Mark 10:32-52 Serving While Preparing To Suffer

The other two paradoxes Jesus used to teach the disciples and the crowds are given here:  "Servants shall become rulers" and "The poor become rich."

As they continued toward Jerusalem and Jesus' certain death, Jesus was still leading the way!  His courage to die for us in incredible!  Hearing His words, the disciples themselves grew more bewildered and fearful, my commentary said, "for this was a difficult experience for them and not at all what they had planned or expected."  Now they knew it would happen in Jerusalem and that the Gentiles would play a part.  "He promised that He would rise again.  He told His disciples the truth, but they were in no condition to understand it."

How embarrassing the requests of James and John were at that moment, asking for thrones!  "They were praying selfishly, and God does not answer selfish prayers.  If He does, it is only that He might discipline us and teach us how to pray in His will.  James, John, and Salome did not realize that it costs something to get answers to prayer.  For Jesus to grant their request, He would have to suffer and die."

"Like many people today, the disciples were making the mistake of following the wrong examples.  Instead of modeling themselves after Jesus, they were admiring the glory and authority of the Roman rulers, men who loved position and authority."

The final paradox -- the poor become rich -- was shown through the healing of two blind beggars.  "At first, the crowd tried to silence them, but when Jesus stopped and called for the men, the crowd encouraged them!  Desperate people do not permit the crowd to keep them from Jesus... 'What do you want Me to do for you' seems like a strange question to ask a blind man.  But Jesus wanted to give the man opportunity to express himself and give evidence of his own faith."  It was important for him to say what he really believed Jesus could do for him.  "This is the last healing miracle recorded in Mark, and it certainly fits into Mark's Servant theme.  We see Jesus Christ, God's Suffering Servant, on His way to the cross, and yet He stops to serve two blind beggars!  What love, what mercy, what grace!"

Father, thank You for the opportunities You've recently woven into my life to help others even while I was suffering.  Those opportunities show me I'm communing with You!

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford