Mark 12:28-31 -Do This!

Read Mark 12:28-31

We are several days into Holy Week, or “Semana Santa” as my girls at the orphanage remind me. Don’t worry, they aren’t confusing this holiday with jolly old St. Nick. Holy Week is the time between Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt (Palm Sunday) and his glorious resurrection celebrated on Easter. In Mexico, this week is a big deal. Many businesses, schools, and government offices will close this week and next in honor of the most precious holiday, Easter. It’s not about bunnies and pastel colored eggs!

Holy Week is the perfect opportunity to reflect on some of the events Jesus experienced before his death. It’s hard to appreciate the true joy of the empty tomb on Easter and what that means to our faith without walking through some of the dark moments Jesus endured for us. Today’s reading is part of the teaching Jesus did in his final days. What an important message for us!

Mark 15:21-32 – To the Cross

Read Mark 15:21-32

Jesus’ journey to the cross comes to an end in this reading. As we read through this account, let’s unpack some of the rich symbolism and fulfillment of prophecy, as well as detail that Mark wanted to include in his account of this life-changing event.

Golgotha was the place, located out of the city. In that day, crucifixions were reserved for criminals against the ruling power. Crucifixions were symbolic to show political power triumphing over those rebels. These death sentences occurred outside the city gates, intensifying the shame. You may recall that Old Testament blasphemers were stoned outside the city walls. Jesus had been accused of the same from the religious leaders.

Mark 10:32-34 – A Third Time

Read Mark 10:32-34

Jesus gives his disciples a little more detail about what is going to happen to him. Jesus is doing his best to prepare them so that when the time comes, they aren’t blindsided or overtaken by fear.

What did you notice about this passion prediction? Jesus was walking ahead of them, leading the way to Jerusalem. I’m sure all of them knew the way, but the text lets us know that Jesus is out front. Jesus knows exactly what he is walking into when they get to Jerusalem, and this is his third attempt to get his followers to understand, too.