Lessons on Commitment and Childlike Faith ((Mark 10:1-16))
Have you ever wondered what it really means to stay committed? Or what it takes to be part of God’s kingdom?
In Mark 10:1–16, Jesus teaches two powerful lessons—one about the importance of faithfulness in marriage, and another about the kind of heart that truly pleases God. These lessons are just as relevant today as they were when Jesus first spoke them.
Let’s walk through this passage and see what we can learn.
Jesus Talks About Divorce
As Jesus traveled through the region of Judea, large crowds gathered around Him. The religious leaders, called the Pharisees, came to test Him with a tricky question: “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife?”
At the time, people had different opinions about when divorce was okay. Some thought it was allowed for almost any reason, while others believed it was only acceptable in serious cases. The Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus in this debate.
But Jesus didn’t fall into their trap. Instead, He asked them what Moses (from the Old Testament) had said. They replied that Moses allowed divorce. Then Jesus explained that this permission was given because of people’s hard hearts—not because it was what God truly wanted.
Jesus pointed back to the very beginning, to how God created marriage. He said:
“God made them male and female… The two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:6–9)
In simple terms, Jesus was saying that marriage is meant to be a lifelong promise. God’s original plan was for a man and a woman to become one and stay united. Divorce wasn’t part of that plan.
Later, when Jesus was alone with His disciples, He told them more clearly that divorcing and marrying someone else is like committing adultery. These were strong words, showing how seriously God takes the promise of marriage.
Jesus Welcomes the Children
Right after this serious conversation about marriage, something beautiful happens.
People began bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them. But the disciples tried to stop them. Maybe they thought Jesus was too busy or that the children weren’t important enough.
But Jesus was upset with the disciples. He said:
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
Then He added something even more surprising:
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Wow. Not only did Jesus welcome the children, but He also said we need to become like them if we want to be part of God’s kingdom.
So what does that mean?
Children are often trusting, humble, and full of wonder. They know they need help and aren’t afraid to ask for it. That’s exactly the kind of heart God is looking for—one that trusts Him completely, without pride or pretense.
Then Jesus took the children in His arms and blessed them. This moment shows His tenderness, love, and how much He values every person—no matter how small or overlooked.
What We Can Learn Today
1. God Values Commitment
Marriage is more than a legal contract—it’s a promise before God. While life is complicated and relationships can be hard, Jesus reminds us to take our commitments seriously and seek God’s help to stay faithful.
2. Rules Aren’t the Goal—Hearts Are
The Pharisees focused on the rules, but Jesus cared about the heart behind them. God wants our relationships to reflect love, faithfulness, and forgiveness—not just legal correctness.
3. God’s Kingdom Belongs to the Humble
To be part of God’s family, we don’t need to have all the answers. We need to come to Him like children—open, trusting, and ready to receive.
Final Thoughts
Mark 10:1–16 teaches us that God cares deeply about our relationships and about the kind of heart we bring to Him. Whether it’s in our marriages, friendships, or our faith journey, God calls us to be faithful—and to trust Him like a child.
So ask yourself:
-
Am I honoring my commitments the way God intended?
-
Am I approaching God with humility and trust, like a child?
The good news is that Jesus doesn’t just teach these things—He also welcomes us with open arms, just like He did with the little children.
Mark 10:1-16 (WEB)
10:1 He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he was again teaching them.2 Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”3 He answered, “What did Moses command you?”4 They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.”5 But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”10 In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 If a woman herself divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. 15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” 16 He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.