In these chapters Christ is slowly, deliberately moving toward Jerusalem, the site of His final confrontation with the Jewish religious leaders. Knowing that time is short, Jesus sets about teaching and modeling for His disciples a number of important kingdom truths. In short order, we see Jesus' true glory revealed in the Transfiguration. During the Transfiguration Jesus underwent an dramatic change in appearance, so the disciples could behold Him in His glory. The kingdom splendor of Christ revealed at this event was intended as a preview of His majesty to be manifested at His second coming.
These chapters unveil an intentional effort by Jesus to equip the disciples with the knowledge and skill they will soon need to lead the fledgling church. The cost of true greatness is humble, selfless, sacrificial service. The Christian who desires to be great and first in the kingdom is the one who is willing to serve -- he is willing to work for excellence without becoming proud, to withstand criticism without becoming bitter, to be misjudged without becoming defensive, and to withstand suffering without succumbing to self-pity.
Questions / Things to Consider:
- Why do you think Christ's teaching of the "first shall be last; last shall be first" is so hard to swallow for most people?
- With what character in these two chapters do you most relate (the disciples who had just witnessed the glory of Christ; the parent of a child in trouble; the disciples confused over what lay ahead; the people scrambling for a position; the young ruler with tremendous wealth; Bartimaeus, fervently seeking help)? Why?
* Notes from "Mark: The Humanity of Christ," John MacArthur, 2006.
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