The Gospel of Mark: Third Foretelling

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again.” ~ Mark 10:32-34


This is the most specific of Jesus' three predictions about his death and resurrection.

It's a vivid image for me: Jesus walking ahead of the disciples, who are amazed and afraid at what's coming. The anticipation has been building, and while over time they have still faltered and messed up, they know that something big is on the horizon.

Maybe they are wondering about their place in how this will all unfold.

Maybe the still are holding out hope that Jesus has another plan in place.

Maybe they think that they will turn around and go back.

Whatever they are thinking and however anxious or worried they may be, they are still on the road with Jesus. Still letting him lead them on the way.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Question:


What would you be thinking at this point if you were one of these disciples?

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