Reflecting on Mark's Gospel - Mark 10:23-31

You can imagine that there were would be times when something would happen between Jesus and someone who had approached him and that, after the person had gone, Jesus and the disciples would continue a conversation about what had just happened.

This was one such occasion, and Mark reports something of the continuing conversation. Unsurprisingly, it is about wealth and the attitude of those who have it to what they possess. But, even more so, it is about entering the Kingdom and about following Jesus. In the first part of the conversation Jesus talks about the barrier that wealth can create. It easily becomes a major purpose in life. However, the difficulty is mitigated by the statement that all things are possible for God.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand what Jesus is saying, not to diminish the thought that riches can be a significant barrier, but to recognise that the main point being made by Jesus is absolutely about what God can do. As Edwin Broadhead (Readings: A New Biblical Commentary – Mark) comments with respect to the question of entering the Kingdom – “the answer by Jesus places the whole scene in theological perspective; none can, except by the grace of God.”

It would seem that Peter then looks at how this might be applied to the group. He comments about what they have left behind in order to follow Jesus. Jesus accepts what Peter states but, as so often, intensifies things with his answer. They have given up a lot but, in so doing, they are lined for extremely worthwhile rewards, though those rewards, in themselves, are not without challenges. Broadhead comments – “the disciples will receive back what they gave up – and more” but “a part of the ‘more’ is persecution (10.30).” The real point is that the things of God operate on an entirely different, and on normal standards unconventional, level. Things are unexpectedly reversed. As Broadhead reminds us – “many who are first will be last, and many last will be first. Thus, discipleship cannot be measured out upon a scale of sacrifice and reward.”