What is the meaning of Mark 10:2? Some Pharisees came to test Him – The Pharisees show up again, not for friendly dialogue but for a showdown. Mark presents this as a deliberate “test,” the same word used of Israel testing God in the wilderness (Exodus 17:2, 7). – Their pattern: • Mark 2:6–7, 16, 24 – scribes and Pharisees question Jesus’ authority and choices. • Mark 3:6 – they plot with Herodians to destroy Him. • Matthew 22:15; Luke 11:53-54 – repeated attempts to trap Him in His words. – By framing their approach as a “test,” Scripture highlights a heart issue: rather than seek truth, they seek to discredit the Truth (John 14:6). – Jesus will not merely parry their attack; He will expose their motives and call His hearers back to God’s design for marriage (Genesis 2:24). “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” – The question sounds simple, but it is laced with controversy: • Deuteronomy 24:1-4 permits a certificate of divorce when “some indecency” is found. Schools of Hillel and Shammai debated what qualified. • Malachi 2:16 declares, “I hate divorce,” says the LORD. – The Pharisees hope Jesus will side with one camp and alienate the other—or even contradict Moses, giving grounds to accuse Him of blasphemy. – Divorce was also a political powder keg. Herod Antipas had divorced his wife to marry Herodias; John the Baptist lost his life for condemning that union (Mark 6:17-18). If Jesus speaks against divorce, He risks Herod’s wrath. – Parallel account: “Some Pharisees came to test Him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?’” (Matthew 19:3). Matthew’s wording underscores the broad, permissive view they hope Jesus will denounce. – Jesus will answer by moving the conversation from what is merely “lawful” to what is divinely intended, reaffirming that marriage is God-joined and therefore not to be severed by human whim (Mark 10:6-9). they inquired – The phrase points to a public setting; they “ask” in front of the crowd, turning a personal issue into a public test. – Their inquiry is defensive, not devotional. James 1:5 invites sincere asks for wisdom; the Pharisees’ ask springs from hardened hearts (Mark 3:5). – Yet even hostile questions become platforms for truth. Jesus will: • Expose legalism (Mark 7:6-9). • Uphold Scripture’s authority (“What did Moses command you?” Mark 10:3). • Call people back to God’s heart (Ephesians 5:31-32 shows marriage pictures Christ and the church). summary Mark 10:2 shows religious leaders approaching Jesus with hostile motives, using the hot-button issue of divorce to trap Him. Their test aims to pit Jesus against Moses, public opinion, and political powers. Jesus will seize the moment to reveal their hard hearts and to reassert God’s original, unbreakable design for marriage. The verse reminds us that questions posed in malice can still serve God’s purpose of unveiling truth, and it invites believers to hold marriage in honor, aligning with the Creator’s intent rather than the culture’s concessions. |
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