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The disciples, still devoid of understanding, tried to stop the children from being brought to Jesus. But Jesus welcomed them. It is the childlike attitude of dependence that is needed for entry into God’s kingdom (vv.15-17).
The rich ruler (vv.18-30) approached Jesus with the words “good teacher,” but Jesus refused to be called good. He ascribed goodness only to God. The ruler’s concern was to attain eternal life, which is the same as entering the kingdom. The obstacle that stood in his way was not his conformity to the law. He had kept all the commandments from his boyhood. The obstacle was his refusal to abandon his material security. It is difficult, Jesus indicated, for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. But they are not without hope, for God is able to do what seems impossible.
Those who leave home and family for the sake of God’s kingdom, said Jesus, will receive homes and family in this life, and eternal life in the world to come (vv.29-30). He did not mean that in this life they would live in great material prosperity. That certainly was not the lot of his disciples. But Clarke (1:323, on Mk 10:30) points out that in fact the disciples found “spiritual relatives” among the members of the church and were able to enjoy the shelter of their homes and the produce of their lands.
Once again Jesus prophesies his death and resurrection, and once again his disciples fail to understand (vv.31-34).