32 They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, 33 saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34 They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.”
Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.
What the Lord is Saying:
Preface - Jesus has concluded his lesson on salvation by reminding his audience that the heart must leave behind all that it holds dear (the lust of the eyes) and go in the opposite way. And yet, we need to realize that persecution may come. But the reward for this type of commitment is eternal life. He remarks then that the last are first. It is not the wealthy that automatically enter the kingdom of God as wealth can make you feel like you are in need of nothing.
Well, Mark has been talking salvation through the message of the Rich Young Ruler. They were on the road going up to Jerusalem. They are back on the road, going up to Jerusalem. They are still in Judea. and Jesus was walking on ahead of them. Jesus is now on the way to the cross. He has already spoken of the cross and spoken of the fact that he will die and rise again. He will mention it again soon. It's interesting to think, to ponder, to wonder what Jesus was experiencing or thinking at this time. He was walking ahead. Perhaps there was determination. Perhaps he simply wanted to prepare himself for the days ahead as they would be tough, for himself, a man.
and they were amazed - This seems to be talking about the disciples. and those who followed were fearful - those that were following along, not the disciples, but others, were fearful. It seems appropriate that the disciples and followers were amazed and/or fearful. Jesus has already been speaking about some things that they have not wanted to believe. There must have been consternation (dread, utter confusion) in their thinking. I'm not thinking anyone was looking forward to what Jesus had been saying would happen.
But Jesus knows this. While he is preparing himself, he is very concerned in what his followers, his disciples are thinking. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him. This entire time in reading the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is spending time with the disciples, teaching them. The followers and audience sometimes do not get the entire message as it is being presented, so it is important that the disciples do get the exact message of what is going on in the life of Jesus. Granted, that doesn't mean that they will understand. For the disciples have not shows that they are quick at doing what he has told them to do. But it is possible they have heard the teaching. This is care and concern that Jesus has.
I've noticed lately, in our world there are service people, like doctor's and dentist's that do seem to be taking more time now to explain things. I think of my dentist and how careful he is in explaining the procedures that he is going to perform on me. Now that doesn't mean that when he performs his procedure that it isn't going to hurt. That also doesn't mean that I am going to accept what he does perfectly, but he has done his part in imparting information to me.
This is what Jesus is saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes." The disciples must have thought Jesus was going cuckoo. This made no sense at all. They must have looked around at each other in bewilderment at what is being voiced to them. I'm still unpacking my understanding of why Jesus referred to himself often as the Son of Man instead of here saying, "and I will be delivered." It seems that the Son of Man title referred to his humanity. It would make sense that God would not have a reason to be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. But, perhaps, walking as Man, there would be a reason. As God, he is not to be fit into a box. But, as man he could.
Son of Man is also mentioned in Daniel 7:13-14. Daniel lived at a time about 600 years before Jesus. Yet, there obviously was a significance of Daniel and his prophecy and that it would be remembered by Jesus here. Those verses state:
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.Like a son of man. Like a man but different. Verse 14 is clear about how he would be different. He had authority, glory and sovereign power, and is worshiped, his dominion and kingdom is permanent.
they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. The light bulbs must have gone on for the disciples here or perhaps they were thinking, "O great, here he goes again, talking about his death." To be handed over to Gentiles was the worst fate of a Jewish person. It was a repeat of what Jews had experienced previously.
They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again. Wow. This had to be hard to listen to. Up to this point they had not heard these details. Yes, he would die and yes, he would rise again three days later. But, now the details become clearer. He will be mocked, spit on, scourged and then killed. I'm thinking they knew that this meant crucifixion. Thus, they had great fear (v. 32).
Summary - Jesus once again predicts his death and resurrection, but this time provides more details that include being delivered over to the scribes and chief priests and then to the Gentiles. Thus, all those that up to this point Jesus has to deal with, but also he has had an answer for, but now he would be mocked, spit on, scourged prior to his death. For the disciples to hear this must have been hard to accept.
Promise: Jesus is preparing himself to bear the curse of God and bear the punishment for the sin of all of mankind. It will not be pretty.
Prayer: Lord, I can't imagine the anger and wonder and fear that the disciples experienced at that moment when you told them of your fate. Yet, you had a purpose that we now understand so clearly. And while it makes sense, I still feel responsible for putting you to death because my sin makes me sorry for what I've done. And yet you do not desire me to sit in that sorrow or guilt or pain, but to realize I have been rescued and forgive. Your grace has covered me. Thank you for continuing to show me your Word and confirming Your divinity and sacrifice to me. If I can assist others in this understanding, show me the way.
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