101 And he got up, and went into the country of Judaea on the other side of Jordan: and great numbers of people came together to him again; and, as was his way, he gave them teaching. 2 And Pharisees came to him, testing him with the question, Is it right for a man to put away his wife? 3 And he said to them in answer, What did Moses say you were to do? 4 And they said to him, Moses let us give her a statement in writing, and be free from her. 5 But Jesus said to them, Because of your hard hearts he gave you this law. 6 But from the first, male and female made he them. 7 For this cause will a man go away from his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; 8 And the two will become one flesh; so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Let not that which has been joined together by God be parted by man. 10 And in the house the disciples put questions to him again about this thing. 11 And he said to them, Whoever puts away his wife and takes another, is false to his wife; 12 And if she herself puts away her husband and takes another, she is false to her husband.
13 And they took to him little children, so that he might put his hands on them: and the disciples said sharp words to them. 14 And when Jesus saw it, he was angry, and said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not keep them away; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Truly I say to you, Whoever does not put himself under the kingdom of God like a little child, will not come into it at all. 16 And he took them in his arms, and gave them a blessing, putting his hands on them.
17 And while he was going out into the way, a man came running to him, and went down on his knees, saying, Good Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life? 18 And Jesus said to him, Why do you say I am good? no one is good but one, and that is God. 19 You have knowledge of what is said in the law, Do not put any one to death, Do not be untrue in married life, Do not take what is not yours, Do not give false witness, Do not get money by deceit, Give honour to your father and mother. 20 And he said to him, Master, all these laws I have kept from the time when I was young. 21 And Jesus, looking on him and loving him, said, There is one thing needed: go, get money for your goods, and give it to the poor, and you will have wealth in heaven: and come with me. 22 But his face became sad at the saying, and he went away sorrowing: for he was one who had much property. 23 And Jesus, looking round about, said to his disciples, How hard it is for those who have wealth to come into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were full of wonder at his words. But Jesus said to them again, Children, how hard it is for those who put faith in wealth to come into the kingdom of God! 25 It is simpler for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a man of wealth to come into the kingdom of God. 26 And they were greatly surprised, saying to him, Who then may have salvation? 27 Jesus, looking on them, said, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for all things are possible with God. 28 Peter said to him, See, we have given up everything, and come after you. 29 Jesus said, Truly I say to you, There is no man who has given up house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or land, because of me and the good news, 30 Who will not get a hundred times as much now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and land—though with great troubles; and, in the world to come, eternal life. 31 But a great number who are first will be last: and those who are last will be first.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 10:1-31
Commentary on Mark 10:1-12
(Read Mark 10:1-12)
Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant practice. He here shows that the reason why Moses' law allowed divorce, was such that they ought not to use the permission; it was only for the hardness of their hearts. God himself joined man and wife together; he has fitted them to be comforts and helps for each other. The bond which God has tied, is not to be lightly untied. Let those who are for putting away their wives consider what would become of themselves, if God should deal with them in like manner.
Commentary on Mark 10:13-16
(Read Mark 10:13-16)
Some parents or nurses brought little children to Christ, that he should touch them, in token of his blessing them. It does not appear that they needed bodily cures, nor were they capable of being taught: but those who had the care of them believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; therefore they brought them to him. Jesus ordered that they should be brought to him, and that nothing should be said or done to hinder it. Children should be directed to the Saviour as soon as they are able to understand his words. Also, we must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected to Christ and his grace, as little children to their parents, nurses, and teachers.
Commentary on Mark 10:17-22
(Read Mark 10:17-22)
This young ruler showed great earnestness. He asked what he should do now, that he might be happy for ever. Most ask for good to be had in this world; any good, Matthew 6:24, Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Commentary on Mark 10:23-31
(Read Mark 10:23-31)
Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.