A Committed Journey
Mark 10: 32-34
As we have studied the gospel of Mark, we have grown accustomed to the rapid nature in which the events in Jesus’ life and ministry were recorded. Mark left very little in between material, and fewer details than the other gospels. The first ten chapters cover the majority of Jesus’ ministry. As we come to chapter eleven, the pace will slow dramatically. With the exception of the last few verses in Mark’s gospel, the final six chapters will cover a period of little more than a week.
Our text today records the journey from Capernaum toward Jerusalem. We immediately discover the heavy mood that has settled upon Jesus and the disciples. They are making their way to Jerusalem for the final time. Once there, Jesus will spend His last days before He is crucified. We cannot imagine how the disciples might have felt at this moment. Clearly they have yet to fully comprehend all that will transpire. Eleven of them at least believe Jesus to be the Christ. They have completely surrendered their lives to Him, and likely are anticipating the kingdom they believe Jesus will soon establish.
We find a theme within the text that Jesus had spoken to the disciples about on two previous occasions – His impending death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord goes into a bit more detail and there appears to be a bit more emphasis this time. Apparently Jesus sought to convey this message in a way they could embrace.
We have considered these words in previous passages, but I want to take the time to consider this in detail today. As we discuss the expressions disclosed in the text, I want to preach on the thought: A Committed Journey.
I. The Sentiment Displayed (32a) – And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. Here we discover the committed focus of Jesus and the range of emotion felt by the disciples as they walked together. Consider:
A. The Focus of Jesus – It is evident while reading this verse that Jesus was very focused at this moment in His life. We find that He was focused on:
1. A Specific Place – And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem. Jesus knew that His hour was quickly approaching. He was well aware of the events that would soon transpire. Knowing all that would transpire in Jerusalem, Jesus was determined to go there in order to fulfill the plan of redemption. Many would soon make a similar trip to Jerusalem in order to celebrate the Passover. The Temple was located there, and Jerusalem swelled with visitors at this time of year. Jesus was certainly a Jew, but His focus was not on the sacrifices that would be offered in the Temple; He was focused on Calvary’s hill, just outside the gates of the city. He knew He was going to offer Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin.
2. A Particular Purpose (32a) – and Jesus went before them. It is interesting to note the text reveals that Jesus went before them. This was certainly not an unusual practice. Rabbis often walked in front of their disciples, leading them in the way. Clearly Jesus was held in high regard by these men. They had embraced Him as the Christ, so this would have been expected. However, I believe we can see much more in this simple reference. No doubt Jesus had much on His mind at this moment. It is quite possible that He is using this time to talk with the Father. His hour is quickly approaching, and He is seeking to prepare Himself for Calvary.
We also see the love and commitment of Christ for these men and all whom He will die to save. Jesus is leading the way, walking ahead of them. He is aware that the cross will soon be a reality. He knows this is a journey that He must make for them. They cannot join in His suffering, and they are unable to redeem themselves. Jesus went before them as they traveled to Jerusalem, and He would soon provide the means of salvation for all men!
B. The Fear of the Disciples (32a) – and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. Mark revealed the unsettling fear felt by the disciples as they traveled with Jesus. Notice:
1. Their Emotion – We find two descriptive terms that reveal how the disciples felt at this moment. They were both amazed and afraid. Being amazed speaks of “being astonished or frightened.” Being afraid comes from the Greek word phobeo and means “to put to flight or be seized with alarm.” The English word phobia is derived from the word phobeo.
There has been no conversation recorded at this point in their journey. If Jesus had spoken to them in a way that caused alarm, it isn’t provided in the text. They somehow were aware of the seriousness of this situation, and it struck fear in their hearts. Apparently they could sense the heaviness Jesus carried and it affected their emotional state as well. Very likely these men are finally beginning to understand the gravity of the situation. They know the hatred many of the Jewish elite have for Jesus. They are uncertain of their future, and fearful of what it may bring.
2. Their Devotion (32a) – and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. I don’t want to over-spiritualize the passage, but this simple detail spoke to me. These men have submitted the whole of their being to Jesus. There had been moments of great joy and amazement, but there had also been times of uncertainty, fear, and adversity. They are aware of the hostility they likely will face in Jerusalem, and yet they continued to follow Jesus. While their faith was lacking at times, now their confidence in Jesus appears to have risen above their fear. They remained devoted to the Lord although they dealt with unsettling fear.
II. The Sacrifice Described (32b-34) – And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, [33] Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: [34] And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. As they make their way to Jerusalem, Jesus described to the disciples, in accurate detail, the events that would transpire as He offered Himself the atonement for sin. Jesus spoke prophetically of:
A. His Condemnation (33) – Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles. Knowing He would be betrayed and arrested by the Roman guard, Jesus revealed that He would be delivered to the Sanhedrin for interrogation. They will falsely accuse Him and condemn Him to death for the crimes they claim He committed. Jesus will then be taken to Pilate, the Roman Governor, who will carry out the sentence of death to appease the Jewish leaders.
This prophecy of Christ will be fulfilled just as He described in a few, short days. Mark 14:63-64 – Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? [64] Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. Mark 15:1 – And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
B. His Humiliation (34a) – And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him. Jesus also described the humiliation He would endure at the hands of sinful men. He would be mocked, scourged mercilessly, and spat upon by those who hate and despise Him. Mark 14:65 – And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. Mark 15:15-20 – And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. [16] And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. [17] And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, [18] And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! [19] And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. [20] And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. The King of glory was humiliated and suffered treatment that no man or animal should have to endure. He endured that for you and me!
C. His Crucifixion (34a) – and shall kill him. Jesus revealed that He would die at the hands of His captors. They would demand the death penalty, and Jesus would suffer death on the cross. He would willingly lay down His life on the cross to purchase our redemption. He offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin. He would bear our sin and endure the righteous judgment of God in our place! Mark 15:24 – And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. Mark 15:37-38 – And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. [38] And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
D. His Resurrection (34b) – and the third day he shall rise again. Following the horror of the cross and the uncertainty they would feel regarding His death, Jesus promised victory in resurrection life. They likely didn’t fully grasp all this meant, but Jesus wanted them to know that He would rise again. Death was coming, but it would not be final. He would suffer and die at the hands of the Jews, in accordance to the will of God, but He would come forth triumphant on that third, glorious day! Mark 16:2 – And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. Mark 16:6 – And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. The coming days for Jesus and the disciples would be difficult, but hope would rise with the dawn. Jesus would accomplish the plan He came to fulfill. He would die on the cross to redeem our sin and rise again for our justification! Rom.4:25 – Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Conclusion: I am thankful Jesus was willing to provide the means of salvation for all who believe. He accomplished what we could not do for ourselves. We need the devotion of the disciples to follow Him even when we are fearful and uncertain. Christ secured our redemption and provided eternal life for the saved by grace. While it saddens me to consider the brutality He endured, I am thankful He was willing to submit to the death of the cross. Have you believed by faith unto salvation? Are you walking with the Lord in a way that honors Him? If there are needs in your life, come to Him today!
