In Mark 10:2-16, Jesus addresses two significant issues: the sanctity of marriage and the importance of childlike faith. His teachings challenge societal norms and call us to a higher standard of love, commitment, and trust in God. This devotional explores how we can apply Jesus’ words to our relationships and our walk with God.
Scripture Reading:
“Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ He answered, ‘What did Moses command you?’ They said, ‘Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.’ In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. If a woman herself divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.’ They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, ‘Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom as a little child, he will in no way enter into it.’ He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” — Mark 10:2-16 (WEBBE)
Reflection: The Pharisees approach Jesus with a question about divorce, hoping to trap Him. Instead of getting entangled in their legalistic debate, Jesus directs them back to God’s original design for marriage. He highlights that marriage is a divine union where two become one flesh, a bond that should not be broken by human decision. Jesus points out that the allowance for divorce given by Moses was due to the hardness of people’s hearts, not because it was God’s ideal. His words challenge us to view marriage as a lifelong covenant, a sacred commitment that reflects God’s unchanging love.
Jesus’ teachings on divorce may seem difficult in today’s context, where divorce is often seen as a solution to relational problems. However, His emphasis on the sanctity of marriage invites us to pursue deeper love, forgiveness, and commitment in our relationships. Marriage is a reflection of God’s covenant with His people, and it calls us to a higher standard of selfless love and faithfulness.
The passage then shifts to an entirely different yet profoundly connected topic: children. As people bring little children to Jesus, the disciples rebuke them, perhaps thinking that Jesus has more important matters to attend to. But Jesus’ response is striking—He is indignant and insists that the children be allowed to come to Him. He goes further to declare that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children and that anyone who does not receive the Kingdom with childlike faith will not enter it.
This teaching on childlike faith ties back to Jesus’ earlier words on marriage. Just as marriage requires a heart of humility and surrender to God’s design, entering the Kingdom of God requires a heart of trust and dependence, much like that of a child. Jesus’ embrace of the children is a powerful reminder that God’s Kingdom is not about status, knowledge, or achievement, but about simple, trusting faith.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage and the example of Your faithful love. Help us to honour the commitments we make, to love selflessly, and to reflect Your covenant in our relationships. We also ask for the grace to approach You with the faith of a child, trusting in Your goodness and relying on Your grace. May we always seek to align our hearts with Your will, both in our relationships and in our walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Plan:
- Strengthen Marital Commitments: If you are married, take time this week to reflect on your commitment to your spouse. Consider areas where you can grow in love, patience, and forgiveness. If you are single, pray for marriages in your community and reflect on how you can support others in their commitments.
- Cultivate Childlike Faith: Reflect on areas of your life where you may be relying on your own understanding rather than trusting God. Practice letting go of control and approaching God with the simplicity and trust of a child.
- Encourage Others: Reach out to someone who may be struggling in their marriage or their faith. Offer a word of encouragement, prayer, or practical support, reminding them of God’s love and faithfulness.
Thoughts for Contemplation:
- How do I view the commitment of marriage, and how can I align my perspective with God’s design?
- In what ways can I cultivate a more childlike faith, trusting in God’s provision and care?
- How can I support and encourage others in their relationships and spiritual journey, reflecting the love and grace of Christ?
As you meditate on these questions, seek to deepen your understanding of God’s will for your relationships and your faith, allowing His Word to guide and transform you.