What does Mark 10:31 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The first in rank and position in this age, such as the rich young ruler, will be last in the next. Conversely the last in this age, such as the Twelve, would be first in the next. These words summarized Jesus" teaching on discipleship on that occasion and in this section of Mark"s Gospel ( Mark 10:1-31). This was a saying that Jesus used at other times as well during His ministry (cf. Matthew 20:16 : Luke 13:30). Here these words also warned Peter against looking for immediate physical rewards for his self-sacrifices (cf. Matthew 20:1-16). [source][source]

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All three of the lessons in discipleship that Mark recorded in this section of his Gospel dealt with self-sacrifice ( Mark 10:1-31). The lessons that Jesus taught following His first passion prediction dealt mainly with future glory ( Mark 8:31 to Mark 9:29). Those He taught following His second passion prediction concerned present suffering primarily ( Mark 9:30 to Mark 10:31). [source][source]

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Context Summary

Wealth brings many temptations. It is not said that rich men cannot get through the gate, but they will have to stoop very low and be stripped of the love of wealth, though not necessarily of wealth itself. In Christ's kingdom to give all is to get all. The surrendered life needs no pity, for what it loses on the material side is more than compensated by its enormous spiritual gains, Mark 10:30-31. Perhaps the request of the two brethren was dictated rather by the desire to be near the Master than by ambition; but in any case there is only one price to be paid. We must know the fellowship of His sufferings, if we are to share His glory, 2 Timothy 2:11, etc. It is easy to say, "We are able;" but had they not experienced the day of Pentecost, these two aspirants had certainly failed, Philippians 4:13. If you are not called to suffer with Him, then serve. Service like Christ's will bring you near His throne, as will also a share in His suffering. With us as with Bartimaeus, obstacles and difficulties should not daunt, but rather incite to more eager prayers. Christ is ever saying to men-Courage! Only faith could make a blind man cast away his garment, but he knew that he would be able to find it again with the sight that Jesus would certainly bestow. [source]

Chapter Summary: Mark 10

¹  Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce;
¹³  blesses the children that are brought unto him;
¹⁷  resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life;
²³  tells his disciples of the danger of riches;
²⁸  promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel;
³²  foretells his death and resurrection;
³⁵  bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him;
⁴⁶  and restores to Bartimaeus his sight