Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSýnishorn

Following Jesus (Mark 9:14-10:52)

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45 (NIV)

Context:

The passage on Day 13 marked a transition point in the gospel. In those verses, Jesus began to reveal the true nature of his mission: to suffer, die, and then to rise again. However, his disciples (and especially Peter) struggled to understand how this could be the case. Why would their Messianic King suffer and die?

In today’s stories, Jesus continues to teach his disciples what it really means to follow him. He was their long-awaited King, but his kingship was not like any other earthly king. His was marked by service, which would be ultimately displayed in his death for the sake of others (Mark 10:45).

For literary context, recall that Day 13’s reading began with the 2-stage healing of a blind man (in Mark 8:22-26). Today’s reading will conclude with the healing of another blind man, named Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). This second healing took place in Jericho, just before Jesus arrived for his final week of ministry in Jerusalem.

Observation:

As you read Mark 9:14-10:52, consider the high standard Jesus sets for those who want to follow him. What attitudes and behaviors does he want them to display? Highlight these in one color.

Also, notice the many times the disciples fail to meet this standard and are depicted as totally missing the point. Highlight this in another color. Here are some we found:

• The disciples argue with teachers of the law and are unable to help a demon-possessed boy and his father (Mark 9:14, 19, 28-29)
• They don’t understand his teaching and are afraid to ask when he predicts his death a second time (Mark 9:32)
• They argue about which of them is the greatest (Mark 9:33-34)
• They try to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:38)
• They don’t understand his teaching on divorce (Mark 10:10)
• They rebuke people bringing their children to Jesus (Mark 10:13-14)
• They are astonished when he tells them that the wealthy will find it difficult to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:24-26)
• They are amazed and afraid (Mark 10:32)
• The 10 are indignant after hearing about the request of James and John (Mark 10:41)

Interpretation:

In many ways, the disciples in today’s reading are further demonstrating their need for the “second touch” of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, they cannot fully understand who Jesus is, nor can they follow in his footsteps of service and suffering.

• The original readers, however, could be assured that they had already received this necessary touch of the Spirit. It had happened the moment they put their faith in Jesus. Paul writes about this in Ephesians 1:13-14 (which you will read today, after the reading from Mark).
• How could remembering that they have God’s Spirit help Mark’s readers as they read these difficult teachings on discipleship?

Why might Mark begin and end these particular chapters with the healing of two blind men? What do you think the differences between the two healings communicate to the original readers?

Application:

Rather than judging the disciples for their failures in today’s passage, identify the ways you relate with them. Which aspects of Jesus’s call to discipleship do you struggle with? How is the Holy Spirit (who was freely given to you) empowering you to grow in these areas?