Mark 10:1-31   In this chapter Mark records three significant teachings.. 

First, the question of marriage and divorce.  Jesus taught that divorce had been "allowed" by the Law,  but only because of the "hardness of heart" that characterizes people who don't remember that God brought together a man and a woman to be husband and wife.. to make them "one flesh". 

The second message was about children.. the disciple's attitude towards them was to send them away.. but Jesus was "indignant" about that.. He welcomed the children and honored them.. blessing them and "laying His hands upon them." 

The third teaching was about money.  The rich young ruler wanted the assurance and blessing of eternal life.. he kept the commandments.. but there was something missing.  When Jesus told him that he only needed to give up his wealth and follow Him.. well, that was not what he wanted to hear.  It is a "hard" thing for most people.. to give up.. to surrender all to Jesus.  But, praise the Lord.. it is not impossible! "For all things are possible with God."!! 

Surrender... our attitudes.. our desires.. our resources.. our whole lives.  That is what Jesus calls us to do. But, He does not leave us empty.. "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life." 

Father, forgive us our hard-heartedness and do the impossible work in us.. to bring us into the fullness of salvation.. into the perfect plan You have for each of Your children.  Help us to lay it all down.. to surrender all.. and to follow Jesus, trusting in Your Word and promises. Increase our faith that we might see Your Hand and experience Your mighty works in our own lives. We ask this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.