Daily Bible Plan - Mark 10

13. November 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Unleashed for Kingdom Advancement - Mark 10:1-16

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

Introduction

Hello Church,

I’m so excited to take us back to the book of Mark as we finish the whole Gospel through this powerful Kingdom Advancement theme. Remember, Mark has so much to offer when it comes to Kingdom principles which Jesus came to reveal. Today, we continue from Mark 10:1–16. I want you to have your chair time wherever you are — maybe in your living room, car, or quiet space — and read aloud this passage from verse 1 to 16. As you read, align your heart and note what the Holy Spirit highlights to you. ⸻

Verses 1–12: The Cost of Kingdom Commitment — Marriage and Faithfulness In these verses, the Pharisees approached Jesus not with sincerity, but with the intent to trap Him on the issue of divorce. The Bible says, “The Pharisees came and asked Him, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ testing Him.” (v.2). Their motive was to test Jesus, but notice how Jesus responded with wisdom. He first asked what Moses commanded, showing that He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of human hearts — but Jesus points us back to God’s original design, saying, “From the beginning of creation, God ‘made them male and female.’” Why did Jesus say this? Because He was there in the beginning. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3). From the start, it was male and female — not male and male, nor female and female. As your pastor, I will say this in love but truthfully: Jesus established marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, ordained by God Himself. Jesus continued, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” (v.7–8). This means that in marriage, two distinct lives become one — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Therefore, “what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (v.9). Anything God has joined — whether a marriage, a ministry, or a partnership — must not be torn apart by human opinion or offense. ⸻ 💡 Spiritual Insight: The same way Christ has married the Church, there is also a divine marriage between God and His people. That is why it deeply grieves the Spirit when believers “divorce” their church — leaving and hopping from one assembly to another without spiritual direction or reconciliation. Church commitment is also a covenant relationship modeled after God’s faithfulness. It’s not God’s desire that we break spiritual marriages through offense or impatience. Just as marriage requires faithfulness, so does our covenant with the local church God planted us in. Later, when the disciples asked Jesus privately about the matter, He said, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.” (v.11). This is a sobering reminder of how God values covenant. Personally, I do not support divorce, though I understand there are painful situations like abuse, infidelity, or deceit. However, the Word warns us to be wise and prayerful before choosing a spouse, for marriage is a lifelong covenant. “Neither fornicators, nor adulterers… will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). So beloved, be discerning, prayerful, and let your choice in marriage — and your covenant in ministry — align with God’s will, not emotions or pressure.

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Verses 13–16: The Kingdom and the Heart of a Child After this teaching, the scene shifts to a profound moment — children were brought to Jesus that He might touch them. However, the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said,

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” (v.14). In the Kingdom, Jesus is very cautious and passionate about children. Children’s ministry is one of the most powerful arms of the church. I want to take a moment in this devotion to honor our Children’s Ministry Leader, Deaconess Ruth, and all our teachers who serve faithfully every week, nurturing the next generation of believers. You are raising tomorrow’s Kingdom ambassadors! Jesus’ response teaches us that Kingdom advancement must include children — they are not an afterthought but a divine priority. He then adds, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (v.15). This means that to truly advance the Kingdom, we must cultivate the heart of a child — pure, trusting, forgiving, and teachable. A child does not hold grudges. A child returns to his father even after discipline. That’s the kind of heart God honors. One of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth is pride — the “I know it all” attitude. I’ve met people who, at first encounter, appear to know everything. Such hearts cannot receive revelation because humility is the gateway to learning. Children, on the other hand, are curious, trusting, and quick to forgive. They get excited easily and forget offenses quickly. That’s the kind of posture that welcomes the Kingdom. ⸻

✨Practical Reflection 1. Guard Your Covenants: Whether in marriage, ministry, or friendship, honor what God has joined. Don’t allow offenses or the world’s mindset to tear apart what God established. 2. Stay Rooted in Your Church Family: Don’t “divorce” the church God planted you in. Commitment releases maturity; stability produces growth. 3. Have a Childlike Heart: Approach God with humility, simplicity, and trust. Be teachable and quick to forgive.

4. Value the Next Generation: Support and pray for our children and those who serve them — they carry the future of the Kingdom. ⸻

🙏 Prayer Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Help me to walk in covenant faithfulness — in marriage, ministry, and relationship. Give me the heart of a child — open, trusting, and forgiving. Bless every child and every children’s worker in our church. And Lord, empower us to keep advancing Your Kingdom together.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.