Who then can be saved?

Hi there,

Mark's Gospel is notable for the urgent pace and progression of the narrative, using the word "Immediately" 41 times.

Similarly, the Gospel records 24 occasions of astonishment and amazement at Jesus' words and actions. Adding to the sense of momentum and momentousness of the events.

Eight different Greek words are used to convey the astonishment of those he encounters. In today's passage the English word "amazed" is recorded twice, the first being the translation of the Greek word θαυμάζω (thaumázō) meaning literally, "astonished" and "perplexed", and the second, ἐκπλήσσω (ekplḗssō) meaning "totally stunned" or "overwhelmed."

Mark's use of these words describes mounting astonishment as the cultural assumption that the rich are somehow blessed is overturned.

On this side of the cross, it can be hard to share their staggered disbelief, as we have so internalized the "meek shall inherit the earth," but as we copy this out this morning we should take the time to let the staggering grace of God catch hold of us as it does the disciples.

Today's text is Mark 10: 24-27

Today's verses are in black and red and prior days are in grey. I've provided them for context, clarity and catch up if needed.

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

¹⁷ As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

¹⁸ “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

²⁰ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him.

“One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

²³ Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

²⁴ The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁶ The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Encouragement

"If I ever reach heaven, I expect to find three wonders there:

first, to meet some I had not thought to see there;

second, to miss some I had expected to see there;

and third, the greatest wonder of all—to find myself there."

John Newton

Andy