Mark 10, Matthew 19 (31st October) - Weiling

When the Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce, they did it with the intention of testing Him on the rules and laws; the to-dos and not-to-dos. But it was not simply about what is permissible or not. Jesus spoke to them about the heart of the issue, i.e. the issue of the heart; the motive. Moses permitted a man to divorce his wife because the man’s heart was already hardened. God’s plan was for union not separation. Thus, we have the famous line at weddings: if God has joined a couple together, let no one separate them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." – Matt 19: 14

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." – Matt 19: 21

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. – Matt 19: 30

… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. – Mark 10: 43, 44

The teachings of Jesus appear to be topsy-turvy or opposite of worldly wisdom or logic. Often, we clamour to be ahead, to be first. We want to be great, to be powerful, and to be rich. But Jesus told the young man to give up his ALL and to follow Him. Jesus taught us to serve because He Himself came to earth not to be served but to serve. (Mark 10: 45)
He Himself set the divine example.

And Jesus promised a great reward:
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. – Matt 19: 28, 29