SUMMARY.--Beyond Jordan En Route to Jerusalem.
Dispute with the Pharisees About Divorce.
The Law of Moses and That of Christ.
Blessing the Little Children.
The Rich Young Ruler.
The Danger of Riches.
Reward of Those Who Forsake All for the Gospel.
The Ambitious Mother and Sons.
The Baptism of Suffering.
Blind Bartimæus Healed.
1. He arose from thence. From Capernaum. His Galilean ministry
was now terminated. He was about to start his last journey to
Jerusalem. See notes on
Matt. 19:1, 2.
2-11. The Pharisees came to him. Somewhere on the east of the
Jordan, while on his way. For notes on this conversation about marriage
and divorce, see
Matt. 19:3-13.
Compare
Luke 16:18.
[195]
12. If a woman shall put away her husband. This was allowed by
the Greek and Roman law
(1 Cor. 7:13),
but not by the Jewish. Christ applies his principles to either sex on
the same footing.
17-22. There came one running. See notes on
Matt. 19:16-22.
Compare
Luke 18:18-22.
Mark
adds that the young man came "running," and "kneeled" in the way. He
alone tells us that "Jesus beholding him loved him." [196]
23-31. How hardly shall they that have riches. For notes on the
Lord's words concerning riches, see
Matt. 19:23-30.
Compare
Luke 18:24-30.
Mark
adds one sentence that furnishes the key to the interpretation of the
whole discourse: "How hard it is for them that trust in riches,"
etc.
32-34. They were amazed; . . . they were afraid. For they now
distinctly perceived that their Master intended to proceed with the
pilgrims to Jerusalem, and they held back in dismay, knowing that his
destruction had been determined on by the ruling authorities there.
They seemed to hang back as men [197]
foreboding peril, and were amazed that their Master should throw
himself into such danger.
He began to tell them. To their terror lest he should be put to
death at Jerusalem, he responded that he was going to die. He had told
them at least twice before, but they were unable, as yet, to understand
it. See notes on
Matt. 20:17-19.
Compare
Luke 18:31-34.
35-45. James and John come unto him. For notes on this
ambitious request, see
Matt. 20:20-28.
We learn from
Matthew
that Salome, the mother, came and spoke for them.
38. Ye know not what you ask. Prayer is often unwise in its
requests from ignorance. Before many days they saw places on his right
and left occupied by two robbers on the cross. [198]
46-51. They came to Jericho. They had now crossed the Jordan
into Judea. For Jericho and the healing of the blind man, see notes on
Matt. 20:29-34.
Compare
Luke 18:35-43.
52. Thy faith hath made thee whole. Bartimæus' faith was
shown, (1) by his going to Jesus; (2) by his belief that Jesus was the
Messiah; (3) by persevering against opposition; (4) by casting away all
that hindered; (5) by obeying Jesus when he was called; (6) by
following and praising him after he was cured.
