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| 1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. |
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| 2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. |
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| 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
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What did Moses – Moses stood in the position of a father to the whole nation, the nation being regarded and treated as children under age. R5046:4, 1725:3
Who acted representatively in bringing the Jews under the Law covenant, as Christ acted representatively in removing it. R1725:4, 5046:6
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| 4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. |
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| 5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
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| 6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
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| 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
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| 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
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| 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
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Hath joined together – The marriage contract is similar to that between the Lord and the Church--perpetual. F516
As a type of the union of Christ and the Church. F495
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| 10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. |
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| 11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
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Put away his wife – May not marry unless a divorce be granted, on the ground of adulterous unfaithfulness. (Matt. 19:9) F505
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| 12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
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| 13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. |
They brought young children – Children were brought to Jesus by their parents, that he should bless them. R4823:3, 5362:1
His disciples rebuked – Feeling that the Lord's time was too valuable to be thus used. R5362:1
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| 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
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Suffer – Permit. R4823:3, 5362:1, 4853:4
The little children – Jesus was a lover of children even though he did not generally give his time to them. R5362:1
For of such – Inculcating simplicity, purity, honesty, sincerity, such as in a little child--trustfulness in the Father and in those with whom we have to do. CR154:1; R5362:2, 4853:4
Of such like is the kingdom. Jesus is representing the gentle, teachable, guileless, humble disciple by a little child--"in malice be ye children (having none)." (1 Cor. 14:20) R521:3
Little children will not be in the kingdom at all. Only developed, tried, perfected characters will constitute the overcomers who will sit with the Master in his throne. R5362:2
The proper child, unspoiled by its elders, is disposed to be very trustful; and, until deceived, it is disposed to believe every word of the parent and to trust implicitly to the parent's wisdom and power. R5362:2
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| 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
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Not receive the kingdom – The message of the kingdom. R5362:2
As a little child – In that pure, simple manner that a little child would receive a message. R5594:4
"As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby." (1 Pet. 2:2) R2660:3
The followers of Jesus are not to be little children, but must be childlike. R5362:2
How beautiful the thought--"children of God!" R521:3
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| 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. |
In his arms – Thus exhibiting his own sympathetic love and humility of heart. R5362:1
And blessed them – Or, prayed a blessing upon them. R4823:3
The influence of child-blessing services, arranged weekly in Brooklyn, upon parents and children are favorable, impressing upon the former their responsibilities. R4823:6
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| 17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? |
There came one – Supposed by some to have been Lazarus, whom Jesus later awakened from the dead. R3529:1
A Jew of a prominent family, a ruler. R3843:1
A young ruler of the synagogue. R5422:3
Notwithstanding the persecuting spirit of the rulers and teachers in Israel against the Lord and all who believed in the validity of his claims, he came to him openly. R1774:3
Kneeled to him – Saluting him with that reverence due to so great a teacher. R1774:3
What shall I do – He was anxious for a perfect conformity to the will of God; and so anxious that he manifested his willingness to bear reproach for it in coming to Jesus. R1774:6
If I have been sincere, I ought to be ready to accept whatever answer he will give me as divine direction, and should promptly obey. R3843:1
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| 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
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Callest thou me good – Unless you believe from the heart that I am the Son of God and not a falsifier, hypocrite and blasphemer. R2727:6
Is this simply a Mark of courtesy? Or do you recognize the fact that there is only one standard of goodness, which is represented by God, therefore recognizing me as a teacher whom God approves? R3843:1
Pointing out that everything that is really good must in some way be of God and in accordance with God. R5465:2, 4658:2
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| 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
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Thou knowest the commandments – Not waiting for a reply. R5465:2, 3843:1
It was necessary that our Lord's answer should be in line with the Law Covenant which was still in force, not yet "nailed to the cross." (Col. 2:14) R3843:2, 5465:3
We would not so tell him now, but then the Law Covenant was still in force in Israel. R5465:2
Not, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and confess your inability to keep the divine Law perfectly. That was not yet then due to be promulgated. R3843:2
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| 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. |
All these have I observed – He was trying to do right in every way. R5438:6
He had been living a most exemplary life; but that was merely his duty; no one has a right to live a bad life. R5438:6
Indicating a realization that by the deeds of the Law no flesh had yet gained the life it promised for obedience. R1774:3
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| 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
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Beholding him – He was a noble character, even though he was not a disciple. R5395:3, 1774:5
He was a model young man, such an one as all lovers of truth and righteousness delight in. R3843:3
Loved him – It would have been impossible for the Lord not to love such a grand character. R2728:2
Loved his humility and earnestness, and his endeavor to keep the Law. R3843:3
Loved his endeavors to keep the Law and loved his manifestation of humility and earnestness in coming as he had, in a public manner, to ask the way to life eternal. R3843:3
Who was thus desirous of being in full accord with the Heavenly Father's will. OV332:T; R1774:6
He was a sincere Pharisee. R5464:2
One thing thou lackest – With all his morality there was inconsistency. He possessed wealth, and should use it to the glory of the Lord. R5422:3
There was a lack. His attitude, although he did not realize it, was not that of entire consecration to the will of God. R1774:6
He had failed to keep the Law in those two most important principles--supreme love to God and love to the neighbor as to self. R1774:6, 2728:2; OV332:1
There is none so perfect that he lacks nothing. R1775:4
Sell whatsoever thou hast – You must do more than merely avoid sin. God is now calling for sacrificers. R5438:6
If you do not sacrifice yourself, you cannot become my disciple. R5438:6
Possessions, time, reputation, ambition. R1775:1
No man could be his disciple unless he would surrender all. R5422:3
He must not be selfish, or he could not be Christ's disciple. R5422:5
Not that the Lord's people should be penniless, dependant upon the charity of others, but their possessions all must be consecrated to the Lord to be used in his service. R3844:4
If that young man had assented and made further inquiry as to the particulars, it is our opinion that the Lord would have modified his statement--suggesting that the selling and giving to the poor be not done all at once, but gradually, as the necessities might seem to open up. Q149:4
Give to the poor – Use that which you consecrated as wisely and as thoroughly as you know how, as God's steward. F576; R1775:1
"Love is the fulfilling of the law." (Rom. 13:10) R2728:2
Whatever could not have been done for the Lord's cause directly could have been done for the poor of the Jewish nation, who indirectly represented the Lord's people. R3844:5
Not that the riches should be given away recklessly or indiscriminately but, as God's steward, to distribute it according to the wisdom which God would give. R5465:3, 3844:1
Feed the hungry with the bread that perisheth; but first, rather, to feed the spiritually hungry with the bread of life. R1775:2
Treasure in heaven – Every Jew, ready and willing to sacrifice his earthly belongings and become a follower of Jesus, would be accounted worthy of transfer from the house of servants under Moses to the house of sons under Christ. R3843:5
Additionally, he might become a joint-heir with Jesus in glory, honor and immortality. (Rom. 2:7; 8:17) PD66/78
A life of glory, honor, and immortality--the divine nature. R5438:6
In laying up treasure in our minds and hearts, we are building character fit for an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. R5519:1
Take up the cross – There is no other way to come into Christ but by way of the cross. We must bear it as he bore it. R5422:5
Even the full surrender of earthly possessions would not be sufficient. R5465:3
In putting before others the trials and the cross, we should also put before them the glory to follow. R5422:5
These words are not found in the Sinaitic and Vatican MSS. R3843:6
And follow me – Follow my example. R5465:3
Every Jew willing to become a follower would be transferred from the house of servants to the house of sons. R3843:4
This means the complete subjection, the death of the flesh. R5220:6
As it was expedient that the Master pass through experiences of self denial, so it is expedient that his Bride be similarly touched with a feeling of the world's infirmities. R4138:4
To follow Christ is not to make unwise disposition of our possessions and talents, but, as wise and faithful stewards, to use them to the best possible advantage in his service. R1775:1
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| 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. |
He was sad – But he had no complaint to make. R3843:6
He was anxious to do God's will, but not sufficiently anxious to be accounted worthy of membership in the Little Flock. He was willing to do right, to do justly, but unwilling to sacrifice. R5465:5, 5395:3
No doubt the heart of Jesus was sad also when he saw the blight of selfishness and self-will attacking that promising half-blown rose of character. R1774:6
Went away grieved – Sorrowful; he did not want to give everything to the Lord, but preferred to hold on to his wealth. R5395:3, 2728:3
With all his morality, there was inconsistency. He possessed wealth, and should use that wealth to the glory of God. He must not be selfish, or he could not be Christ's disciple. R5422:3
He forsook the opportunity to do the greatest good, and thus turned his back upon a membership in the kingdom class. R5465:5
Declining to have the eternal life which Jesus was offering on the only terms now attaching to the offer. R3844:3
We hear nothing of his subsequent conversion, but in all probability he remained in sympathy with the Jewish teachers and partook more and more of their spirit of opposition to Christ and his teaching. R1774:6
In the kingdom, we may see the young ruler glad to have life eternal through the acceptance of the divine arrangement. Sacrifice will not be possible then nor will it be required. R3845:1
During the past eighteen centuries the same test has proved many good, honorable and wise people to be unfit for the kingdom. R3843:5
He had great possessions – He was very rich. R5395:4
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| 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
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How hardly – With what difficulty. R3844:3, 2761:2
The difficulty was that he had set his heart upon his riches, demonstrating that he loved God and the divine will less than he loved his earthly property. R5465:5
He might have said, I have some children for whom I must make some provision. But the Lord said, Give all that you have to God. A parent can consecrate his children so far as he is concerned. R5422:5
How rarely. R874:1
The possession of wealth, in combination with selfishness, leads to a measure of satisfaction with present circumstances and conditions unfavorable to faith in God's heavenly promises. R2761:2
Shall they – The Doctors of the Law, the prominent Pharisees, the rulers in the synagogues, the members of the Sanhedrin, etc., were the wealthiest of Israel. R3844:3
That have riches – Not because God is opposed to riches, for he himself is rich above all others. R2761:2
Any valuable possession--talents of music, oratory, art, mental endowment, or influence. R2761:3
Not merely of gold, but may be of honor, position, power, approbation of men, etc. R5319:3
Whether those riches be of reputation, fame, learning, money, or even common ease. HG716:6
Though generally applied to money, it may properly be applied to any valuable possession--talents of music, oratory or mental endowment--which carry with it weight of influence among men. R2761:6
We should have no idols--either wealth, fame or selfish ease--which might attract our devotion away from God. R5465:6
No rich man can enter the kingdom. The only way one can enter is by becoming poor. R3844:6
Many who know nothing of actual want of life's necessities are much exercised by the loss of luxuries when adversity comes. R873:6
Hindrances of the rich are: faith in wealth instead of God, pride which riches foster, friends which riches bring, and the proportionately larger sacrifices which must be made. R2729:1
It is as proper for the earthly father to make provision for his children as for the heavenly Father to plan for, educate and prepare a future home for his children. It is when parents attempt to become rich and to leave their children rich that they specially err. R1828:4
The kingdom of God – Used interchangeably with "kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 19:23) R397:1
Not the earthly nominal church which rich men find little difficulty in getting into, but the glorified Body of Christ. R2761:3; A284
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| 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it to enter into the kingdom of God!
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Children – Simple, unsophisticated ones. R3844:3
That trust in riches – Not that a man has been born wealthy or that he has acquired great wealth, but that he would love these riches, would hinder his faith in God. R3844:4
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| 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
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To go through – We have heard it is possible for a camel to squeeze its way through on its back knees provided the load be first removed from its back. R3844:5
The eye of a needle – A small gateway of ancient cities, used at night; a camel could pass through only on his knees and unloaded. D304; F575; R5466:1, 3844:5; PD66/78
For a rich man – No rich man can enter. The only way one can enter is by becoming poor, sacrificing everything. R3844:6; PD66/78
A rich man could enter the kingdom of God only be renouncing his burdens, giving up all to the Lord. R5466:1
The kingdom of God – Not the earthly nominal church, but the real kingdom, the glorified kingdom which shall be established in the end of this age. R2761:6; A284
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| 26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? |
Who then can be saved? – If the few who are to inherit the kingdom are the only ones who will get eternal life, then indeed there are few that will be saved. R3843:6
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| 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
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With men it is impossible – With men, it might seem impossible that a man could have riches and use them conscientiously--be a sacrificer. R1775:2
According to the Law no such thing was possible, but God made possible this plan of salvation through Jesus. R3845:2
All things are possible – If the rich man be honest-hearted and humble, and his riches alone stand in the way, the Lord would show him how to use his wealth, or else strip him of it. R5466:2
God has made provision for the wealthy: "Jesus Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every man." (Heb. 2:9) R3844:6
The rich young ruler and all the families of the earth are to be blessed in the Lord's established kingdom. R3845:1
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| 28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. |
We have left all – A full surrender to God--a leaving of all and a yielding up of all. R5466:4
The twelve chosen apostles had professed much. How much greater was their responsibility. R4909:1
Earthly business and calling and ambitions that they may glorify the Lord. Aiv Their all was not so very much, nor any more in many cases than we have to leave, but it was their all, and so was acceptable. R1041:4
Peter had left his fishing business and his friends to travel with the Master. He had thus given up his own will and present interests to do the will of God. R1041:5
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| 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
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Verily I say unto you – Jesus did not fully endorse Peter's statement. He knew about Judas and that with Peter some self-will still remained. R5466:4
Hath left house – We are not to get the mistaken idea that the Lord wishes us to sacrifice others. It would be wrong to deprive our families of necessary comforts and temporal provisions, but having provided these the surplus is the Lord's. R3845:5
If a man has made proper provisions for his family, it is for him and not them to decide how his time, energy and further means shall be spent. R3845:6
We know of none so poor that he could not sacrifice something, and the poorer we are the more diligently should we strive to find something to render unto the Lord our God. R3845:3
Sometimes the Lord's people put too much value on money and not enough on service. R3513:6*
Or wife, or children – Our Lord certainly did not mean that we should sacrifice others in order to be his disciples; it is ourselves that we are to deny, ourselves that we are to sacrifice. R3845:5
Not that the Lord would have us deprive our families of necessary comforts. He that provides not for his own is worse than an unbeliever. (1Tim. 5:8) R3845:5
And the gospel's – Whatever is more than our responsible provision of necessities, is held merely as a steward for use in the Master's service. R3845:6
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| 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.
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Receive an hundredfold – The greater our present loss, the greater will be our reward both now and hereafter. Those who sacrifice nothing need expect no reward. Those who receive little of the Lord in this present life and have small hope of a share in the kingdom are those who have sacrificed little. R3845:3
What a broad promise! How gracious the divine arrangements. R5466:4
Not saying that Peter's little all was not worth mentioning, but recognizing it and encouraging Peter to continue to sacrifice all, with the assurance that in due time he would be rewarded. R1041:5
Now in this time – The Lord's precious promises, backed by loving letters of sympathy and encouragement, much more than offset the frowns and hostilities of the world and the nominal church. R1346:2
With persecutions – The Master promised compensation for the world's hatred even in this present life. R1346:2
In the present time "tribulation," "persecution" and "all manner of evil," and in the age to come, everlasting life and glory as his joint-heirs. R1084:1
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| 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
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But many that are first – Position, honor of men, wealth and education were barriers to becoming disciples. Those who were first or most prominent were really less favored; those who had less opportunity were really first or most favored. R3845:5
In point of time God called fleshly Israel first; but in point of favor, and in time of realization, spiritual Israel comes first. B206; A293
Many possessing great privilege and opportunity for exaltation to the kingdom will fail to embrace it, while others, naturally less favored, will gain the great prize. R5466:5
Again, those who first had the opportunity of becoming disciples of Jesus at his first advent will not, on that account, have any advantage over others of the Lord's followers in the future. R5466:5
Shall be last – Adam and Eve will probably be the last members of the human family to be awakened. R4499:1; D641
The last first – The less learned, less noble, less influential, less wealthy were advantaged. It was easier for them to humble themselves, to sacrifice. R3845:5
Some not favored during the Gospel age, natural Israel, will be granted the chief favors during the Millennial age. F118
The last to die will probably be the first to be awakened. D641; R4499:1; SM441:T
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| 32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, |
They were amazed – Overawed by the stupendous things which the Lord had declared to be imminent. R3362:2
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| 33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
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They shall condemn him – The priestly Sadducees, and not the people and their Pharisean leaders, were interested in having Jesus brought to trial for his open attack on the priestly misrule, and from fear lest the Romans might hold them responsible. R2420:1*
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| 34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
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| 35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. |
James and John – They had been permitted to come nearer than the majority of the twelve. They were with him in the holy mount, at the awakening of Jairus' daughter and in Gethsemane's garden. R5483:3
Who, it is supposed, were Jesus' full cousins. R3362:2
Come unto him – Matthew tells us that their mother, Salome, was with them and really made the request for them in their names. R3362:2
Do for us – The others would not appreciate it so much as we do. CR151:6
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| 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
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| 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. |
Grant – Or permit. CR151:6
Unto us – They loved the Lord very dearly, and thought they could appreciate a nearness to him more than some of the others. R5483:3; CR151:6; 411:5
That we may sit – Jesus appreciated their love for him, and their desire to be near him. CR411:5; R3362:2
Others might not care so much where they were placed, but James and John would like to be close to the Master. R5091:1, 2072:2
On thy right hand – Not merely for ambition's sake, but we may suppose that they loved the Lord dearly and thought that they could appreciate a nearness to him more than could some of the others. R5483:3, 4487:3
The other on thy left – It will not surprise us should we find the Apostle Paul in one of these two positions. R3362:6
In thy glory – He had not told them his kingdom would be a spiritual one and that they would need the first resurrection change to be sharers of it; nor had he made it clear that a whole age would intervene before they would be made sharers in the kingdom. R5483:1
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| 38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
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But Jesus said – He did not reprove them for he read in their hearts their love and loyalty toward himself, and that their desire for the position was not merely for the honors and authority implied, but specially because this would bring them closer to himself. R3362:2
Ye know not – Do you know what it costs to get on the throne at all? CR151:6
At that time they could form no idea of the blessedness of being joined with Christ in his kingdom. R2072:2
Can ye drink – Are you able, are you willing, to pay the cost of getting on the throne? CR151:6; R3362:3
Will you carry out fully the covenant of consecration to death which you made and on account of which you are reckoned as members of my Body? If this is your will, I will test you, to make your calling and election sure. R4310:2
It meant, Are ye willing? because it would be impossible for the disciples to have known their own ability, except in the sense of having confidence in God that he would give the ability. R3362:3
All who would sit in the throne must drink of the cup. All who will faithfully drink of the cup shall sit in the throne. R4332:1
The privilege of drinking of "the cup" is offered only during the Gospel age. R936:3
Of the cup – This cup of self-denial and self-sacrifice with Jesus signifies our participation in the blood of the New Covenant--in providing the wherewithal for the sealing of the New Covenant. CR47:5; 411:6; PD66/78
Cup of ignominy and suffering. R2292:4, 5484:1, 4436:5; CR411:6; 151:6
Signifies the consecration to death of all the members of the Body of Christ. R4980:5
Only those who drink of his cup may sit with him in his throne. R4453:5; CR411:6
The privilege of drinking of "the cup" (sharing in the sacrifice of life) is offered only during the Gospel age. R936:3
That I drink of – Ours must be the same "cup," his cup, else we shall have neither part not lot in his kingdom glory. R4436:5; CR47:5
Jesus' "cup" was the one to which he elsewhere referred, saying, "The cup which my Father hath poured for me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18:11) R5483:6
The cup signifies experiences; as, for instance, when our Lord said, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it." (John 18:11) R3362:3
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| 39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
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We can – We are willing; we will sacrifice everything to follow in your footsteps. R3362:4; CR151:6
With divine assistance, we will go through anything to be with you, because we love you. CR151:6; R3362:4
Be sharers of his cup of ignominy and his baptism into death. R5484:2
They were already consecrated, in the sense of agreeing to take up the cross to follow after Jesus in the narrow way, but the Father had not yet accepted their consecration. R4495:5
Evidencing that these two noble apostles were not inspired by selfish ambition in their request. R3362:4
They had no thought that he wished them to be baptized again in water; they understood well that it was the baptism of their wills into his will and the Father's will. F442
Ye shall indeed – Whoever of his called ones are willing at heart for these experiences, the Lord will grant them the privilege, and also the assistance. F442
They should indeed have the experiences necessary to fit them for a place in the Kingdom. R3362:5, 4436:5
Willingness on the part of all is as much as the Lord could reasonably require of his disciples. We have not the power that he possessed; we are sinners by nature. R5484:4
He assured them and us that he will furnish trials and assistances, and that if faithful to the end, we shall have a crown of life. PD66/78; CR151:6
Drink of the cup – The juice of the grape not only speaks of crushing till blood comes forth, but also of an after refreshment. R5192:6
A wholly different matter from justification by faith. They were already justified by faith, but could not sit on the throne unless they would be sanctified by participation in Christ's death. R4495:5
Whoever will be successful as a disciple of Christ in attaining to joint-heirship with the Master must first of all demonstrate a loyalty and faithfulness in respect to suffering with the Master. R5484:1
Shall ye be baptized – Suffer sacrificial death with Jesus; not to provide the ransom, however. PT388:4*
The Master's baptism meant the full renunciation of all earthly rights. R5484:2
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| 40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
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Not mine to give – That is not for me to decide, but for divine justice to apportion out. CR152:1; 151:6; PD66/78
The honors and glories of the kingdom will not be determined by grace, but by justice. PD66/78
There is a further zeal, beyond that which brought our consecration, which will determine how near we may be to the Master in the throne. CR152:1
Given to them – Possibly Paul and John. F726
For whom it is prepared – It shall be reserved for whom the Father has arranged it; and the Father has arranged it along the lines of justice. CR440:3; R4436:5, 3362:6
Not that the Father prepared the place in advance by any arbitrary divisions, but rather that his pre-arranged plan is that each follower of Jesus shall have positions of honor proportionate to the zeal of their faithfulness in the present time. R3362:6
Places in the Millennial kingdom are not to be given on the score of mercy or favoritism, but absolutely, on the score of quality. R5483:4
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| 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. |
Be much displeased – Possibly some, Judas included, were anxious for the power of the throne, but without the special love and longing to be near the Master himself. R3363:1
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| 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
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Exercise lordship – Lord it over one another, and recognize caste and station. R2278:3, 843:6
We have no evidence that the early Church ever regarded the apostles as lords in the Church; or that the apostles ever assumed such authority or dignity. R1523:5; F230
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| 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
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Not be among you – He who serves most and not he who lords it most should have the chief respect of the Lord's people. R3363:5
Esteem and honor one another in proportion as you find in each other unselfish sacrificing love and service. R844:1
Whosoever will be great – Esteemed in proportion to their service, and not in proportion to their titles, their priestly vestments, or their praise among men. R1574:2
Minister – Greek: diakonos; deacon, servant. F253; R1574:2
Whichever one will serve the others most will thereby be demonstrating to God a greater fitness for a higher place. R5484:5
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| 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
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Servant of all – Or greatest servant. R1574:2
No other lesson requires to be so carefully learned by the Lord's people as this lesson of humility. R3363:4
Esteem such very highly for their service' sake. (1 Thes. 5:13) R844:1
The chief positions in the kingdom would be given along the lines of meritorious service. Each would have the opportunity to strive for the chief position by striving to render service to the others. R3363:1
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| 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
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For even the Son – The Lord did not have one standard for his followers and another standard for himself. R3363:2
As therefore my greatest service towards you renders me your chief, so shall it be among you. R844:1
Came – Proof positive that in exchanging the higher nature for the human nature our Lord had not given his life as a ransom, but merely made the preparation for that work. E426
But to minister – To serve others. E426; F230
The key to Mark's Gospel where Christ is shown as a worker. In Matthew he is described as a King (Matt. 1:1); in Luke as a philanthropist (Luke 19:10); and in John as God manifested (John 20:31). R1046:6*
The Lord did not have one standard for his followers and another for himself. R3363:2
And – The serving of Jesus' ministry and the example of obedience and self-denial which he displayed, though blessed to those of his day, and to others since, was not all by any means. R851:3
To give – If we were bought, something was given for us, and to some one. R387:3
Proof positive that our Lord in exchanging the higher nature for the human nature had not yet given his life as a ransom. E426
His life – Greek: psuche; soul, being. E336; R667:3, 53:4*
"The Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) R408:1*
The life Jesus gave was all the life he possessed--it was his life. R280:3
Telling how he gained the right to loose the prisoners of sin and death from the tomb and to offer life to all for whom life and all had been lost. R866:4
When our Lord was changed from spirit being to human being, it was not a laying aside of existence. But at Calvary, existence was laid down completely, he died, ceased to exist. R667:3
There is a difference to be observed between the laying down of the ransom-price and the application of that ransom-price. R4818:6
A ransom – The Greek term rendered ransom is lutron-anti, a price to offset or to correspond. In 1 Tim. 2:6 it is the same expression reversed. R1256:2, 5622:6, 387:3; E428
To recover by paying a price. R867:3
Jesus was the only one who could be the corresponding price for Adam. R5622:6
The death of Jesus was the giving of the price. R4818:6
Thus bringing life to light. (2 Tim. 1:10) R3337:6
As Adam, through disobedience, forfeited his being, so Christ Jesus, as a corresponding price, paid a full and exact offset for Adam's soul or being. E428
His death was a free-will sacrifice. He could have sustained life as a perfect man forever. R463:6
The ransom-price that Jesus gives has been progressive, and is not yet completed. R5622:3
For many – For many lives. R280:3
It was not for his own sins that he died, it was for ours. In dying he gave himself a ransom price--a corresponding price--for the sins of the whole world. R3363:4
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| 46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. |
Went out of Jericho – Possibly going from the old city to the newer one of the same name. R2729:2
With – With the Lord and his apostles were a considerable number of friends, together with numerous Pharisees. R3847:6
A great number of people – It was the Passover season, and many were journeying in the same direction with Jesus--toward Jerusalem. R5484:3, 3847:6
Blind Bartimaeus – His persistency was the evidence of his faith and that he was of sincere heart. R3848:1, 5485:1, 2729:6
There were many blind in Palestine, yet only comparatively few received such a blessing, undoubtedly because few had the requisite faith. R3848:1
The Lord did not attempt to heal all the sick of Palestine. Bartimaeus was only one of many blind beggars by the wayside. R5485:1
Mark mentions only one, the chief subject of the lesson, but Matthew mentions a companion. R2729:3
That physical blindness is a terrible affliction none will question. But how much more serious is the mental and spiritual blindness which prevails. R3848:2
Many are blind as respects the beauties of the Bible. Some are so deeply engrossed in business or pleasure-seeking that they never lift up their eyes to the glorious beauties of nature. R5486:1
Some heathen are pictured as blind, seeking the Lord, "if haply they might feel after him and find him." (Acts 17:27) R2729:6
As Bartimaeus was not an alien, yet blind, so in spiritual Israel there are many who are not aliens from God, but are spiritually blind. R2730:1
Not a sinner, but a member of the household of faith, an Israelite, yet blind. So today, many not sinners, members of the household of faith, are mentally and spiritually blind. R2730:1
The world still lies in darkness. Only the few now get their eyes open, as did Bartimaeus. They are people of special character, willing to ignore the general sentiment of those who bid them be quiet and continue in ignorance, blindness. R5485:5
A lesson that sin brought alienation from God, and moral blindness. R2729:6
By the highway side – Hoping to excite sympathy of the passers-by. R3847:6
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| 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. |
He began to cry out – Some heathen, desirous of having the light of truth, are as blind men groping, crying out to the Lord in prayer, "feeling after God, if haply they might find him." (Acts 17:27) R2729:6
Thou Son of David – Of special significance to the Jews of that day--the great King was prefigured by Solomon, David's son. R5484:6
The long-promised King of David's line, the Messiah. PD65/77; C257; E130, E133; SM210:2
Have mercy on me – Our Lord paid no attention at first, but passed on. R2729:3
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| 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. |
Many charged him – Those in the forefront of Jesus' company rebuked him, intimating that the great Teacher should not be interrupted by a wayside beggar. R3847:6, 2729:3
Hold his peace – When the spiritually blinded cry for help there are sure to be some even amongst the Lord's friends to rebuke them instead of to encourage. R2730:4
The thought is suggested that many are more worthy to have the Master's attention, that we are too insignificant, too sinful, for him to recognize. R3848:3
He cried the more – An evidence of his faith, the persistency which belongs to true faith. R3848:1
He would not listen to those who sought to still his voice and turn aside his faith. R5485:1
He longed for sight, and had faith to believe that the great Messiah might be prevailed upon to rescue him from darkness. R2729:3
Son of David – As High Priest, Jesus was prefigured by Aaron; as Law-giver, by Moses; and as King, by Solomon, David's son. R5484:6
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| 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. |
Jesus stood still – He had already passed Bartimaeus by, not offering to heal him. His eyesight was restored because of his faith, because he cried out. R5485:1
And commanded him – He did not shout for him to come, but commanded, "Let him be brought." R3847:6
To be called – Giving those about him an opportunity to share in the work of blessing. R2729:3
They call – The people first of all bade Bartimaeus keep quiet; but when Jesus called him, they joined in giving words of encouragement and helping the blind man to the Savior. So we should encourage the blind, the superstitious, to come to the Savior. R5486:1
Thus greater attention was brought to the whole miracle and to the divine power which it manifested. R2729:3
Be of good comfort – Those who had, a moment before, upbraided the blind man for his temerity in expecting a blessing from the Messiah, now gladly bore the message of hope to him. R2729:3
Generally they are without encouragement until they realize their need and cry to the Lord. These now find assistance from those who delight to assist them. R3848:4
He calleth thee – He bade the blind man to come to him, to show his faith, and thus be a more important lesson to the multitude. R5484:3
It is not within our power to give sight to the spiritually blind. All we can do is let the blind ones know that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. R2730:4
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| 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. |
Casting away his garment – In his haste to respond. R3848:1, 2729:5
Whoever would come to Jesus should cast away everything found to be a hindrance. R2729:6
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| 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?
The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. |
What wilt thou – Jesus did not inquire respecting his responsibility for his condition. It was sufficient that he realized that he was blind. R2730:2
Many today when asked this question request riches, honors of men, or temporal blessings, instead of spiritual sight. R3848:4
Lord – The word "lord" here is "rabboni," the most reverential term of four titles used amongst the Jews at that time--rab, rabbi, rabban, rabboni. R2729:6; E71, E77
I might receive my sight – The vast majority are unlike Bartimaeus. They do not realize their condition--"and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked." (Rev. 3:17) R2730:2
Those who respond such do receive enlightenment from the Lord, an enlightenment by which they can see him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. R3848:4
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| 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.
And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. |
Thy faith – Few of the many blind men in Palestine received such a blessing, because few had the requisite faith. R3848:1
Received his sight – All the miracles Jesus performed were foreshadows of the greater work which is to be accomplished by the establishment of his Millennial kingdom in due time. R5484:1
Illustrating some at the present time who are brought to the Lord and graciously receive the opening of the eyes of their understanding. R3848:3
Only the great Physician is able to open the eyes of understanding. R2730:4
Only the few now get their eyes open, as did Bartimaeus, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. R5485:5
During the Millennial period all blinded eyes will be opened to the goodness, greatness, love and power of God. R5485:6
Followed Jesus – A sincere heart is demonstrated by the fact that, after he had received his sight, he followed the Lord, glorifying God. R3848:1
Transformed sinners should thenceforth follow Jesus as his disciples, seeking to walk in his steps. R2730:1
We were all more or less blinded by the Adversary; and as we get free from his blinding influence, our hearts rejoice in the favor of him who has brought us out of darkness into marvelous light. R5485:4
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