GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
The fate of Jesus, the fate of disciples: Mk 10,32-45
We have seen how this passage is bounded by references to the journey, 10,32 and 11,1. It comes though in two parts, the first concerns Jesus, predicting his fate for the third time (10,32-34) while the second concerns the disciples (10,35-44). The climax at the end is a key saying of the Gospels, again coming from Jesus himself (10,45).
Jesus predicts his fate: 10,32-34
What are we told in the first part of verse 32? Spot what we are being told for the first time. Where is Jesus? Compare with Mt 20,17.
Where are the disciples? How is their reaction described?
Who are taken aside by Jesus in the third part of this verse? See 6,7; 9,35.
Verses 33-34 then give us the most detailed prediction yet of what will happen to Jesus. Compare this now with the first two predictions, 8,31 and 9,31,and note how the extra detail is provided here. Look through the passion in chapters 14 and 15 to see how this third prediction is fulfilled there.
What important phrase is common to all three predictions? (Compare Mt 20,18.)
Take a look now at my response.
The fate of disciples: Mk 10,35-45
Dialogue: 10,35-40
See how a pattern is repeating itself here: what happened after the first two predictions? Who are involved? See 8,32-33 and 9,34.38.
We can note how these verses divide into two parts, a dialogue followed by a monologue.
What is special about James and John? See 1,16-20 and 3,17. Note their question to Jesus in verse 35. How does Jesus reply?
For seats of honour in verse 37, see Ps 110,1. How do the two disciples understand "in your glory"? See 9,1. How are these two disciples failing?
Jesus then gives another approach to their request. The symbol of the cup is common in the Old Testament. Look for example at Ps 11,6 or Ps 16,5. From the prophets: Is 51,17.22 or Jer 25,5.
For an idea of the baptism, see Ps 69,1-2. As the Gospel is written for a later Christian community, Romans 6,3-4 is appropriate as well.
In verse 39 the disciples say are able to accept what Jesus is offering. Jesus' response then tells them what their fate will be.
To put verse 40 into context, look at Mk 15,27.
Monologue - teaching: 10,41-45
Verse 41 gives us a reaction from the other disciples,one which is not too surprising. This leads into Jesus' teaching.
Where does Jesus begin in verse 42?
What is Jesus' approach in verse 43 and verse 44? Note the parallel statements in both verses. What is the effect of this?
Verse 45 then begins by speaking of the Son of Man. Here a look at Daniel 7,13-14 is helpful. We are then told how the Son of Man serves, by giving his life. Look at the servant of Isaiah 53, especially Is 53,11-12.
What might "ransom" mean here? See Ps 49,8.
It's time for a response.
The Sunday Gospel: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel for the 29th Sunday is Mk 10,35-45. Verses 32-33 when Jesus for the third time foretells his passion and resurrection are omitted between the 28th and 29th Sunday. What effect does this have on the Gospel as proclaimed? Consider this in light of the reading from the Old Testament.
This Old Testament reading is Is 53,10-11. Look at the whole passage in your Bible. How does this provide a focus for the Gospel?
This week the New Testament reading is also important background for the Gospel. Consider therefore the reading from the letter to the Hebrews (Heb 4,14-16) and how its theme provides this background.
A look at the readings provide for service on Good Friday service will be interesting.
There is also a short version of the Gospel, just verses 42 to 45. What might be the reason for making this short version available?
>Then have a look at my response.
his scene and the whole teaching from the first healing of a blind man (8,22-26) has now reached its climax and the second healing of a blind man (10,46-52) now follows. We move on to read that second healing.