👶 Mark 10:15 | "...like a child..."

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We are going to get a little “childish” this week. As we examine Mark 10:15, we’ll reflect on Jesus’ teaching about entering the kingdom of God like a child.

Today, let’s start with context on the Gospel according to Mark.

In today’s email…

• ❤️ A devotional to make you more like Jesus

• 📕 All about the Gospel of Mark

• ✝️ Not shying away from suffering

• 🎵 A song to help you reflect on Mark 10:15

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MEMORIZE 🧠 

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

Mark 10:15

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CONTEXT 📕 

The four Gospels set the stage for understanding who Jesus is and what he came to do.

After the promise of the Messiah in the Old Testament and the anticipation of God’s appointed King, the Gospel of Mark plunges readers directly into Jesus’ ministry.

He shows Jesus’ power and path to suffering — and he invites us to walk that same road.

Author: Traditionally attributed to John Mark, a close companion and interpreter of the apostle Peter (see Acts 12:12; 15:37–39).

Early tradition recorded by Papias of Hierapolis around 125 AD says Mark carefully wrote down Peter’s memories, though not in strict chronological order.

Dates: Most scholars place Mark’s writing between 60 and 75 AD, likely after Peter’s death (c. 64 AD) and around the fall of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD.

It’s commonly agreed to be the earliest Gospel account.

Audience: Probably Gentile Christians — perhaps in Rome — grappling with suffering and seeking reassurance.

Mark frequently explains Jewish customs and translates Aramaic words for readers unfamiliar with the language.

Major Themes in the Gospel of Mark

• Keeping a Secret – Time and again, Jesus tells people and demons to keep silent about who He really is. This draws attention to God’s specific timing in revealing Jesus’ true nature.

• Discipleship through Suffering – Followers learn that true greatness comes through self-denial and bearing their own crosses (Mark 8:34–38). Mark’s readers are called to persevere, even when faith costs them dearly.

• Urgency to the Cross – Mark’s Greek is simple and fast-paced. The word for “immediately” appears over forty times during Jesus’ ministry. However, it isn’t used once after Jesus gets to the Cross. It’s as if Mark begs us to slow down and sit with the reality of Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf.

• Conflict and Misunderstanding – The disciples often misunderstand Jesus’ teachings. Their struggles mirror those of the gospel’s audience, showing that clarity about Jesus’ mission grows through trial and reflection.

In the Gospel of Mark, we see a portrait of Jesus that refuses to shy away from suffering.

As we trace his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, we’re invited to see the paradox of divine power revealed through human weakness.

And we’re invited to follow Him with urgency, faith, and endurance.

APPLY AND RESPOND 🏃‍♂️ 

📖 Read: To prepare for the week, read all of Mark 10. Notice Jesus welcoming children, teaching about wealth and discipleship, and pointing to the surprising upside-down kingdom he brings.

🧠 Reflect: What areas of your life are you trying to control that belong in God’s hands?

🙏 Pray: Lord Jesus, soften our hearts like a child’s — open, trusting, free of pride. Help us lay down our defenses so Your kingdom can take root. Teach us to receive Your grace without hesitation or reservation.

SONG OF THE WEEK 🎵 

Reflect on what it might mean to have faith “like a child” again with this week’s song by Evelyn Detzany.

Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music | Full Malachi Daily Playlist

ANSWER KEY ✅ 

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

Mark 10:15