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
1Jesus disputes with the Pharisees concerning divorce; 13blesses the children that are brought unto him; 17resolves a rich man how he may inherit everlasting life; 23tells his disciples of the danger of riches; 28promises rewards to those who forsake all for the gospel; 32foretells his death and resurrection; 35bids the two ambitious suitors to think rather of suffering with him; 46and restores to Bartimaeus his sight
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰάκωβος
Sense: son of Zebedee, an apostle and brother of the apostle John, commonly called James the greater or elder, slain by Herod, Acts 2.
Greek Commentary for Mark 10:41
See note on Mark 10:39 . [source]