Mark, Day Sixteen

Mark 10:1-31

• This passage includes teaching about divorce, children, and riches.  What strikes me about it all is that Jesus is kind of harsh in his teaching - anyone who divorces and re-marries is committing adultery, anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a child will not receive it at all, anyone who is wealthy will have a really difficult time entering the kingdom of God.  Now, I think Scripture as a whole is a lot about God being a gracious God - forgiving over and over, giving new chances over and over, bringing about reconciliation over and over.  But Jesus seems to be saying, don't take advantage of this graciousness.  Don't assume that you have no responsibility in this, that you can just relax because your life seems OK and follows the letter of the law.  Living a God-filled life is not easy.  And we do a disservice to people when we claim that it is (just say this prayer and follow these rules - it's all spelled out for you).  It bugs me when people call the Bible life's instruction book, though I know it's well-meaning and I understand the sentiment.  The Bible is important to me, too.  But the Pharisees and the rich young ruler (and sometimes the disciples) were all following the Bible as an instruction book, and Jesus rebukes them.  Because while they were following the rules, they were missing the point.