“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33-34
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:32-45. Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and first (of four) division (vv32-34):
- The title for this chapter of the commentary is: "Sent to Serve (Why Did Jesus Come)," and the main idea is: "[o]ur Savior came calling us to serve others just as He served us."
- "Mark 8–10 is the most sustained and specific teaching on discipleship in the New Testament. In each chapter there is a passion prediction of our Lord’s death and resurrection (8:31-32; 9:30-31; 10:32-34); a foolish response by the disciples (8:32-33; 9:32-34; 10:35-41); and a lesson on discipleship, service, and true spiritual greatness (8:34-38; 9:35-37; 10:42-45)."
- "Our Lord’s instruction on spiritual greatness reaches its climax in 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” This is the key verse of Mark’s Gospel, the ultimate reason Jesus came. This gets at the heart of the gospel, the pattern for all who would follow Christ. We are sent to serve, even laying down our lives if God ordains it, just as He ordained it for His Son."
- The title of the first division per the commentary is "Consider the Cost of Being a Servant."
- "He leads the way, and it unnerves them. He knows where He is going and what He will do, but they do not. They watch our Lord in amazement and fear, even though they have no idea what is happening and what awaits Him. That may have contributed to their fear. Jesus knew, and He knew fully. He considered the cost even as others misunderstood. Know that it will be the same with us."
- "Privately, with the Twelve Jesus provides the most detailed and precise prophecy of His passion. His words reflect texts like Psalm 22:6-8 and the mocking of the Righteous Sufferer; and Isaiah 50:6, one of the Servant Songs, and the Suffering Servant of the Lord."
- "God orchestrates the steps of our lives, down to the final detail, the last breath of life. There are no accidents, no surprises with our God....God has a plan for your life crafted to the last detail, the last breath, the last beat of your heart. He was sent to serve. He sends us to serve. Count the cost!"
The world emphasizes how we are to seek our own glory...that we are to serve our own interests. Yet believers must understand first and foremost what Jesus did for each one of us and upon reflection on the cost Jesus paid for us, we must then respond by serving and loving Him. This is our response...and He provides a helper to equip us - the Holy Spirit.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves. Thank You for saving me while still a sinner. I am not deserving of how You save....my sin is great and it continues. Help me turn from and overcome this sin and turn towards You as my daily bread and living water. Help me love You as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Help me with my unbelief! Please give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
