Mark 10:32-34 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time 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.”
Monday - March 22
This scene in Mark’s Gospel takes place weeks before the death and resurrection of Jesus. Mark tells us that Jesus is headed to Jerusalem and then Jesus tells the disciples what will happen when they arrive. This is the third time that Jesus has made this prophetic statement about his rejection, humiliation, death, and resurrection. The first time, his disciple Peter rebuked Jesus for such negative talk (Mk. 8:32). The next time Jesus makes this prophecy his disciples immediately start debating who will be the greatest in the kingdom of God (Mk. 9:30-37). Our sin-filled, rebellious human hearts do not like the cross. Our sinful hearts are always looking for glory. Like the disciples, we latch on to leaders who we hope will bring us greater power and success. Jesus reveals that God’s glory, power, and greatness is revealed in serving and loving others.