Mark 10:32-52
Q.1. What was the reaction of the followers? Did they know that Jesus would die? Did He? What added truth did He share? – (Mk.10:32-34)
The Pharisees in Jerusalem had recently tried to trap Jesus (Mk.10:2). His followers were both amazed and fearful, as He headed to the religious capitol, Jerusalem (Mk.10:32). Jesus was on a mission that the twelve were not grasping. Once again, He took His disciples aside to tell them what was about to happen to Him (Mk.10:32 c.f. Mk.8:31; 9:12, 31). He told them again – 33 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again (Mk.10:33-34). The disciples had no idea that Jesus was about to die. However, Jesus knew, and He also knew that He would rise from the dead on the third day.
Q.2. What did James and John ask Jesus? What did Jesus mean by His reference to baptism? Did Jesus give them their request? – (Mk.10:35-40)
That the twelve were still not understanding the impending suffering of Jesus became obvious, when James and John, the sons of Zebedee requested – Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory (Mk.10:37 c.f. Mk.10:35-36). They needed no persuading that He was headed for glory. However, they could not conceive that their powerful Master would die and then later come back to life. Jesus explained how lacking in understanding James and John were to make such a request. He said – You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? (Mk.10:38). They claimed that they could. They did not understand that the baptism Jesus spoke of was the drinking of the cup of death. Jesus responded with a grim prediction – 39 … The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared (Mk.10:39-40).
Q.3. How did the other disciples react? What should characterize a follower of Jesus? How did Jesus model this? – (Mk.10:41-45)
Upon hearing the discussion, the other disciples were indignant. Possibly they considered that they were more deserving of such an honour. This was a teachable moment, so Jesus remarked that such ambitions were constantly displayed by the world’s leaders (Mk.10:42). Then He added that He Himself had modelled an entirely different style of leadership – 43 It is not to be this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mk.10:43-45). Jesus had constantly served others, meeting their needs before His own (Mk.10:45 c.f. Jn.13:4-5, 34-35).
Q.4. What made Bartimaeus cry out? What was his plea? How did Jesus respond to him? What happened to Bartimaeus? – (Mk.10:46-52)
Bartimaeus was a blind man who was begging at the exit from Jericho. A huge crowd moved toward him. He heard that Jesus was approaching, so – … he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk.10:47). The Son of David was the long-promised Messiah of Israel. The crowds tried to silence his frantic cries but – Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” … (Mk.10:49). Bartimaeus needed no further encouragement and found his way to Jesus (Mk.10:50). Jesus asked Bartimaeus – … “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” (Mk.10:51). In an instant he regained his sight, and then followed Jesus (Mk.10:52 c.f. Jn.9:30-33).