The Gospel According to Mark (Part 32)

The Gospel According to Mark

(Part 32)

Good morning and welcome to Jesus Church

Missed every last week but men’s camp was great 

• In the middle of our series through the Gospel of Mark
  • Gonna be honest… there is a lot to go over this week
  • I’ll do the best on be out by tonight… just kidding
• But today we are going to focus on Mk 10:13-16
  • However first we need to say a few things about verses 1-12
  • Because the beginning of Chapter 10 is all on divorce
  • I’ll read it… gives some context (also found in Matt 19)
• And give a few thoughts before we move to the rest

Mk 10:1-12

Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again the crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”

Now we know that the Pharisees want Jesus gone – He’s a threat

• Question: Why did they chose to ask this question here & now
  • Well… it’s in Judea and just across the Jordan
  • So this is the same place John the Baptist was arrested
    • Why – He spoke against Herod’s divorce to marry his niece
    • That’s the only reason they ask this question

What did Moses command you? He replied. They said, Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law, Jesus replied. But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together let no one separate. When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery. (Matt adds except adultery)

Now Jesus mentions a couple things here

First he uses this key word “One Flesh” from book of Genesis

• Its where God makes man and woman (Gen 2)
  • Says that the marriage literally makes 2 people into one person
  • B/C marriage is way more than companionship/tax benefits
  • Marriage is where 2 become 1… so one flesh

Second he talks about this certificate of divorce from Deuteronomy

Duet 24:1

If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him b/c he finds something indecent about her and he writes her a certificate of divorce…

• Remember Jesus says law was only given b/c of their hard hearts
  • Rabbis in Jesus day would talk about 2 types of OT law
    • First were command (heart of what God intended for us)
    • Others concession (pragmatic law of God… not intended)
      • Saying life is messy… sin filled world… stuff happens
      • We need rules to deal with the mess we make
• This law from Moses is a concession not command
  • He isn’t teaching divorce… dealing with reality of divorce “IF”
  • Actually protecting women from men exploiting them

In Jesus day there was a huge debate on what this passage meant

• All gravitated around the words “something indecent”
  • Hebrew (Arvat Divar) – As ambiguous in Hebrew as English
  • One side (Shami) – I could ONLY mean adultery
  • Other side (Hillel) – Its anything deemed indecent (burn bread)
• They ask Jesus his opinion… he asks what was commanded
  • Pharisees bring up the concession… which Jesus shoots down
  • And then Jesus goes to the command… which is Gen. 2
  • And concludes “What God brings together let no man separate”
• And then Jesus doubles down – If a man or woman divorces
  • I’m even more strict that the strict rabbis…
  • Divorce itself is adultery against what God made in marriage

Reason we need to understand the heart of God here

Is b/c we know that divorce is a rampant thing in our society

• This passage haunts people in the back of their mind b/c of past
  • Or its used as a weapon to keep people in an abusive marriage
  • Or any number of different things
  • None of those are Gods heart – But God’s heart is for marriage

TAG: A couple things we have to understand

1: Marriage is a covenant… not a contract

• We think of Marriage as two parties coming together
  • Mutually beneficial – I make you happy/You do the same
  • If someone breaks the contract or does hold up their end
  • That contract is null & void (biblical grounds for divorce)
    • That is contract language…
• A covenant is nothing like that – It’s a promise
  • On wedding day you stand b4 people and make a promise
  • Why its so valuable to write your own vows
  • B/C it’s a promise – Even if u get chronic disease tomorrow
    • And honestly it should terrify you (huge deal)
    • If you are willing to make it anyways – get married

2: God’s heart is always repentance and reconciliation

• That is always what God would want for marriage
  • And the idea of figuring out what I can leave for
  • That language doesn’t work with a covenant
• And repentance is something that has to happen on both sides
  • Because no one is 100% innocent (99:1 sure)
  • But if you are human… you will sin against your spouse
  • And God’s heart is for both to repent for as much or little
    • And then the long hard work of reconciliation

3: Fallen world – Marriages fall apart – is there time its ok to walk away

• Most would say “YES” after infidelity (Matt. 19 – same as Mark)
  • Divorce is not okay except if spouse sleeping with someone else
  • That is the one thing you can leave your covenant for
• Others would also say this is right but Jesus’ list isn’t exhaustive
  • Main reason because Paul talks on divorce in 1 Cor 7
  • Another reason to leave a marriage is abandonment
  • So either Paul disagrees with Jesus or its not exhaustive
• So I would say: Adultery/Abandonment/Abuse… things like that
  • But a disclaimer… God’s heart is still repentance/reconciliation
  • IF POSSIBLE…
  • Far too often we bail before God has a chance to work
    • Some of you… you have tried – fought… and they choose
    • But even if marriage dies… still repent & reconcile

I know that’s a lot – Follow up with me if you have ?’s

Now originally we know Mark was read out loud in one sitting

• Probably on a Sunday during a church gathering
  • First in Rome… then spread to churches around Mediterranean
  • The rest of todays story is framed by what Mark wrote in Ch. 9
• Disciples are arguing about who will be the greatest of them
  • Jesus uses as a teaching point on what greatness looks like
  • When it comes the His kingdom

Mk 9:35-37

Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. Then he took a little child who he placed amongst them. Taking the child in his arms he said to them, whoever welcomes these little children in my name welcomes me and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.

So with that as background lets tie it together with Mk 10:13-16

Mk 10:13-16

People were bringing little children (Pydeon – anything from an infant to toddler) to Jesus for him to place his hands on them.

• We read this and think “how cute”
  • Because in the west kids are held very high in society
  • Idea of youth/innocence/sweetness/joy
• But in the first century children we the bottom of the barrel
  • They had no status… sure loved by mom & dad
    • But as a whole society could care less about children
    • Legally in Roman Empire – Fathers had “rule of life/death”
    • They could kill their kids and there was nothing wrong
  • But even if your dad wasn’t a psycho
    • Life expectancy for kids was awful
    • 6 out of 10 kids died before age 16
• So parents lived with a real life fear for their children
  • So in this story don’t think Santa Clause with pic on Jesus lap
  • Rather parents are desperate to keep their kids safe
  • Thinking if this holy man can touch my kids… they will make it

…but the disciples rebuked them. (scolded parents for bothering Jesus) When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

• When we hear Jesus say “Kingdom of God” we know its important
  • Because its central to the ministry of Jesus
  • It’s the rule/reign/presence of God here on Earth
• Jesus says this Kingdom that I am bringing… belongs to children
  • It belongs to those at the bottom of the social ladder
  • And not only to children but it says “such as these”
  • Meaning others in the same vulnerable place as children
    • The kingdom of God belongs to people like that

Jesus is angry because disciples are misrepresenting the King/Kingdom

• In saying “Go away” – Indicates some are important & some aren’t
  • And that isn’t what God is about at all
  • Jesus says THESE ARE THE LEADING CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

…Truly I tell you (Jesus has to use this phrase – What he is saying is so anti-cultural), anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Now these verses are powerful – Very misunderstood

Ever had your kid called a perfect angel (maybe you have a 1 year old)

• Whenever other people are around… They just put on a show
  • They act all sweet and happy
  • Cutest smiles you’ve ever seen
  • But the moment your friends leave… back in the car
• Now its time for WW3
  • Throwing puffs at you
  • Screaming bloody murder
  • Diaper blowout in the car seat
• One time is was changing my sons diaper (18 months)
  • Took his heal… clocked me right in my nose
  • And then laughed about it

When we read this passage – its easy to think it means be like a child

• Because kids are so virtuous – So be exactly like them
  • Children are innocent… therefore we should be innocent
  • Children are happy… and we should be just like them
  • Children are carefree… and we are way too stressed out
• And ALL OF THAT IS GREAT AND TRUE
  • But its also true kids are selfish… we shouldn’t be selfish
  • Children can be whinny and demanding…
  • Children can be irresponsible

Mk 10:14 (So when Jesus says…)

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

• Point not children are a certain way so… they’re special in kingdom
  • And if you want to be special in the Kingdom of God
  • You have to mimic everything a child does
  • In fact that’s the exact opposite of what Jesus is saying

Jesus point: Children (in this society) came w/ nothing to offer at all

• Children were free labor
  • They were an asset to be sold off in marriage
  • And that was about it
• Jesus point is that these children are at bottom of social ladder
  • They have no rights…
  • No position to demand audience w/ Jesus (I deserve this & that)
• They can’t even bring themselves to Jesus
  • The need mom… dad… Uncle Joe… Aunt Lucy
  • And Jesus is saying: THAT’S HOW YOU ENTER THE KINGDOM
  • With absolutely nothing but yourself

Mk. 10:15

Truly I tell you anyone who will not receive (please highlight that word) the kingdom of God…

This is radically different from what people thought of Kingdom

• Most believed the Messiah to be a violent warrior
  • Most thought he would come lead army against Rome
  • Bring forth a period of Israeli global domination
• Does Jesus fit that bill???
  • No… that’s why he was crucified – wanted to die for enemies
  • But that goes against nationalism… not good for economy
  • Jesus says the Kingdom isn’t something you fight for physically
    • Its not about Rome… but the dark power behind Rome
• And its not something you force and usher in like a warrior
  • No… you receive it like a little child
  • It’s your birthday and here is your gift
  • Which was radically different from what people wanted to hear

Mk 10:16 (And then to end we read this)

And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Which is cool b/c all the parents wanted was Jesus to place lay on hands

• But Jesus brings it to a whole different level
  • Hey what’s your name… come over here
  • He cares for them – plays with them – and blesses them
• Which btw… that concept of blessing is sorta foreign to us
  • But it quite honestly shouldn’t be…
  • In Jesus day… declaring a blessing was a powerful practice
  • It was a way to pass on love… care… protection… life… peace
• And that’s the end of the story
  • He welcomes children… takes them in his arms… blesses the

To Summarize – This is a glimpse into Gods Kingdom

And not only is this upside down in Jesus time

• But to every kingdom that has every ruled/conquered the world
  • Because who were at the top of society… religious men
  • At the bottom were Children, Women, Slaves & Gentiles
• But what would have turn heads in the story
  • Who does Jesus rebuke… the disciples (religious Jewish men)
    • They are the negative example…
    • They are the Anti-hero in the story
  • And who does Jesus bless
    • The bottom rung of the social ladder
    • And that is Jesus vision of his Kingdom
    • Upside down from everything his culture knew/wanted

TAG: Now lets take this into our world – Sept 2023

First: This is a word for the community as a whole

This is a word that Children (those like these) matter in Gods Kingdom

• Therefore they should matter in the church
  • Remember Marks purpose was to shape early church
  • And hopefully is still shaping the church in our world today
• So in a culture where children were not loved or valued
  • Jesus/Mark are calling the church to love and value the weak
• Where the bottom isn’t cast off… but are leading citizens w/ honor
  • That’s children – But the word child in Aramaic
    • It was the same word used for slave/servant
    • So its really every vulnerable/voiceless person

His point: Church should be a place where we are all the same

• And we want to be this kind of a church
  • Where we not only remember the “LOWLY”
  • But love and value the lowly
• Where regardless of where you are coming from
  • Regardless of your zip code or car or income
  • You are welcome… valued and loved
• Our prayer is we are a church that is made up from all of society
  • And we reach out to all of society
  • From the orphan/criminal to the successful business owner
  • Why because we all need Jesus

And this isn’t a given in America… America is not a classless society

• Better than India’s caste system
  • But there are huge divisions in our society
  • Rich and poor (sure)
  • But also the known and the unknown
  • Those who can get you ahead… or slow you down
• Its like the high school lunchroom all over again
  • You have your hot lunch in your hand
  • The table you choose is based on a ton of factors
• But what if you just sat next to the person Jesus put in front of you
  • Not based on any type of agenda or preference
  • What if we’re the type of people who leaned in when it counts
  • Engaged with whoever is right in front of us
    • Whether they make you look better or really lame
    • Whether they’re someone you wanna be like or not
    • Whether they’re the powerful or “lowly”

What if we were a people completely different than you walked in here

• Felt absolutely loved and valued and at the seat of honor
  • Do you guys want to be that kind of church
  • I think that we want to be that kind of a church… lean into that

Tag: This is a word for the community as a whole

Secondly: This is a word for each one of us

We all come to Jesus just like the people in this story

• With our fears of evil… and desires for blessing (parents)
  • But do you ever feel like you’re bothering Jesus
  • Ever feel like you come to Jesus with your stuff (good/bad)
  • Feel like you’re bugging Him
• Don’t always need a rude religious guy 2 chase me away from Jesus
  • Sometimes all I need is own guilt… insecurity… shame… trauma
  • That’s all we need to shut us out of God’s presences
• And for us religious types which I am one of them
  • There’s a voice in my head saying…
    • Hey, you’re bothering Jesus
    • That doesn’t matter… your fear is silly… desire is stupid
    • Stop it Jesus is a busy man
• But I also have the voice of the Spirit of Jesus in my head
  • He says: Shut the other guy up and get in my arms
  • That’s a way better voice to listen to
  • Because Jesus says let the lowest come to me
    • Jesus said that all the time: COME TO ME!!!
    • Just as you are… screwed up or not… status or no status
    • Just be with me

TAG: Hopefully the voice of Jesus is eventually louder than religious guy

But in all this we see 2 ways to come to Jesus

1 – The way of the disciples

• Based on who we are and what we have done or do
  • In this case… I’m a religious Jewish male
  • And Jesus I follow you
  • I gave up all my opportunities for you
• Therefore (entitlement) God you owe me
  • You owe me to take away my fears of evil
  • You owe me to not let anything bad happen ever
  • You own me to fulfill my desires
• It’s basically just a bartering system – Manipulate God
  • And we come with this heart posture
  • Based on who were are and what we can do or have done

2 – The way of the children

• No power… authority… status.
  • There is no “God you owe me!”
  • Not based on who you are or what you do…
  • Because you don’t have anything to brag about
• But you just come as you are with all your fears/desires
  • And whatever happens or doesn’t happen
  • All you really care about is you just want to be with Jesus
• Its one of the best things about children
  • And again we know children are perfect
  • We don’t want to morph ourselves into kids
  • But kids are pretty amazing (especially mine)
• You know… I’m a dad – I have 2 kids
  • And my Kids are constantly wanting stuff (doesn’t bug me)
  • And they don’t even know what all they want
    • They want me to pay the electricity bill… water… mortgage
    • And they don’t even know that
    • They want .85 blizzard… 5 below… clothes now
• But more than anything my kids just want to be with me
  • So here is what I’m asking you to leave with today…
  • Bring your fears and desires to Jesus
  • And regardless of what happens – Just be with him
    • Bring Fear: Neg. desires – Stuff you don’t want to happen
    • Bring Desire: Stuff you really do want to happen

Ps. 38:9

All of my longings lie open before you Lord.

• Bring them to Jesus… But what if they aren’t good or pure
  • All the more reason to bring them before Jesus
  • Even if what Jesus does is kill those desires
  • But whatever it is… just bring it (he already knows anyways)

The warning is don’t come to Jesus like the disciples – You own me

• Just bring everything to his feet knowing…
  • Some of these prayers will be answered
  • Some of these prayers will be crucified
    • And Jesus I give you fears
    • I give you my desires…
    • But MORE THAN THAT: I give you my trust
• And then JUST BE WITH JESUS

John Wesley – Started the Methodist Church movement

• Church planting movement all over America
  • At the end of his life… God used him probably more significantly
  • Than anyone since the book of Acts
• End of his life he had this famous saying: Best of all… God is with us
  • Think of how many ways he could have ended that sentence
    • Best of all I planted 4000 churches
    • Best of all I changed the church of England forever
    • Best of all I started a move of God across North America
• Nope… its best of all – GOD IS WITH US
  • Do you believe that… of all your desires
  • Best of all is that God is close