Day 38 – October 14, 2026 – Mark 10

We find another chapter of teachings. I say this not to diminish the significance of these teachings, on the contrary, they are teachings of which we should be very, very familiar. The teaching on divorce is a hard one to hear in the 21st century, but it also underlines the importance of marriage. Jesus is very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman, he states it clearly also addressing the way in which our creator made us, each and every one of us as either male or female. I never imagined that Jesus’ saying here in Mark would carry any controversy except in the context of marriage and divorce, but in this day and age stating that marriage is between a man or a woman, and declaring that we are all made either male or female by our creator, has become a very, very hot button issue. But I stand by the words of Jesus on this one for sure.

Similarly we find the teaching on wealth that is equally disturbing for some, but most people have the luxury, I used that term on purpose, of not paying attention to it. The rich young man goes away saddened because he realizes that Jesus’ words were a condemnation of his way of life which was one of ease and not every having to worry about how he was going to get resources in order to eat or have a roof over his head. He always had what he needed. If anyone reading this has not had to worry about where to stay this evening or what to eat for lunch today, then we are in the same camp of the rich young ruler and we would probably walk away from Jesus saddened and feeling like we were called out. It is a very, very sobering chapter which some truths and teachings that we have chosen to ignore in this 21st century.