Key Thought

Two characteristics marked Jesus' ministry at this stage of his life. First, he was very popular and crowds accompanied him everywhere he went. Second, he taught them God's will. Jesus' goal in attracting people was not to gain an earthly following, but to teach and to train a group of people who would change the world. He saw teaching as his task -- not his only task, but his primary task.

Today's Prayer

Today's Verses in Context

Then Jesus left that place. He went into the area of Judea and across the Jordan River. Again, many people came to him. And Jesus taught the people like he always did. Some Pharisees came to Jesus. They tried to make Jesus say something wrong. They asked Jesus, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife?" Jesus answered, "What did Moses command you to do?" The Pharisees said, "Moses allowed a man to divorce his wife by writing a certificate of divorce. " Jesus said, "Moses wrote that command for you because you refused to accept God's teaching. But when God made the world, 'he made people male and female.' 'That is why a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. And the two people will become one.' So the people are not two, but one. God has joined those two people together. So no person should separate them." Later, the followers and Jesus were in the house. The followers asked Jesus again about the question of divorce. Jesus answered, "Any person that divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of sin against his wife. He is guilty of the sin of adultery. And the woman that divorces her husband and marries another man is also guilty of adultery."

— Mark 10:1-12 (ERV)

Comments on "Teaching the Crowds":

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