Definition: And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 10:26: “And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?” It's a really important question that gets to the heart of Jesus’ teachings about love and humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s asking: "Who is worthy of saving?" Let’s unpack it a little bit: “They were astonished out of measure”: This means they were completely surprised and overwhelmed by the question. It wasn't just a small thought – they were truly stunned into disbelief. It suggests a level of surprise that goes beyond just understanding the words. “Saying among themselves…”: This tells us it wasn’t just one person who was thinking about this; it was a group of people, likely including Jesus and his disciples. They were discussing it together. “Who then can be saved?” This is the core of the question. It's asking: "What makes someone worthy of being saved?" It’s not about their good deeds or how much they’ve done; it's about who they are . The Context - What does this verse mean in bigger picture? This passage is a key part of Jesus’ teaching about love and compassion. He’s showing us that: God loves everyone: Jesus isn’t focusing on who deserves salvation, but rather on the relationship between God and humanity. We are all equal in God’s eyes: Even someone who makes mistakes or doesn't live up to our expectations is worthy of God’s grace. It’s a call to action – not just about being good, but about extending kindness and compassion. It’s saying that anyone can be saved if they approach Jesus with love and humility. In short, the verse is a reminder that salvation isn't earned through good works alone, but through our relationship with God and showing love to others. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you more context about why this verse is significant?