Mark Chapter 10
Various people come to Jesus
Mark 10 tells of various people who came to Jesus, each with different reasons.
First, the Pharisees came to Jesus, asking Him questions, not to understand the truth better, but to test Jesus.
Second, people came bringing little children to Jesus, hoping that He might touch them and bless them.
Thirdly the rich young ruler came to Jesus, asking Jesus what He must do to inherit eternal life.
Fourth, James and John, the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus, asking Jesus that they may sit, one the right and one on the left of Jesus, in His glory.
Lastly, Bartimaeus, through his voice, came crying out to Jesus to have mercy on Him.
These incidents put side by side offers the reader an interesting means of comparison. Each of these persons or groups of persons came to Jesus for different reasons and Jesus responded to them differently.
Comparing the Pharisees and the little children, the Pharisees were learned in the knowledge of the scripture, but Jesus called them hard hearted. On the other hand, the Jesus used the little children as examples for His believers, saying that those who wanted to receive the kingdom of God had to so as a little child. He even blessed the little children. What a stark contrast between those who supposedly were learned in the law, and those whom God desires!
The sons of Zebedee came requesting to sit at the left and right hand of Jesus in His glory, thinking to receive glory for themselves but did not get what they expected. Instead it was poor blind Bartimaeus who recognized Jesus as the Son of David (the Messiah and King) who received mercy and grace through his faith.
When the sons of Zebedee made their request, it was focused entirely on themselves and their personal glory, whereas the rich young ruler was focused on things of himself, but of a nature which Jesus was also concerned about – the rich young ruler’s eternal life. Jesus later told the disciples (contrary to their understanding) that whoever desired to be the greatest had to be the servant of all.
When Jesus responded to their request, the sons of Zebedee were (falsely?) confident that they could drink the cup that Jesus had to drink (we must remember that at this point they did not fully comprehend what Jesus would go through), whereas the rich young ruler probably understood more clearly what was required of him (which is why he realized he could not do it and went away sorrowfully).
Comparing the Pharisees and the rich young ruler, both asked Jesus questions about the law of God. The Pharisees tested Jesus, whereas the rich young ruler probably came sincerely wishing to know what else he had to do. Jesus, seeing his sincerity, loved him and gave him what he needed. On the other hand, the Pharisees received no such affection or grace.
When we come to Jesus, which person or group of persons are we most similar to? Are we like the Pharisees who come to Jesus, seeking to test or only for knowledge? Before Jesus are we lowly, humble and innocent like the little ones? Do we come to Jesus like the rich young ruler, hoping to learn from Jesus, but not willing to make the ultimate sacrifice required? Are we like the disciples at that time who cared more about personal glory than the things which Jesus wants us to be concerned about? Are we persistent like Bartimaeus to cry out to Jesus despite all the obstacles in front of us?
Let us draw lessons from the different people who came to Jesus, and be one who comes to Jesus as a person that is pleasing to Him!