The Gospel of Mark
Chapter 10: Overview
On the Way: Mk 8,27-11.1
We could say that Jesus' journey to Jerusalem begins in 8,27 at Caesarea Philippi which as we saw is right at the north of Galilee. From there, the journey is always southward, towards Jerusalem.
Whilst the Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain (9,2), it is as we have seen closely connected with the events and teaching of Jesus at Caesarea Philippi.
The journey then really gets going when Jesus and the disciples come down from the mountain (9,9). Regular comments about the journey then follow:
9,30: They are passing through Galilee and come to Capernaum (9,33).
10,1: He left that place and went to the region of Judea.
10,17: As he was setting out on the way.
10,32: They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem.
10,46: They came to Jericho.
11,1: They were approaching Jerusalem...
11,11: Finally, he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple.
These travel directions give us therefore our framework for reading this part of the Gospel and especially for this chapter 10.
The key word in this section means "the way". It occurs in 8,27; 9,33.34; 10,17.32.46.52.
Consistency of translation helps to bring out a theme. I suggested as an example, the NRSV with its variations for "way" in chapter 10 using "journey" or "road". It finally comes up with "on the way" for Bartimaeus in 10,52. This (as in 9,33.34) is as much the way of faith as the way to Jerusalem.
Discipleship
Finally for this overview, Jesus main conversation partners for this chapter are the disciples. Thus the encounter with the Pharisees (10,1-9) leads into a discussion with them (10,10-12). The little children episode is about discipleship (10,13-16). The encounter with the rich man (10,17-22) also leads into a teaching with the disciples (10,23-45), leading to the climax of the chapter (10,45).
Return now to the main page for our reading plan.