Who Can Be Saved? - Mark 10:26

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 in chapter ten and verse twenty-six of his book, Mark shared how Jesus told how Jesus' disciples asked, “who then can be saved?” where we read:

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

The verse reads, “And they were astonished out of measure, ...” Mark began with the words, “and they were astonished” which means “and Jesus' disciples were amazed and struck with panic and shock” “out of measure” or “exceedingly, greatly and extraordinary”. Mark shared how the disciples of Jesus responded to His statement about it being easier to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God with “amazement and extraordinary panic”.

The verse goes on to say, “... saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?” Mark continued with the words, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” “among themselves” or “towards and in regard to one another”, “who then” which means “what person whether male or female therefore and wherefore” “can be saved” or “has the power, capability and ability to be kept safe and sound and rescued from danger, destruction and peril”? Mark shared how Jesus' disciples wondered how anyone would be able to be “preserved, protected, made whole and well”.

When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see what an effect Jesus' words about “riches” had upon His “disciples”. Not only were they “amazed” at His words, but they responded in utter “panic”. Without a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son, no one would be “saved”, and Jesus' “disciples” knew this is what Jesus meant. God the Father wants people to put their “faith and trust” in His Son Jesus which exceeds any “temporary wealth” that may be obtained. Those who are wise will not only respond in amazement to Jesus' limited access to “salvation”, but yield their lives to Him who alone is able to “save”.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus tells His disciples, “with men it is impossible, but not with God” , 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".