Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Mark 10:17-27
by: Renee Sanford.
Jesus often said or did unexpected, puzzling things. Throughout Mark’s gospel, we find people were astonished (1:22), astounded (6:51) or, as in this passage, amazed (10:24) and then more amazed by his explanation (10:26). Because we are so familiar with His words, some of the shock value has worn off. Clearly the conversation in this passage puzzled Jesus’ disciples. He had been teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived—it was among them. And now He said it was hard to enter it and that the impossible is possible for God. If we really think about what Jesus said, we, too, must be puzzled…and amazed.