Mark wrote how Jesus, “said unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 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. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them said, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed you”, and in chapter ten and verse twenty-nine of his book, Mark shared how Jesus spoke about, “what a man leaves” where we read:
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
The verse reads, “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, ...” Mark began with the words, “and Jesus” which means “and Jesus whose name means Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “answered” or “responded and began to speak” “and said” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “verily” or “truly and surely” “I say unto you” which means “Jesus utters, declares and proclaims to His disciples”. Mark shared how Jesus began to speak to His disciples again.
The verse goes on to say, “There is no man that has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,” Mark added the words, “there is no man” which means “there exists not one person whether male or female” “that has left house” or “who has departed from and gone away from their dwelling places, habitations and abodes”, “or brethren” which means “or brothers who belong to the same parents”, “or sisters” which refers to “sisters who belong to the same parents”, “or father” which means “or their male progenitor and ancestor”, “or mother” which refers to “their female progenitor and ancestor”, “or wife” which means “or their female spouse”, “or children” which refers to “a person's progeny and offspring”, “or lands” which means “or territories, regions, countries, fields or neighboring farms, country seats or hamlets”, “for my sake” or “on account of, for the cause of and reason of Jesus”, “and the gospel's” which means “and the good tidings and news of God”. Mark shared how Jesus listed many of the “comforts” to which a person clings that are left for the “cause” of Jesus Christ and His “good news” about the “salvation” of man.
When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how thorough Jesus was concerning what a person may “leave behind” in order to “follow” Him. Each of these items listed, whether they be physical things or familial ties, are given by Jesus as examples of what a person may “leave” in order to follow the “cause” of Jesus and the “good news” of God. It is interesting to note that each of these things are actually God's in the first place, and He extended them toward people in His graciousness. None of them are possible to possess without God, and Jesus' invitation is to “depart” from them to “follow” Him. Jesus has more to say about these things in the next verse, but suffice it for now to know there is nothing more important than a relationship with God the Father through Jesus His Son. Those who are wise will acknowledge this and yield to Him.
Next time Mark shares how Jesus says, “he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time” , so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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