Hanging out with Jesus XVIII: The Beginning is enough

Hanging out with Jesus XVIII: The Beginning is enough

Mark 10.   Key v. 6, 27

If you can think back far enough and ahead far enough as well as deep enough, you will meet God. In the beginning were God and the word.  The end and the beginning come together in one place - where he is.  Effectively there is no beginning and no ending in his nature. He is eternal.  He is the Alfa and Omega. When it seems he has come to the end, he will just be beginning. When you walk with God, you experience his nature and the end of seasons is only the beginning of new seasons.  The seeds for the future are sown in previous seasons and at the beginning.  What exists at a time can often be explained by what happened at the beginning.

From Chapter 10 of the gospel of Mark, Jesus faced change in his life head on. He could have stayed in Capernaum and enjoyed the Sea of Galilee but it was time to visit Jerusalem for the last time. He knew that it meant a journey to the cross. He was aware it would be his last visit to Jerusalem until he came at the end of time to rule from the New Jerusalem. Despite the risks and dangers involved, he set his head as a flint to go to Jerusalem.

Chapter 10 follows the pattern of the rest of the book where Jesus had time with his disciples, the public, individuals and Religious leaders.  Let us draw lessons from six responses to Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. 

1) The multitudes gathered around him (v.1). The needy and curious typically crowded him in public places. They had no clue what would soon happen to the great teacher. On this occasion, Mark highlighted that Jesus taught. Many were there to listen. What is notable is that at this late juncture in his life teaching is the main task and priority. Teaching is the way to pass on and leave a legacy. If people are willing to listen, teach as much as you can. Teaching is the key to transforming minds and understanding is the key to winning minds. There is no instant miraculous regeneration of the mind. A process of learning is required.

2) The critics tempted him (v.2-9). Jesus’ critics looked for faults and ways to discredit him but he overcame. His wisdom was smarter and they could not pin him down.  They asked about the lawfulness of divorce. Jews lived as if all things began and ended with Moses. The Bible teaches that they begin and end with Jesus (Hebrews 1, Colossians 1:16, Revelation 22).  To support their view they went back as far as Moses but Jesus took them back beyond Moses to the beginning. There he showed them that God’s design is ‘what God has put together let no man put asunder’ (v.9). The main things such as original purpose, vision, values and intentions are traced to the beginning. Many disputes can be solved by going back to the beginning.

 Jesus came to restore God’s purpose for humanity to enjoy the victory, healing, righteousness, sufficiency, love, peace, joy, dominion and fullness of life he gave at the beginning of creation. The beginning is enough. The cross of Jesus brings the beginning and the end close to you so you can meet God. The cross resets everything to its default. Restoring it to what it was at the beginning.  It goes back far enough where the lamb was slain before the foundation of the world and into the future far enough where the lamb will be enthroned forever.

3) His disciples probed him in the house (v.10-12).  Jesus’ disciples probe him to explain further the position regarding divorce. Jesus was ready to clarify and elaborate. He went on to highlight the implications of putting away one’s spouse and remarrying as tantamount to adultery.  Apart from honoring and maintaining marriages, a big lesson is the mark of discipleship to be with Jesus and learn from him. You always discover more when you learn the word and commit to reading further, praying it in, meditating and obeying it. 

4) Children were brought to him. (v. 13-16). Jesus welcomed children. He rebuked his disciples for attempting to shield him from Jesus. They may have thought the business was too serious for children. Jesus refused to be viewed as exclusive to a class or social grouping. He refused to be over protected and exalted in an exclusive manner. He is for all ages and can be with you in palace and in a shack to the same measure.  He does not need protection even in the face of his enemies. He is the lion of Judah to defend simply release him. Disciples are not his defender but his distributor.

He demonstrated greatness by embracing children. A lesson he had taught his disciples (Mark 9:34-36). For such is the kingdom of God.  The kingdom is for those with childlike faith. Those who can absolutely depend on Father God

Unlike Peter who wanted to preserve and defend the status quo, the sons of Zebedee wanted to position themselves favorably in a scenario without Jesus (v.37).  They wanted to sit with him in glory.  When the other disciples heard the request, they were displeased and fell back to the debate of who was the greatest. One that Jesus had dealt with already (v.9:35).  It is interesting to note the slowness to learn of the disciples. .  As disciples, we also need to hear from Jesus repeatedly to assimilate his teaching. Spiritual learning happens slowly through persistence, much prayer, correction and rebuke. Teaching can be a frustrating experience that requires patience (2 Timothy 4:2).

5) A religious ruler fell at His feet (v.17-25).  Like Jairus (Mark 5:22), an unnamed religious ruler fell at Jesus’ feet.  With his status in society and among the Jewish leaders many who were opposed to Jesus, it took humility. He risked his reputation and position.  He was not only courageous but also honored Jesus as ‘good master’, had observed all the commandments and asked the right question. No question is more important than ‘what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ Sadly, he came so near to eternal life but made the mistake to walk away because he did not like the answer (v.21). 

Jesus saw the man’s trust in riches as his single hindrance to eternal life.  The attachment and trust in riches not the things was the problem. Jesus answered the man according to his Jewish rules of righteousness (v.19).  The man’s response demonstrated that it is impossible to obey all the law with own or human means. He failed to love God with everything he had breaking law 1- ‘have no other gods’.  He needed grace and mercy not merit (v.20) to find eternal life.  Things have the capacity steal human hearts from God. You can have them but they do not have to have you. Disciples let go by seeking the kingdom of God first and never have to seek them. It takes detachment from possessions to gain true treasures. Jesus came to set you free indeed - from Satan, sin, and things. Free to be entirely his.

Attachment to things is so strong among people that the disciples asked ‘who then shall be saved’ (v.23-26). It is like saying who does not trust in possessions and riches.  Some trust with them others trust in the hope of one day having them.  Jesus explained that attaining eternal life is only possible with God (v.27). Peter was curious to know if they had met the condition for eternal life – ‘we have left everything and have followed’ (v.28). He said yes they had and they would receive a hundred fold what they let go but they had to brace for persecution.  Disciples must have a mind willing to suffer hostile opposition in the course of furthering the gospel. He went on to predict his death on the cross (v. 34). If you hang out with him, he will take you to the place he hung. When you listen to Jesus, he will take you to the cross. Then, he told them he would be hung on the cross now he reminds us that he hung on the cross and rose again.  They were afraid we are grateful. They did not understand we know. They were scattered we are gathered. 

6) Blind man Bartimaeus called on him (v. 46-52).  He cried out and refused to be silenced (v.48). Again, people tried to shield Jesus from this needy man. Watch out for the crowd – they tried to stop the woman with issue of blood, they tried to stop the children, they tried to stop Jairus, they tried to stop Zacheus, they tried to stop blind Bartimaeus and will try to stop you. He however refused to be deterred and cried loud and earnestly enough that Jesus stopped the marching crowd to pay attention. The very crowd that was stopping him ushered the blind man to Jesus. The man seized his moment. He beat the crowd and the motion. He knew what he wanted - I want to see. That was more important than his garment.  He left something behind. It was easy for the poor when you compare with the rich young ruler. He cast it away as he stood to go to Jesus.  The crowd despising and keeping him down began to comfort him. (v.49). They helped take him to Jesus. He found his sight and chose to follow Jesus instead of his way. In faith, you can also shout persistently, defiantly and loudly until Jesus stops for you.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa