Mark 10:32-34
32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again, he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”
“The disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.” Why? I had to refer to yesterday’s reading because I didn’t understand this.
Jesus has now explained 3 times to his disciples what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. The Passion Translation (TPT) says “the disciples were filled with wonder and amazement at his bravery, but those following along… were very afraid.” Although it says He was telling His disciples these things, others must have heard Him too. That is the only reason I can find as to why “those who followed were afraid.”
But Jesus was very specific about what was about to happen. He knew. I would have been amazed at His bravery – and determination — too!
Verses 35-45 tell of James and John wanting special seating in the Jesus’ Kingdom. This version doesn’t mention their mom doing the asking. But Jesus’ response is the same, and a good reminder for us. The Kingdom of God is about serving, not being served. Even Jesus came to serve. We should too.
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Bartimaeus was blind, but he was not deaf. He had heard about Jesus and all that He was doing. And he believed. So, he heard Jesus was near and called out. And He was healed.
We have heard about Jesus and He is near. We can call out to Him for whatever we need. And we can also follow Him and tell others what He has done for us.