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Mark 10:17-31 The Rich Young Ruler

Last Sunday, in Mark 10:13-16, Jesus said that whoever doesn’t receive the kingdom as a child will not enter it. Receiving the kingdom like a child means coming to Christ with helpless, dependent faith. Mark 10:17-31 immediately follows, showing us an example of someone who cannot receive the kingdom as a child. 

A man often called "the rich young ruler" runs to Jesus, kneels, and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 17). But Jesus’ response to him is very different from what we might expect. He questions the man’s idea of goodness and points him to the commandments. Jesus doesn’t immediately give him the gospel, but the law. When the man claims to have kept the law, Jesus tells him he must give all his wealth away and follow Him. On Sunday, we will explore why Jesus responds this way, showing the man that he has not kept the commandments and revealing the young man’s idol. Ultimately, the man turns away sorrowful. He will not receive the kingdom as a helpless child. 

The surprises continue as Jesus uses this event to teach the disciples. He says it’s “impossible” for the rich to enter the kingdom (vv. 23-25), like a camel passing through a needle’s eye. The disciples, shocked, ask, “Who then can be saved?” (v. 26), finally understanding their helplessness. Jesus declares, “With man it is impossible, but not with God” (v. 27)—salvation comes only through God’s grace, received with childlike dependence. This passage raises many questions, which we will explore, but in the rich young ruler, the disciples see someone who will not receive the kingdom as a child, and they finally grasp the impossibility of salvation through any other means.  

I. The Sacrificial Call To Eternal Life (v. 17-22)

II. The Impossibility of Entering God’s Kingdom (v. 23-27)

III. The Promised Gain of God’s Kingdom (v. 28-31)


Mark 10:13-16 Receiving The Kingdom As A Child

As we continue in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is nearing His final entry into Jerusalem. From the end of chapter 8 through chapters 9 and 10, He focuses on teaching His disciples that His mission involves suffering and death, and that following Him means denying self and taking up the cross (Mark 8:34). However, the disciples repeatedly miss this truth, consumed by their own desires for greatness and status (Mark 9:34). Despite Jesus’ clear warnings—such as the call to be “last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35)—they cling to their desire for greatness, even trying to stop others from serving in His name (Mark 9:38).

In this Sunday’s passage, Mark 10:13-16 (with context through verse 27), we see Jesus rebuke the disciples for hindering parents who bring their young children to Him for a blessing. The disciples, still chasing prominence, view these children as insignificant. Jesus, indignant, declares, “Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). He emphasizes that the kingdom must be received with the helpless dependence of a child—not through status, accomplishments, or self-reliance.

This theme continues as Jesus contrasts the children’s dependence with the rich young ruler, who will not let go of his wealth or status to follow Jesus (Mark 10:17-27). The children show us the right way to receive the kingdom—empty-handed, trusting fully in God’s grace—while the rich man’s reliance on his achievements leaves him sorrowful and outside the kingdom.

  1. Receiving Children as Jesus Does (Mark 10:13-14)

  2. Receiving the Kingdom as a Child (Mark 10:15-16)

Mark 10:1-12 What God Has Joined Together

As we continue our study of Mark, this Sunday we’ll dive into Mark 10:1-12, a passage that addresses one of the most challenging and relevant topics in discipleship: marriage and divorce. Building on last week’s message from the end of chapter 9, where Jesus called for radical action against sin and stumbling blocks, chapter 10 explores what denying ourselves and taking up our cross looks like in everyday areas of life, the first of which is marraige.

As Jesus moves toward Jerusalem to die (He will enter the city in Chapter 11), He is confronted again by the Pharisees. As they have done before, they test Jesus with a controversial question. The question of what constitutes grounds for divorce was a broiling controversy among schools of Rabbi’s in the day, and as Jesus enters Judea, He is now in Herod’s territory (the same Herod that imprisoned and executed John the Baptist for denouncing His divorce and remarriage.) The Pharisees were seeking to trap Jesus and place Him at odds with the ongoing controversy. Jesus responds to the permissability of divorce by pointing back to God’s original design and purpose for marriage, emphasizing its sacred covenant nature. Jesus explains that Moses’ allowance for divorce was a concession due to human sin and hardness of heart, intended to limit abuse and protect the vulnerable, not to undermine God’s intent for marriage. Going back to creation in Genesis, Jesus highlights God’s plan for marriage as a lifelong covenant where a man and woman become one flesh, joined by God Himself. This union is instituted by God and reflects deeper gospel truths. In private, the disciples question Jesus further, and He applies the principle radically: Divorce and remarriage constitute adultery because the one-flesh union endures unless dissolved by God. We’ll touch on biblical exceptions (like sexual immorality and abandonment) and talk about why none are mentioned here in Mark. My prayer is that we affirm God’s grace, forgiveness, and the value of seeking help in difficult situations, without compromising Jesus’ words in Mark 10:1-12. While the teaching is direct and countercultural—both then and now—it’s rooted in God’s good design and offers hope through the gospel, which forgives, heals, and transforms.

The Controversial Question (vv. 1-2)

The Purpose of Moses’ Rule (vv. 3-5)

The Purpose of God’s Design (vv. 6-9

The Radical Application (vv. 10-12)


Mark 9:42-50 The Radical Call Of Discipleship

This Sunday, we’ll continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark, focusing on Mark 9:42-50. This is a challenging passage, but one that speaks powerfully to our call as disciples of Jesus. In the previous passage, the disciples have just been arguing about who was the greatest, and Jesus showed them that whoever would be great must become the servant of all. The disciples’ pride is then displayed further as they reveal they tried to hinder someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group. In verse 41, Jesus said that even one who gives a cup of water to those who follow Him will not lose their reward. Verses 41-50 continue Jesus’ discourse with the disciples and he addresses His disciples with a sobering message about the seriousness of sin and the radical commitment required to follow Him. The passage continues Jesus’ teaching from the end of Mark 8, where He emphasizes that following Him means denying ourselves and taking up our cross. Jesus warns against hindering others—especially fellow believers—from stumbling. Using vivid imagery, He underscores the severe consequences of causing “little ones” who believe in Him to stumble in their faith or obedience. He also calls for drastic action against personal sin, using language like cutting off a hand or eye to illustrate the need to remove anything that leads us away from Him. This isn’t about physical mutilation but about taking sin seriously and pursuing holiness with urgency, recognizing the reality of eternal judgment. Jesus concludes by urging His disciples to be “salted with fire,” living as dedicated sacrifices to God. He calls them to reject pride, embrace humility, and be at peace with one another, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. While the passage includes tough topics like hell and the cost of discipleship, it’s ultimately a call to trust the grace of Christ, who transforms us to hate sin and desire Him above all else.

I. Do Not Cause Others to Stumble (v. 42):

II. Do Not Tolerate Sin in Yourself (vv. 43-48):

III. Do Not Lose Your Saltiness (vv. 49-50):


Mark 9:30-41 True Greatness

Last Sunday, we saw Jesus heal a boy possessed by an unclean spirit in Mark 9:14-29 after the disciples failed to cast it out. The boy’s father cried out honestly, "I believe; help my unbelief," acknowledging his faith mixed with doubt, and Jesus taught the disciples that their failure stemmed from not depending on Him through prayer — they were trying to serve in their own strength. Jesus had previously spoken of His death and resurrection and told the disciples that they must deny themselves and take up their cross (8:31-38). In Mark 9:1-12, the Father told three disciples to “Listen to Him.” Yet they have struggled with Jesus’ teaching about His death. This Sunday, we continue in Mark 9:30-41 as Jesus heads toward Jerusalem. Coming off the disciples’ failure, Jesus privately teaches the disciples again about His betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection — referring to Himself as the Son of Man from Daniel 7. Still, they don’t understand because they’re preoccupied with their own greatness, arguing about who’s the greatest. These disciples are chasing status, control, and glory, like we often do today with our idols of control, comfort, and significance. Jesus models true greatness through His sacrifice, being delivered by the Father to die for our sins, as it says in Isaiah 53, but the disciples miss it, letting their preconceptions cloud His words. Misunderstanding Jesus and the gospel distorts how disciples understand what following Him means. When we embrace our worth and identity in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we find an unsurpassed greatness, which is then expressed in humble service — being last and the servant of all. Jesus illustrates this by embracing a child, a picture of the insignificant with no status, and says receiving such a one in His name is receiving Him and the Father. It’s not about worldly gain but denying oneself from the strength of our gospel identity in Christ. Then, when John complains about an outsider casting out demons in Jesus’ name — something they couldn’t do in the previous passage — Jesus says don’t stop him. Rather than assume their service is greater than others, they should rejoice when Christ is glorified, no matter who does it, because anyone not against us is for us. Even small acts like giving a cup of water in His name will be rewarded. True greatness comes from the gospel and is expressed as His people serve for His glory.

I. True Greatness Is Modeled In Jesus’ Sacrifice (v. 30-32)

II. True Greatness Is Expressed in Humble Service (v. 33-37)

III. True Greatness Prioritizes Christ’s Glory (v. 38-41)


Mark 9:14-29 I Believe; Help My Unbelief

Last Sunday, we saw the glory of Jesus displayed on the mountain in Mark 9:2-13. Jesus was transfigured before three disciples and the Father spoke from the cloud, calling them to listen to the Son. Jesus had spoken of His death and resurrection and told the disciples they too must deny themselves and take up the cross. Now the Father says, “Listen To Him.” This Sunday, we examine Mark 9:14-29 as they come down from the mountain. Coming off mountaintop glory, Jesus and the three disciples return to the valley where there is chaos, conflict, and wickedness. They are immediately confronted with a crowd around a boy with an evil spirit. The other disciples had tried and failed to cast out this spirit, so the boy’s father cries out for Jesus’ help. Jesus does rescue the boy, but this passage is not about fighting demons. His authority over unclean spirits has been shown repeatedly in Mark already. This passage is about the fight for faith. As the boy’s father pleads for his son, he speaks honestly resonating with Christians through the ages, saying, "I believe; help my unbelief.” The father believes but knows that there is also doubt. The man’s cries out because he knows that only Jesus can grow his faith. The disciples also are struggling to believe. Readers of Mark know that Jesus has given authority to his disciples to cast out demons twice in previous chapters. Jesus commanded them to cast out spirits and empowered them to do so. Yet, here, they are not able to do what Jesus commanded. When the disciples ask Jesus why they were unable to do what he authorized, Jesus tells them that "this kind is only driven out by prayer.” That is strange because Jesus didn’t pray when He cast the spirit out. Like the boy’s father, the disciples must also depend upon Jesus in all they do. They must rely upon Jesus to grow their faith. Jesus’ power alone gives them strength to serve Him as He commands. The disciples seem to have forgotten that all their strength comes from Jesus, something we still do today. See you Sunday. 

I. Faith is Difficult In the Valley (v. 14-19)

II. Faith Grows By Jesus’ Power (v. 20-24)

III. Faith Always Relies On Jesus Alone (v. 25-29)


Mark 8:34-9:1 The Way Of The Cross

Throughout the first half of his gospel, Mark repeatedly shows us how the crowds and the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ identity. Last week, we reached a key moment when Peter and the disciples finally recognized and confessed that Jesus is the Christ. Mark introduced this turning point by showing Jesus heal a blind man in two stages. Jesus’ first touch caused the blind man to see, but he could not see clearly. The second touch healed the man completely (8:22-26). Just as the blind man, Peter, and the disciples could now see that Jesus is the Christ, they still did not fully understand what the Christ had come to do. When Jesus tells them He came to suffer and die, Peter rebukes Him. The disciples expected the Messiah to be an earthly conqueror who would bring victory, abundance, and glory, as in the days of Solomon. Following Him would mean reigning with Him as He conquered the occupying armies and led Israel to fulfill God’s covenant promises. Hearing that the "son of man" must suffer and die was not what they expected. We ended in verses 31-33 with Jesus chastising Peter for denying that the Messiah must suffer. This Sunday, Jesus continues teaching that not only must the Messiah suffer and die, but following Him also means walking that same path. Trusting Jesus is to follow Him as He walks the way of the cross. This passage speaks to everyone who confesses that Jesus is the Christ, as Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me..." It is not just for the elite Christians or the 12 disciples. Jesus says that anyone following Him must deny themselves and take up their own cross. After making this statement, Jesus gives four "for" statements (v. 35-38) explaining why it is necessary to take up the cross and deny self. On Sunday, we will unpack these statements and show that the way of the cross is the only path of true discipleship. This is a crucial section in Mark’s Gospel, and from this point, the focus shifts to what it means to follow Jesus. To prepare for Sunday, read Mark 8:27-9:1 so you understand the context of what we will examine in 8:34-9:1. 

I. What Following Jesus Entails (v. 34)

II. Why Following Jesus Is Necessary (v. 35-38)

III. Where Following Jesus Leads (9:1)

Mark 8:22-33 Seeing Jesus Clearly

Sunday, we come to a definitive turning point in Mark’s gospel. Mark’s focus for the first eight chapters has been revealing Jesus’ identity in the miracles He did and the parables He taught. But the people in Mark could not seem to understand. Even the disciples asked, "Who is this?" when Jesus stilled the storm in Mark 4. Jesus has repeatedly rebuked the disciples for their dullness, lack of understanding, and hard-heartedness. (Mark 8:14-21). In Mark 8:22-33, the disciples will finally understand that Jesus is the Christ, but they do not yet see clearly that the Christ has come to suffer and die. Nor do they know what it means to follow Jesus in his mission. Peter, representing the disciples, confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but in the very next breath, he rebukes Jesus for saying He must suffer, die, and rise from the grave. He sees the Christ, but not clearly yet. The rest of Mark will focus on the disciples coming to understand the way of the cross. This spiritual restoration of sight is pictured in Jesus’ healing of a blind man in Bethsaida. Jesus touches the man and he can see, but not clearly. Jesus touches him a second time to restore his sight fully. This miracle happened just as it is written, and it is an illustration of Jesus restoring the disciple’s sight and an introduction to what the following several chapters will teach. The Christ brings the kingdom by way of the cross, and therefore, those who follow Him must travel the same road, denying themselves and taking up the cross (8:34).

I. Do You See Anything? (v. 22-26)

II. Who Do You Say I Am? (v. 27-30)

III. What Kind Of Christ Is He? (v. 31-33)

Mark 8:1-21 Do You Not Remember?

Happy 4th of July! I hope you’re enjoying the celebration of our country’s freedom on this Independence Day and thanking God for His blessings. This Sunday, we’ll look at Mark 8:1-21, where Jesus feeds 4,000, confronts the Pharisees, and rebukes His disciples for their forgetfulness. Mark uses this feeding and the events that follow not only to show Jesus as the Messiah for all nations but also to help His disciples grow in faith and understanding. 

In Mark 6, Jesus fed 5,000 in Galilee, yet the disciples missed the point of who He is. Last week, in chapter 7, a Gentile woman believed and was willing to accept the crumbs from the children’s table. In Mark 8, Jesus feeds 4,000 in the Decapolis region, offering not just crumbs but a banquet to the Gentiles. Yet, even after previously witnessing Jesus feed the 5,000, the disciples still doubt when Jesus desires to feed this crowd. They ask, “How can anyone feed these people?” Back in the boat (v. 14-21), Jesus tries to teach the disciples about the danger of unbelief. He uses the image of leaven as the disciples argue about not having enough bread. Jesus asks, “Do you not remember?” and reminds them of the two miraculous feedings he just performed. 

Like the disciples, we often forget God’s faithfulness in our lives. We forget how God has provided in the past and therefore fail to trust Him when circumstances look dark. Jesus challenges us to go beyond just admiring His miracles and to live out His truths daily. Growing as His disciples means letting His promises influence how we think and act, especially during tough times. Instead of allowing worry or unbelief to take hold and spread like leaven, we are called to trust the Bread of Life, who never fails. 

I. The Hungry Gentiles Get More Than Crumbs (v. 1-10)

II. The Unbelieving Pharisees Get Nothing (v. 11-13)

III. The Forgetful Disciples Get Rebuked (v. 14-21)

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