Let’s look at our scene change for the second half of Chapter 10. Mark 10:32: “They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him.” Do you see where Jesus was at this point? He was walking ahead of them and no one was trying to chat with Him. Instead, the disciples were “filled with awe” and the people were “overwhelmed with fear.” They are on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus has set his heart toward the ultimate purpose for which He came. And He is alone and ahead. He tries to prepare his band of followers and He’s pretty clear about what is going to happen. Perhaps they think He is talking in parables? Perhaps they just can’t fathom it. In any case, all John and James seem able to sense is that something BIG is happening and they’d like the best seats in the house, please. They are thinking glory while Jesus is thinking suffering.
And this leads us to our key verse. Mark 10:45. Jesus has modeled servanthood in all His healing and teaching and casting out of demons and feeding people and endlessly traveling. Now He is offering His life. Here’s our verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” And this sets the stage for the greatest sacrifice ever made.
We end the chapter with some comic relief. I just love Bartimaeus. He will not be quiet. He shouts and shouts with no regard to social niceties until he is heard. Jesus heals him instantly and celebrates the faith of this blind man. And then our Bartimaeus joins the crowd as they march toward Jerusalem. I’d love to know what became of him. Did he witness the crucifixion? Is he one of the 500 who saw the resurrected Christ? I always have questions!
My recorded verse: Mark 10:43 “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
My response: Lord, help me to do this! To serve all who are involved with Sweet Selah Ministries, giving them honor and looking to meet their needs. I want to be more like You, Jesus.
