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Jesus left Galilee for Judea beyond the Jordan, healing many who followed Him (vv. 1–2). The Pharisees tested Him, asking if divorce was lawful “for any cause” (v. 3). Jesus pointed them back to God’s creation design: He made them male and female, joined them as “one flesh,” and declared that man must not separate what God has joined (vv. 4–6; Gen. 2:24). Moses allowed divorce because of hardened hearts, but it was not God’s original intent (v. 8). Jesus said divorce is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality, and remarriage after an unbiblical divorce is adultery (v. 9; cf. Matt. 5:31–32). The disciples, surprised at the strictness, said it might be better not to marry. Jesus replied that singleness is a gift for some, whether by birth, by human action, or by choice for the sake of the kingdom (vv. 10–12; 1 Cor. 7:6–9). When the disciples tried to turn away children, Jesus welcomed them, saying the kingdom belongs to such as these (vv. 13–15; cf. 18:1–4).
A rich young man asked what good deed he must do to have eternal life (v. 16). Jesus told him to keep the commandments (vv. 17–19), but when the man claimed to have kept them, Jesus exposed his true allegiance—his wealth—by telling him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him (v. 21). The man went away sad, unwilling to part with his riches (v. 22). Jesus warned how hard it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom, saying it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (vv. 23–24). When the disciples asked who could be saved, He answered, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (v. 26). Peter reminded Jesus that they had left everything, and Jesus promised that those who follow Him will be rewarded in the new world and inherit eternal life—yet many who are first now will be last, and the last first (vv. 27–30).
🌀 Reflection: Following Jesus means surrendering anything that competes with Him for our loyalty. What “treasures” might you be holding on to more tightly than Him?
💬 Mission Challenge: Take a step today to loosen your grip on something that distracts you from Jesus—whether a possession, habit, or attitude—and offer it to Him in prayer.
Just Keith Harris 
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