The Gospel of Mark 10: 32-52
About the Series
(Leaders: You may skip this portion of the recap if desired.)
This week we are continuing the teaching series in the Gospel of Mark. In this book, we follow along with the life of Jesus, a first-century rabbi from Nazareth, filled with God’s power and authority, going about healing, teaching, calling disciples, and proclaiming the gospel: “the Kingdom of God has come near” (1:15).
The Gospel of Mark is designed to present Jesus to the reader along with the question, “Who do you say that I am?” (8:29). Just like Mark’s original audience, readers today are invited to answer this question for themselves, and to accept the invitation to follow Jesus—to spend time with Him, learn from Him, and do what He does.
Sermon Recap
This week we looked at Mark 10:32-52. This text is broken into four movements: Jesus’ third foretelling about his death, a request for authority, Jesus’ teaching about leadership and power, and a request for mercy. Ultimately, we see how Jesus calls his disciples to live counter to the kingdom of the earth when it comes to greatness, power, and leadership. Unlike the disciples in the story, blind Bartimaeus sees that “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). The way of service is to confine yourself so others get freedom, rather than confine others so you get freedom. Jesus modeled this way of service, but he went even further—becoming a ransom or exchange—an agent of liberation. Jesus was the one given over to death so others could be given over to life.
Practices for Tonight
As you spend time in conversation around these movements, select one or more of the following to use as a launch point for reflection, sharing and discussion. You may wish to try an unhurried way through your conversation using this general template (optional added questions are also noted throughout):
Take a moment to pause maybe even reread the noted passages of Scripture, and imagine yourself within this scene. Where do you find yourself standing? What words or phrases are drawing you in more closely to hear Jesus’ voice? How might He be calling you to respond?
Movement #1: In Mark 10:32-34, Jesus’ Foretelling, he teaches for the third time the way of the cross. The text invites us into emotional temperature of the moment—the people are amazed and afraid as Jesus heads toward Jerusalem.
Movement #2: In Mark 10:35-40, the disciples ask Jesus for positions of authority. They address him as “Teacher” and carry on in a conversational way. Surprisingly, he listens carefully and responds with the images of a cup and baptism—basic metaphors of suffering and death. He admits that it is not his job to decide who sits on his right and left. (What do you notice about Jesus’ way of responding? How does hearing his answer make you feel? In what ways, can you relate to the disciples?)
Movement #3: In Mark 10:41-45, Jesus’ teaching describes how the kingdom of God works, giving us a distinction between ruling in the kingdom of earth and ruling in the Kingdom of Heaven. The way of power on earth is demonstrated through domineering and controlling. By contrast, in the Kingdom power is demonstrated through self-containing, self-constraining service. (Who do you find yourself paying attention to most? How might Jesus be inviting you to respond to these two distinctions (ruler by earth and ruler by way of heaven) within your own life?)
Movement #4: In Mark 10:46-52, we meet Bartimaeus, a blind beggar requesting mercy. Mark again is offers blindness as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. The disciples can partially see who Jesus is, but are still partially blind. “Blind Bartimaeus already sees much more than those around him” (Mary Healy). Bartimaeus doesn’t just see that Jesus is the Messiah, he sees what kind of Messiah Jesus is. He sees that Jesus is a servant-messiah who freely curbs his agenda to attend to the powerless—Jesus is a slave to his own compassion. (What insights about Jesus’ way of mercy stand out to you within this request of Bartimaeus? Is there a physical blindness within your life (maybe with a relationship, or seeing God at work or some other area)? Or more so, a struggle of spiritual blindness. Is there something keeping you from fully seeing Jesus as merciful? On the flip-side, what areas of your life are you experiencing the loving mercy of Jesus? It is good to both name our struggles and to celebrate—give praise to the ways you see God at work within your life.)
We are going to close in prayer. Let’s take a few minutes to offer any prayers of petition and/or gratitude that came from our conversation. (Leaders: Before you pray, you may decide to go around the circle and have each person put their prayer requests/thanksgivings into 2-3 word phrases.)
Practice For The Week
Spend time this week (if possible 30 minutes or more) sitting or walking in the intentional Presence of God alone or with a friend. Maybe begin your time contemplating one of the movements, some word or phrase from Scripture, or imagine yourself with Jesus within one of this week’s scenes from Mark’s gospel. Listen for God’s voice as you spend time with Him. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the way(s) He is meeting you in your time.
