripture that God would establish a new covenant to forgive sins and change hearts. Through Jesus’ death, this covenant is sealed – offering forgiveness and restored relationship with God.
Personal remembrance: Every time we partake in Communion, we “do this in remembrance” of Jesus. It’s a call to regularly remember His love and sacrifice for us, and to examine our hearts. How deeply do we appreciate the price He paid, and how does it unite us as believers saved by the same sacrifice?

4. What can we learn from Peter’s bold promise never to desert Jesus, and Jesus’ warning that all the disciples would fall away?

In Mark 14:27-31, Jesus tells His disciples that they will all abandon Him, fulfilling Scripture (“I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered”). Peter vehemently insists he will remain faithful even if everyone else falls away. Yet, as we know, Peter would deny Jesus three times that very night (beyond verse 52). This contrast between intention and action teaches us about humility and dependence on God:

The danger of overconfidence: Peter’s confidence in his own loyalty was misplaced. Sincere as he was, he overestimated his strength. We too can falsely assume our faith would never falter, only to discover our weakness in trying moments.
Jesus knows our weakness: Jesus wasn’t trying to discourage Peter, but to prepare him. He knows us completely – our resolve and our breaking points. His warning was an invitation to watch and pray, though the disciples didn’t yet understand.
Grace after failure: Though this passage doesn’t cover it, we know Peter’s failure isn’t the end of his story. For us, it’s comforting to remember that even if we stumble, repentance and Jesus’ forgiveness can restore us. The experience humbled Peter; likewise, recognizing our frailty should drive us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.

5. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for “the cup” to be taken from Him if possible, yet surrendered to God’s will. What does His prayer teach us about facing trials and aligning with God’s will?

Mark 14:32-42 describes Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, overwhelmed with sorrow and distress. He asks Peter, James, and John to keep watch, but they repeatedly fall asleep. Jesus prays to the Father that, if possible, the hour might pass from Him, yet ultimately says, “Not what I will, but what You will.” This scene gives profound insight into how we handle our own hardships:

Honest prayer: Jesus doesn’t hide His anguish. He openly expresses His desire (“take this cup from me”) and His pain. We learn that we can and should pour out our honest feelings to God when we are suffering or afraid. God invites us to be real with Him.
Surrender and trust: Even more importantly, Jesus models ultimate trust in the Father. By yielding to God’s will, He shows that true faith means submitting our desires to God’s plan, believing His purposes are best, even when it’s hard. In our trials, we’re challenged to say “Your will be done” and trust God’s wisdom.
The need for vigilance: Jesus urged His disciples to “watch and pray” so they wouldn’t fall into temptation, but they slept instead. Their weakness (“the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”) reminds us to stay spiritually alert. We too need prayer and dependence on God to withstand times of testing.

6. When Jesus was arrested and all His disciples fled, what can we learn about responding to opposition or fear as followers of Christ?

Mark 14:43-50 recounts Judas arriving with an armed crowd to arrest Jesus. One disciple (identified as Peter in other Gospels) tries to defend Jesus with a sword, but Jesus stops the violence. In the end, every disciple deserts Jesus and flees into the night (even a young man following Jesus is so frightened that he escapes without his garment, 14:51-52). These reactions during Jesus’ arrest pose challenging questions for us:

Resorting to human tactics: The impulse to fight back with force (as Peter did) is a natural reaction to threat. However, Jesus’ refusal to resist arrest or endorse violence shows that God’s kingdom is not advanced by the sword. Do we rely on worldly means or trust in God’s sovereignty when our faith is attacked?
Fear and abandonment: The disciples, overcome by fear, abandoned Jesus in His darkest hour. Fear can tempt us to abandon our convictions or distance ourselves from Christ when identification with Him becomes costly. Have we ever stayed silent or “fled” to avoid ridicule or persecution?
Courage and faithfulness: Unlike the disciples in that moment, Jesus stood firm, willingly facing suffering to fulfill God’s purpose. He is our example of courage. This challenges us: when trials or opposition come, will we run, or will we stand firm in faith, trusting God no matter the cost?

Final Reflection

Mark 14:1-52 vividly portrays devotion and betrayal, human weakness and divine submission. It invites each of us to examine our own response to Jesus’ love and sacrifice. As you consider the questions and insights above, take a moment for personal reflection and prayer. Here are a few ways to respond:

Identify which character or situation you resonate with the most – the devoted woman, Judas, Peter, the sleepy disciples, or even the ones who fled. Why does it hit home for you, and what might God be showing you through that?
Be honest with God about your own “weak flesh” areas – times when you’ve fallen asleep spiritually, given in to fear, or even betrayed Jesus in subtle ways. Ask for His forgiveness and strength.
Thank Jesus for His faithfulness – for embracing the Father’s will, for establishing the new covenant through His blood, and for never abandoning us even when we fail. Consider how you can show your devotion to Him in a meaningful way this week.

By grappling with these questions, we draw closer to the heart of the gospel story. Mark 14 reminds us that Jesus understands our weaknesses, yet calls us to wholehearted devotion and trust. May these reflections on His journey toward the cross deepen our faith and commitment to Him.

Passion Week Timeline: Key Events of Jesus’ Last Days

Passion Week Timeline: The Final Days of Jesus’ Life

The Passion Week, also known as Holy Week, marks the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. Below is a chronological timeline of the key events that took place.

Sunday – Palm Sunday (Triumphal Entry)

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.
The crowd spreads cloaks and palm branches, shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–10; Luke 19:28–44; John 12:12–19).
Jesus visits the Temple and observes its activities.

Monday – Cleansing of the Temple

Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing Israel’s spiritual barrenness (Matthew 21:18–22; Mark 11:12–14).
Jesus drives out money changers from the Temple, declaring it a “house of prayer” (Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–18; Luke 19:45–48).
Jesus teaches in the Temple.

Tuesday – Day of Controversy and Teaching

The disciples see the withered fig tree, and Jesus teaches about faith (Mark 11:20–26).
Jesus debates with religious leaders in the Temple (Matthew 21–23; Mark 11–12; Luke 20).
Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, teaching on His return (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21).
Judas agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16; Mark 14:10–11; Luke 22:3–6).

Wednesday – Silent Day

No specific events are recorded, but Jesus likely spent time in Bethany.
Judas finalizes his betrayal plan.

Thursday – The Last Supper and Gethsemane

Jesus and the disciples prepare for the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17–19; Mark 14:12–16; Luke 22:7–13).
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1–20).
Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:20–30; Mark 14:17–26; Luke 22:14–30; John 13).
Jesus prays in Gethsemane, and Judas betrays Him (Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–50; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:1–11).

Friday – The Crucifixion (Good Friday)

Jesus undergoes six trials (Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:63–71; John 18:12–24).
Peter denies Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:54–62; John 18:15–27).
Jesus is mocked, scourged, and crowned with thorns (Matthew 27:27–31; Mark 15:16–20; John 19:1–3).
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and dies around 3:00 PM (Matthew 27:32–56; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:17–37).
The temple veil is torn in two, and Jesus is buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb (Matthew 27:57–61; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42).

Saturday – Jesus in the Tomb

The tomb is sealed, and Roman guards are stationed (Matthew 27:62–66).
Jesus’ body remains in the grave while His spirit is in Paradise (Luke 23:43).

Sunday – The Resurrection (Easter Sunday)

Women visit the tomb and find it empty (Matthew 28:1–8; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–10).
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and other women (John 20:11–18; Matthew 28:9–10).
Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35).
Jesus appears to His disciples in the locked room (Luke 24:36–49; John 20:19–23).

Final Thoughts

This week is the most significant in Christian history, marking Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity and His triumph over death through His resurrection. As we reflect on Passion Week, let us remember the depth of His love and the hope we have in Him.

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)

Understanding Jesus’ Knowledge in Mark 13:32

Why Does Jesus Not Know the Day or Hour? – Mark 13:32

Mark 13:32 states:

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

This verse presents a theological challenge: if Jesus is fully God, how can He be ignorant of something the Father knows? Below are key theological perspectives that help address this:

1. Jesus’ Voluntary Limitation in the Incarnation

In Philippians 2:6-7, Paul writes that Jesus,

“though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.”

This suggests that in His incarnation, Jesus voluntarily limited the independent use of His divine attributes, including omniscience. As the God-Man, He functioned within the limitations of His human nature. Thus, while Jesus is fully God, He chose not to access certain divine knowledge during His earthly ministry.

2. The Economic vs. Ontological Trinity

There is an important distinction in Trinitarian theology:

Ontological Trinity: Refers to the essence of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal in their divine nature.
Economic Trinity: Refers to the different roles within salvation history. The Son submits to the Father in function, not in essence (John 5:19, 1 Corinthians 15:28).

In Mark 13:32, Jesus is speaking from His human role in the Economic Trinity. His knowledge was functionally limited in submission to the Father’s will, without diminishing His divine nature.

3. Post-Resurrection and Full Knowledge

After the resurrection, Jesus appears to have full knowledge again. In Matthew 28:18, He declares,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

By the time of the ascension, He no longer speaks of the Father’s knowledge as separate from His own. This suggests that His limitation was specific to His earthly ministry.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, as fully God, shares in divine omniscience. However, within the Economic Trinity, revelation is often attributed to the Father and mediated through the Son and Spirit. It is possible that the Holy Spirit’s role was not to reveal this particular knowledge until the appointed time.

Conclusion

Jesus’ statement in Mark 13:32 does not contradict His divinity but reflects His functional limitation during the Incarnation. His submission to the Father’s authority in this matter aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the Trinity.

Lesson 20 Outline – Brett

Teaching Video Summary: Mark 12 & 13

Introduction

This teaching video explores Mark 12 & 13, emphasizing Jesus’ rejection by humanity. Using an analogy of organ transplant rejection, we reflect on how people resist what is essential for life.

The World’s Rejection of Jesus

The Pharisees and Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus.
The irony of trying to outwit “The Word” (John 1).
Flattery fails against Jesus, who depends solely on the Father.

The Question of Taxes (Mark 12:13-17)

Jesus’ response to paying taxes to Caesar highlights a deeper truth: as the coin bears Caesar’s image, we bear God’s image and belong to Him.

Humility and the Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-44)

“Love God and love your neighbor” requires humility.
The widow’s offering as an act of total surrender.

Rejection and Humility Throughout Scripture

Examples from the Old Testament (Noah, Abraham) show that surrender leads to renewal and blessing.

The World’s Hostility Toward Jesus’ Followers (Mark 13)

Jesus warns of inevitable persecution.
Faithful proclamation of the Gospel remains a necessity.
Standing firm in faith over seeking worldly power.

Application: Living in Dependency on Jesus

Commit to Christian community.
Surrender entitlement, pride, and anger.
Depend on Jesus, rather than focusing on personal obedience.
God’s goodness and mercy continually pursue us.

Understanding Mark 11:1-12:12: Parables and Prophecies

Commentary on Mark 11:1 – 12:12

Introduction

Mark 11 marks a crucial turning point in the Gospel, as Jesus enters Jerusalem, initiating the events leading to His crucifixion. The themes of authority, judgment, and faith dominate these passages, culminating in a powerful parable (Mark 12:1–12) that foreshadows Jesus’ rejection by Israel’s leaders.

Mark 11:1–11 – The Triumphal Entry

Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly Zechariah 9:9, where the Messiah is depicted as a humble king riding on a colt.

The colt (vv. 2-7): Jesus commands His disciples to fetch a colt that had never been ridden. In ancient Jewish culture, an unridden animal was considered appropriate for sacred purposes (cf. Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3).
Hosanna! Blessed is He (vv. 8-10): The crowd’s response echoes Psalm 118:25-26, a messianic psalm that speaks of salvation. The laying down of cloaks and branches was a gesture of honor, reminiscent of how kings were welcomed (cf. 2 Kings 9:13).

MacArthur Study Bible: The people’s acclaim was likely driven by expectations of a political messiah rather than a suffering servant (cf. Isaiah 53).

Mark 11:12–25 – The Fig Tree and Temple Cleansing

Cursing the Fig Tree (vv. 12-14)

The fig tree represents Israel’s spiritual condition. Though outwardly flourishing, it bore no fruit, mirroring the religious leaders’ hypocrisy.

ESV Study Bible: This acted as a symbolic parable of Israel’s judgment (cf. Jeremiah 8:13).
NIV Study Bible: The connection between the tree and the temple cleansing (vv. 15-19) suggests that empty religion was under divine judgment.

Cleansing of the Temple (vv. 15-19)

Jesus drives out money changers, condemning the corruption in the temple.

“Den of robbers” (v. 17): Jesus quotes Jeremiah 7:11, a passage warning against false security in religious institutions.
MacArthur Study Bible: The temple system had become exploitative, making worship inaccessible for Gentiles.

Faith and Prayer (vv. 20-25)

After Peter notices the withered fig tree, Jesus teaches about faith:

Faith in God (v. 22): True faith relies on God’s power rather than external rituals.
Forgiveness (v. 25): A crucial aspect of prayer is a forgiving heart, emphasizing the relational aspect of faith.

Mark 11:27 – 12:12 – Jesus’ Authority and the Parable of the Tenants

Jesus’ Authority Questioned (11:27-33)

The chief priests, scribes, and elders challenge Jesus’ authority. Instead of answering directly, Jesus asks about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing their hypocrisy.

ESV Study Bible: Their fear of the crowd (v. 32) highlights their self-preservation over truth.
NIV Study Bible: By not answering, Jesus demonstrates that they had already rejected divine revelation.

Parable of the Tenants (12:1-12)

This parable summarizes Israel’s history and predicts Jesus’ rejection.

Owner (God), Tenants (Israel’s leaders), Servants (Prophets), Son (Jesus).
Psalm 118:22-23: Jesus applies this prophecy to Himself, identifying as the cornerstone rejected by builders.

MacArthur Study Bible: This parable foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion, showing that rejection of the Son leads to divine judgment.

Sources

ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2008)
NIV Study Bible (Zondervan, 2011)
MacArthur Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, 2006)
Biblical Cross-references: Jeremiah 7:11, Psalm 118:22-23, Zechariah 9:9

Lesson 19 Outline – Jeremy Thomas

Lesson 19: The King, Prophet, and Priest

Instructor: Jeremy Thomas

Focus: The final week of Jesus’ life (Mark 11 – Mark 12:12)

Introduction

Imagine a birthday party piñata—colorful, promising, but empty inside. This illustrates the theme of today’s lesson: how things that appear full of life can actually be spiritually hollow.

I. Jesus as the King Who Offers Peace

Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-6)

Jesus sends disciples to get a colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9-10.
Obedience to Jesus requires faith, even without full understanding.

The Crowd’s Expectations

The crowd shouts “Hosanna” (Save us now!).
They expected a military savior, but Jesus came to bring eternal peace.
Many later turned against Jesus when he did not meet their desires.

II. Jesus as the Prophet Who Speaks Truth

Cursing of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26)

The fig tree had leaves (outward signs of life) but no fruit.
Symbolic of Israel’s spiritual condition—rituals without righteousness.
Jesus teaches that true faith must bear spiritual fruit.

III. Jesus as the Priest Who Calls for Purity

Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19)

Jesus overturns tables, challenging corruption in worship.
The temple should be a “house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:6-8).
Instead, it had become a “den of robbers” (Jeremiah 7:11).

Response of the Religious Leaders

They plot to kill Jesus instead of repenting.
Parable of the Tenants (Mark 12:1-12) foretells their rejection of God’s Son.

IV. Application for Today

Lessons from the Fig Tree and the Temple

Beware of hollow religion—faith should produce real transformation.
Trust God even when He doesn’t meet our expectations.
True disciples bear fruit and follow Jesus wholeheartedly (John 15).

Conclusion & Prayer

Are we truly bearing spiritual fruit? Let us abide in Christ and trust His ways.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord… he is like a tree planted by water…” – Jeremiah 17:7

Closing Prayer: Lord, make us true disciples, not just outwardly religious, but deeply rooted in You. Amen.

The “Eye of a Needle” in Mark 10:25

In Mark 10:25, Jesus says:

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

This statement is part of Jesus’ conversation with a wealthy young man who asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. After telling him to obey the commandments, Jesus then challenges him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The young man leaves sorrowful because he is very wealthy.

Possible Interpretations

1. Literal Interpretation

Jesus may have been using hyperbole, a common Jewish teaching method, to illustrate the difficulty of a rich person entering heaven. The “eye of a needle” would then refer to an actual sewing needle, making it an impossibility without divine intervention.

2. The “Needle Gate” Theory (Disputed)

Some claim that the “eye of a needle” referred to a small, narrow gate in ancient Jerusalem where a camel could only pass through if it was stripped of its load and knelt down. However, there is little historical evidence for such a gate existing during Jesus’ time.

3. Aramaic Wordplay Theory

Some scholars suggest that there may have been a confusion in translation. The Aramaic word for “camel” (gamla) can also mean “rope” or “large cord.” If so, Jesus could have been referring to threading a thick rope through a needle, which would still be an impossible task but might emphasize the difficulty rather than impossibility.

Main Takeaway

Regardless of the exact meaning, Jesus’ point is clear: wealth can be a spiritual hindrance if it leads to reliance on material possessions rather than God. However, in Mark 10:27, He provides hope:

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

This means that while wealth can make entering God’s kingdom difficult, God’s grace can make the impossible possible.

Lesson 18 Outline – Mark Jensen

Lesson 18: The Rich Young Ruler and Discipleship

Introduction

Many of us hold onto possessions for sentimental reasons, but do they hold us back from what truly matters? In this lesson, we examine what Jesus teaches about wealth, faith, and discipleship.

Review of Lesson 17

Jesus spoke more about hell than heaven.
Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Discipleship requires humility and selflessness.

Mark 10 Overview

Jesus’ journey to the cross (Mark 8:31 – 10:52) was a time of deep discipleship. He continued teaching, healing, and guiding his followers, showing that discipleship happens in everyday life.

Themes in Mark 10

1. Pride vs. Humility

The Pharisees test Jesus on divorce.
The rich young ruler values wealth over Jesus.
James and John seek positions of honor.
Jesus emphasizes childlike faith and servanthood.

2. The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-31)

His Question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus’ Response: Challenges his understanding of goodness and lists key commandments.

The Man’s Claim: “I have kept all these since my youth.”

Jesus’ Challenge: Sell all possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him.

The Man’s Reaction: He leaves saddened, unable to part with his wealth.

3. Jesus’ Teachings on Wealth and Salvation

Wealth can be a barrier to faith.
Salvation is impossible through human effort but possible with God.
Those who leave worldly security for Christ will receive eternal rewards.

Application & Reflection

The Ultimate Question: “What do you think of Jesus?”

Jesus knows our hearts and what we treasure most.
The issue isn’t wealth but where we place our trust.
It’s not about how we start but how we finish in discipleship.

Ask yourself:

What is taking preeminence in my heart?
Am I progressing in my walk with Christ or drifting away?
Where is my treasure—on earth or in heaven?

Group Discussion Questions

Take time to reflect and discuss these questions in your group:

Questions 1 and 6 from Day 2
Questions 4 and 6 from Day 3
Question 4 from Day 4
Question 3 from Day 5

Conclusion

May we be found treasuring Christ above all things. Let’s remain steadfast in our faith, ensuring that our discipleship journey is not just about how we start but how we finish.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Understanding Mark 10: Jesus on Marriage and Wealth

Commentary on Mark 10:1-52

Mark 10 offers profound teachings from Jesus on topics such as marriage, wealth, servanthood, and faith. This chapter provides deep insights into the nature of discipleship and the values of the Kingdom of God.

Verses 1–12: Teaching on Divorce

Jesus travels to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan, where crowds gather, and He resumes His customary teaching. The Pharisees approach Him with a question about the legality of divorce, aiming to test Him. Jesus responds by asking them about Moses’ commandments. They reference Moses permitting a man to write a certificate of divorce and send his wife away.

Jesus explains that this concession was due to the hardness of human hearts but emphasizes that from the beginning of creation, God intended marriage to be a union where two become one flesh. He concludes that what God has joined together, no one should separate. Later, in private, Jesus tells His disciples that divorcing one’s spouse and marrying another constitutes adultery.

Commentary on Divorce

The ESV Study Bible Notes highlight that Jesus’ teaching restores the original intent of marriage, referring to Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:24 as foundational (Crossway, 2008).
The NIV Study Bible Notes clarify that Moses’ allowance for divorce was a concession, not an endorsement (Zondervan, 2011).
MacArthur Study Bible Notes emphasize that Jesus rejects divorce except in cases of sexual immorality (MacArthur, 1997, p. 1415).
The Working Preacher Commentary explains that Jesus reasserts the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong commitment (Working Preacher, 2022).

Verses 13–16: Jesus Blesses the Children

People bring little children to Jesus, hoping He might touch them, but the disciples rebuke them. Observing this, Jesus becomes indignant and instructs them to allow the children to come to Him, stating that the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. He emphasizes that anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Jesus then takes the children in His arms, lays His hands on them, and blesses them.

Commentary on Children

The MacArthur Study Bible explains that Jesus’ words reveal that entering the kingdom requires humility and dependency like that of a child (MacArthur, 1997, p. 1416).
The Enduring Word Commentary states that Jesus rebukes the disciples for hindering the children, challenging social norms (Guzik, 2023).

Verses 17–31: The Rich Young Man

As Jesus sets out on a journey, a man approaches Him, kneels, and inquires about inheriting eternal life. Jesus questions why he calls Him good, noting that no one is good except God alone. He reminds the man of the commandments, to which the man responds that he has kept all of them since his youth.

Jesus looks at him with love and tells him he lacks one thing: he should sell all he possesses, give to the poor to have treasure in heaven, and then follow Him. The man leaves saddened because he has great wealth.

Jesus comments on the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, comparing it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples are astonished and wonder who can be saved. Jesus assures them that with man it is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.

Commentary on Wealth and Discipleship

The ESV Study Bible Notes argue that wealth can create a false sense of security, making reliance on God difficult (Crossway, 2008).
The BibleRef.com Commentary explains that Jesus’ challenge is not about money alone but about surrendering all to follow Him (BibleRef, 2023).

Verses 32–34: Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus walks ahead of His disciples, who are amazed and fearful. He takes the Twelve aside and details what will happen to Him: He will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, spat upon, flogged, killed, and after three days, He will rise.

Commentary on Jesus’ Passion Prediction

The Precept Austin Commentary states that this is the third prediction of Jesus’ suffering, emphasizing the disciples’ continued misunderstanding (Precept Austin, 2022).
The Blue Letter Bible Commentary notes that Jesus walks ahead, showing His willingness to fulfill His mission despite the coming suffering (Blue Letter Bible, 2023).

Verses 35–45: The Request of James and John

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approach Jesus with a request to sit at His right and left in His glory. Jesus tells them they do not know what they are asking and questions if they can drink the cup He drinks or be baptized with His baptism.

They affirm they can, and Jesus acknowledges they will share in His sufferings but states that granting positions of honor is not His to give. The other ten disciples become indignant with James and John. Jesus gathers them and explains that unlike Gentile rulers who lord over others, greatness among them must come through servanthood.

“Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Commentary on Servanthood

The NIV Study Bible Notes highlight that true leadership in Christ’s kingdom is marked by humility and service (Zondervan, 2011).
Charles Swindoll’s Insights on Mark emphasize Jesus’ countercultural teaching on leadership (Swindoll, 2022).

Verses 46–52: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

As Jesus leaves Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sits by the roadside. Hearing that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, he begins to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuke him, telling him to be quiet, but he shouts all the more.

Jesus stops and calls for him. Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, jumps up, and comes to Jesus. Jesus asks what he wants, and Bartimaeus requests to see again. Jesus tells him his faith has healed him, and immediately, he regains his sight and follows Jesus along the road.

Commentary on Faith and Healing

The Enduring Word Commentary states that Bartimaeus’ faith was persistent, refusing to be silenced (Guzik, 2023).
The ESV Study Bible Notes highlight that Jesus’ healing is both physical and spiritual (Crossway, 2008).

Sources Cited

ESV Study Bible Notes (Crossway Bibles, 2008).
NIV Study Bible Notes (Zondervan, 2011).
MacArthur Study Bible Notes (John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson, 1997).
Enduring Word Bible Commentary (David Guzik, 2023).
Working Preacher Commentary on Mark (Working Preacher, 2022).
Blue Letter Bible Commentaries (Blue Letter Bible, 2023).
BibleRef.com Commentary (BibleRef, 2023).
Precept Austin Commentary on Mark 10 (Precept Austin, 2022).
Charles Swindoll’s Insights on Mark (Swindoll, 2022).