Gospel of Mark – Page 5

Mark 9:30-32 – Jesus Says He’s Going to Die Again

Read Mark 9:30-32

Here we have the second time Jesus spoke of his death in Mark’s gospel. The disciples still don’t get it. By now, they seem hesitant to ask for clarification. Has that ever happened to you? You have a question for a teacher or professor and are afraid to ask because of how you may look? I wonder what held the disciples back from asking Jesus to explain. Maybe they remembered Peter being called Satan the last time Jesus spoke like this.

What I liked about this passage is the intimacy Jesus displays. He wanted to lay low, avoid clamoring crowds, and just spend time with his disciples. I suppose that struck a chord with me because my love language is “quality time.” Jesus was desiring special time with his followers. He still desires that from us today.

Mark 8:34-9:1 – How to Follow Jesus

Read Mark 8:34-9:1

Do you think the crowds showing up to see Jesus wondered how they could become followers like the chosen twelve? Jesus’ magnetic character automatically drew people to him. I’m guessing many of those people wanted more. We often find ourselves wanting more, too.

In this passage, Jesus lets us all know how we can be his followers. Jesus told them, “you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Would that statement have made sense to those hungry for more? Does it make sense to you?

Mark 8:31-33 – Jesus Speaks of His Death

Read Mark 8:31-33

Can you imagine what the disciples were thinking when Jesus shared this information with them? Clearly, Peter wasn’t ready to hear such things. Jesus chose to openly communicate these events with his closest followers. It must have sounded like crazy talk. This is the first time Jesus mentions his death.

As bizarre as it sounded, the disciples were already seeing how the religious leaders were out to get Jesus. It’s hard to wrap your mind around the fact that those trying to please God with their rule following and reading of the scrolls (or Hebrew scriptures) would be so instrumental in what will happen to Jesus. The disciples had to be a bit confused.

Mark 8:27-30 – Peter Gets It Right

Read Mark 8:27-30

If you had to respond to Jesus that day on the road outside Galilee, how would you describe Jesus? Now think about how you would introduce Jesus to your friends.

I’ve always perplexed over the disciples’ response that some say Jesus was John the Baptist. Followers of John would have heard the message that someone else was coming, far greater than John himself. In fact, it was John’s job to prepare the way for Jesus, not himself.

Mark 8:14-21 – Misunderstandings

Read Mark 8:14-21

You recall in our last reading–Jesus had walked away rather than be bullied by the Pharisees. Our scene continues in this reading as Jesus and the disciples make their getaway in a boat without any food.

Did the disciples miss the lesson Jesus was trying to teach them about the Pharisees and even King Herod? We might have a harder time understanding the reference to yeast. It gives us something to ponder, wondering what Jesus meant. This text doesn’t speak to “what” the yeast was that the disciples should be aware of. What do you think it is?