What Jesus Did

"Well, [Moses] permitted it," [the Pharisees] replied. "He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away."
But Jesus responded, "He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts."

—Mark 10:4-5 NLT

Key Thought​

What Moses did in allowing the children of Israel a legal means of divorce [1] was done only as a concession. Divorce was not God's original plan. It was not what was best for the people involved. It was allowed only because of...

 

Jesus answered [the Pharisees] with a question: "What did Moses say in the law about divorce?"
"Well, he permitted it," they replied. "He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away."

—Mark 10:3-4 NLT

Key Thought​

In this Scripture, the Pharisees were able to correctly tell Jesus what Moses said about divorce. In the subsequent verses, [1] Jesus confronted the Pharisees with the truth revealed in their question; they were missing God's central...

 

The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"

—Mark 9:24 NLT

Key Thought​

All through this story, each of the people involved is so genuine about his emotions and faith. Rather than pretending he had full faith, the father acknowledged he believed, but needed help in overcoming his doubt. I don't know about you, but this is where I often find myself during a period of testing in my life. Imagine how powerful this honest prayer to help us...

 

"What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."

—Mark 9:23 NLT

Key Thought​

"Anything is possible ...!" 'Nuff said, let's choose to believe!

Today's Prayer​

Forgive me, forgive us, O God for doubting your power and might. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Isaiah 49:15
• Isaiah 53:11
• 1 Corinthians 1:30

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Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them.

—Mark 10:1 NLT

Key Thought​

Two characteristics marked Jesus' ministry at this stage of his life. First, he was very popular so crowds accompanied him everywhere he went. Second, he taught them God's will at this point — and throughout his ministry. Jesus' goal in attracting people was not to gain a...

 

Some Pharisees came and tried to trap [Jesus] with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?"

—Mark 10:2 NLT

Key Thought​

Isn't it amazing how religious people can resort to trickery and legalistic debate to try to prove their superiority? Shouldn't we focus on the real issues of God's heart like justice, mercy, and righteous living? Words are important, but religious words become righteous only when they truly come to life in people who are living to honor God...

 

[Jesus continued his teaching,] "Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other."

—Mark 9:50 NLT

Key Thought​

Jesus wants us to be people of godly character — the term "qualities of salt" in this verse refers to people who are holy, righteous, pure, and redemptive in a world that is none of those things. Jesus wants us to live in peace with each...

 

[Jesus continued,] "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck."

—Mark 9:42 NLT

Key Thought​

So often in our passion to preserve the purity of the faith, we begin to exclude others. While purity in our faith is important, Jesus reminds us of the other side of the matter: woe to us if we exclude someone who Jesus sees as belonging to him or do...

 

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[After saying that his disciples must remove any source of temptation, Jesus continued,] "For everyone will be tested with fire."

—Mark 9:49 NLT

Key Thought​

The real character of our lives will not be left in doubt when we are tested. As one saying goes, "Trial doesn't produce character but reveals it." At the end of human time, all facades will fall. Hidden secrets will be revealed. Well-camouflaged sins will be brought out in the open. Every motivation for each...

 

[Jesus continued,] "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It's better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 'where the maggots...