October 9, 2025
What does Jesus think about serving and being served?
Mark 8-10
Nicholas Parsons
Big Book Idea
Written to Romans, and full of miracles, the Gospel of Mark shows Jesus came as a servant.
Key Verse | Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 8-10
Chapter 8
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
1 In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. 1 8:10 Some manuscripts Magadan, or Magdala
The Pharisees Demand a Sign
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 2 8:15 Some manuscripts the Herodians 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus 3 8:25 Greek he laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life 4 8:35 The same Greek word can mean either soul or life, depending on the context; twice in this verse and once in verse 36 and once in verse 37 will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Chapter 9
1 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”
The Transfiguration
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one 5 9:3 Greek launderer (gnapheus) on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, 6 9:5 Rabbi means my teacher, or my master it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; 7 9:7 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out 8 9:24 Some manuscripts add with tears and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” 9 9:29 Some manuscripts add and fasting
Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
Who Is the Greatest?
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, 10 9:38 Some manuscripts add who does not follow us and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Temptations to Sin
42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 11 9:42 Greek to stumble; also verses 43, 45, 47 it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, 12 9:43 Greek Gehenna; also verse 47 to the unquenchable fire. 13 9:43 Some manuscripts add verses 44 and 46 (which are identical with verse 48) 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 14 9:49 Some manuscripts add and every sacrifice will be salted with salt 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Chapter 10
Teaching About Divorce
1 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 15 10:7 Some manuscripts omit and hold fast to his wife 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Let the Children Come to Me
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
The Rich Young Man
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is 16 10:24 Some manuscripts add for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, 17 10:26 Some manuscripts to one another “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
The Request of James and John
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 18 10:43 Greek diakonos 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave 19 10:44 Or bondservant, or servant (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Footnotes
[1] 8:10 Some manuscripts Magadan, or Magdala[2] 8:15 Some manuscripts the Herodians
[3] 8:25 Greek he
[4] 8:35 The same Greek word can mean either soul or life, depending on the context; twice in this verse and once in verse 36 and once in verse 37
[5] 9:3 Greek launderer (gnapheus)
[6] 9:5 Rabbi means my teacher, or my master
[7] 9:7 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved
[8] 9:24 Some manuscripts add with tears
[9] 9:29 Some manuscripts add and fasting
[10] 9:38 Some manuscripts add who does not follow us
[11] 9:42 Greek to stumble; also verses 43, 45, 47
[12] 9:43 Greek Gehenna; also verse 47
[13] 9:43 Some manuscripts add verses 44 and 46 (which are identical with verse 48)
[14] 9:49 Some manuscripts add and every sacrifice will be salted with salt
[15] 10:7 Some manuscripts omit and hold fast to his wife
[16] 10:24 Some manuscripts add for those who trust in riches
[17] 10:26 Some manuscripts to one another
[18] 10:43 Greek diakonos
[19] 10:44 Or bondservant, or servant (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mark
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
The apostle Peter passed on reports of the words and deeds of Jesus to his attendant, John Mark, who wrote this Gospel for the wider church as the record of Peter’s apostolic testimony. The book was likely written from Rome during the mid- to late-50s A.D. (though the mid- or late-60s is also possible). Mark’s audience, largely unfamiliar with Jewish customs, needed to become familiar with such customs in order to understand the coming of Jesus as the culmination of God’s work with Israel and the entire world, so Mark explains them.
Purpose and Theme
The ultimate purpose and theme of Mark’s Gospel is to present and defend Jesus’ universal call to discipleship. Mark returns often to this theme, categorizing his main audience as either followers or opponents of Jesus. Mark presents and supports this call to discipleship by narrating the identity and teaching of Jesus. For Mark, discipleship is essentially a relationship with Jesus, not merely following a certain code of conduct. Fellowship with Jesus marks the heart of the disciple’s life, and this fellowship includes trusting Jesus, confessing him, observing his conduct, following his teaching, and being shaped by a relationship with him. Discipleship also means being prepared to face the kind of rejection that Jesus faced.
Key Themes
- Jesus seeks to correct messianic expectations and misunderstandings (1:25, 34, 44; 3:12; 4:10–12; 5:18–19, 43; 8:30; 9:9).
- Jesus is man (3:5; 4:38; 6:6; 7:34; 8:12, 33; 10:14; 11:12; 14:33–42).
- Jesus is the Son of God (1:11; 3:11; 5:7; 8:38; 9:7; 12:6–8; 13:32; 14:36, 61; 15:39).
- Jesus is the Son of Man with all power and authority (1:16–34; 2:3–12, 23–28; 3:11; 4:35–41; 6:45–52; 7:1–23; 10:1–12).
- Jesus as the Son of Man must suffer (8:31; 10:45; 14:21, 36).
- Jesus is Lord (2:28; 12:35–37; 14:62).
- Jesus calls his followers to imitate him in humble service, self-denial, and suffering (8:34–38; 9:35–37; 10:35–45).
- Jesus teaches on the kingdom of God, and implies that God continues to call a people to himself (compare 1:15; 9:1; 14:25; 15:43).
Outline
- Introduction (1:1–15)
- Demonstration of Jesus’ Authority (1:16–8:26)
- Testing Jesus’ Authority in Suffering (8:27–16:8)
- Journey to Jerusalem (8:27–10:52)
- Entering and judging Jerusalem (11:1–13:37)
- Death and resurrection in Jerusalem (14:1–16:8)
- “Longer ending of Mark” (16:9–20; see note)]
The Setting of Mark
The events in the book of Mark take place almost entirely within Palestine, from Caesarea Philippi in the north to Beersheba in the south. During this time Palestine was ruled by the Roman Empire. The book opens with Jesus’ baptism by John during the rule of Pontius Pilate and the tetrarchs Antipas and Philip. It closes with Jesus’ death and resurrection about three years later.
Fact: The death of James
The death of James. In Mark 10:39, Jesus implies that the brothers James and John would suffer a similar death to his. For James, this was fulfilled when Herod Agrippa I, Roman ruler over Palestine, ordered his execution (Acts 12:2).
Fact: Blindness
Blindness was a common condition in biblical times. Because they were unable to work, people who were blind often became beggars (10:46–52; see Luke 18:35).
Fact: A diet of bread
A diet of bread. For many of the poorer people in NT times, as well as for many around the world today, bread might be their entire meal. Jesus called himself the “bread of life.”
Jesus’ Final Journey to Jerusalem
Though John mentions several trips to Jerusalem by Jesus during his ministry, Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount only one, which occurred as Jesus prepared for his triumphal entry and subsequent death and resurrection. Beginning at Capernaum, Jesus was apparently diverted from the more direct route when Samaritans refused him access (Luke 9:51–56), so he may have crossed the Jordan and traveled through Perea. Jesus then passed through Jericho and proceeded to Jerusalem.
The Three Major Passion Predictions in Mark
Three times in Mark 8–10 Jesus predicts his death, the disciples fail to understand or to respond appropriately, and he then teaches them about discipleship.
| Announcement of Jesus’ Death | Failure on the Part of the Disciples | Jesus Teaches on Discipleship |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus will suffer, be rejected, killed, and will rise after three days (8:31) | Peter rebukes Jesus (8:32–33) | Jesus commands them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (8:33–9:1) |
| Jesus will be delivered, killed, and will rise after three days (9:30–31) | The disciples do not understand the saying and are afraid to ask him about it (9:32) | Jesus teaches that the first must be last and that those who receive children in his name receive him (9:33–50) |
| Jesus will be delivered, condemned, mocked, flogged, killed, and will rise after three days (10:33–34) | James and John ask that they may sit next to Jesus in his glory (10:35–37) | Jesus teaches that, to be great, they must become servants; to be first, they must become slaves; and that he came to serve by giving his life as a ransom for many (10:38–45) |
Mark 8:5 Seven. See note on Matt. 15:34.
Mark 8:6 Giving thanks, breaking bread, and distributing it are common elements in a Jewish meal.
Mark 8:1–10 The feeding of the 4,000 probably took place in Gentile territory. Jesus is the living bread for Gentiles as well as for Jews.
Mark 8:11 The Pharisees demand not just a miracle but a sign from heaven. But they didn’t have the one thing that Jesus required: a fundamental change of heart.
Mark 8:12 sighed. For other examples of Jesus expressing emotions, see 1:41; 3:5; 7:34. this generation. Compare Deut. 32:5; Ps. 95:10; Mark 9:19. no sign. See note on Matt. 12:39. For the person who has an open heart, Jesus’ miracles should be more than enough to show that he truly is the Messiah.
Mark 8:14–15 Jesus uses leaven to describe the self-centered, self-reliant Pharisees and Herod Antipas. See note on 1 Cor. 5:6–7.
Mark 8:17–18 not yet perceive or understand. While the Pharisees reject Jesus’ teaching outright, the disciples are slow to appreciate it. The figurative reference to eyes and ears echoes the healings of the deaf (7:31–35) and blind (8:22–26) men. Jesus wants to open the “ears” and “eyes” of the disciples’ hearts.
Mark 8:21 Now that Jesus has twice multiplied food, the disciples should understand the significance of these miracles: he who stands before them is none other than the eternal creator and giver of life (see Col. 1:15–20).
Mark 8:23–25 Jesus led the blind man out of the village, perhaps to get away from hostile onlookers (see 5:40; 6:6). The blind man’s first response, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking,” could be seen as similar to the disciples’ lack of understanding (8:17–21).
Mark 1:16–8:26 Demonstration of Jesus’ Authority. The first half of Mark’s Gospel shows that Jesus has authority over sickness, over the laws of nature, and over the demonic world. It also highlights Jesus’ unique and authoritative teaching, and his sending out of his disciples.
Mark 6:7–8:26 Work beyond Galilee. The disciples are sent out to spread the message of God’s kingdom, to heal, and to cast out demons. Jesus again demonstrates his authority and warns his disciples against hard hearts.
Mark 7:31–8:26 As Jesus continues his ministry of teaching and healing, the disciples’ hearts remain hard (8:17–21). They fail to understand who Jesus really is.
Mark 8:27–29a Caesarea Philippi. See note on Matt. 16:13. Who do people say that I am? Jesus’ questions prepare the disciples for his teaching. He must show them that the Messiah of God is to be humbled (Mark 8:31; 10:45) and then exalted (8:38) for the sake of his people. This goes against popular messianic expectations. On John the Baptist and Elijah, see note on 6:14b–15.
Mark 8:29b–30 Peter speaks for the Twelve (compare 1:36; 8:32; 9:5; 10:28; 14:29) and confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah (2 Sam. 7:14–16; Psalm 2; Jer. 23:5–6) who they expect will liberate the Jewish people from Rome. Peter’s confession is God-given (Matt. 16:17) but incomplete, for Jesus will also suffer for his people (Isa. 53:1–12; Mark 8:31; 10:45). This is why Jesus charges his disciples to tell no one about him.
Mark 8:31 must . . . be killed. Christ’s death is necessary because the messianic rule of God must begin with atonement for sin. Christ’s death will be the sacrifice that brings reconciliation between God and man. That Jesus would rise again must puzzle the disciples. They expect only the general resurrection of all mankind at the end of the age, prior to judgment (Dan. 12:2).
Mark 8:34 Following the first major prediction of his death and resurrection (v. 31), Jesus gives instructions in discipleship to all those who would come after me. They should deny themselves and take up their cross so that they will be free to follow the Messiah (1:18). Each of the major predictions of Jesus’ death and resurrection (see chart) is followed by teaching on discipleship (8:33–9:1; 9:33–50; 10:38–45).
The Three Major Passion Predictions in Mark
Three times in Mark 8–10 Jesus predicts his death, the disciples fail to understand or to respond appropriately, and he then teaches them about discipleship.
| Announcement of Jesus’ Death | Failure on the Part of the Disciples | Jesus Teaches on Discipleship |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus will suffer, be rejected, killed, and will rise after three days (8:31) | Peter rebukes Jesus (8:32–33) | Jesus commands them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (8:33–9:1) |
| Jesus will be delivered, killed, and will rise after three days (9:30–31) | The disciples do not understand the saying and are afraid to ask him about it (9:32) | Jesus teaches that the first must be last and that those who receive children in his name receive him (9:33–50) |
| Jesus will be delivered, condemned, mocked, flogged, killed, and will rise after three days (10:33–34) | James and John ask that they may sit next to Jesus in his glory (10:35–37) | Jesus teaches that, to be great, they must become servants; to be first, they must become slaves; and that he came to serve by giving his life as a ransom for many (10:38–45) |
Mark 8:35 Jesus’ teaching here involves a paradox: The person who lives a self-centered life (would save his life) will not find eternal life with God (will lose it), but the person who gives up his self-centered life (loses his life) for the sake of Christ and the gospel will find everlasting life with God (will save it; see v. 38).
Mark 8:38 of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed. Jesus claims divine authority in final judgment.
Fact: A diet of bread
A diet of bread. For many of the poorer people in NT times, as well as for many around the world today, bread might be their entire meal. Jesus called himself the “bread of life.”
Mark 9:1 Some standing here who will not taste death probably refers to the three disciples who will accompany Jesus to the Mount of Transfiguration. They will see the kingdom of God . . . come with power. The transfiguration is a “preview” of the glory of Christ in his return (Dan. 7:13–27; Mark 13:26–27). See note on Matt. 16:28.
The Three Major Passion Predictions in Mark
Three times in Mark 8–10 Jesus predicts his death, the disciples fail to understand or to respond appropriately, and he then teaches them about discipleship.
| Announcement of Jesus’ Death | Failure on the Part of the Disciples | Jesus Teaches on Discipleship |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus will suffer, be rejected, killed, and will rise after three days (8:31) | Peter rebukes Jesus (8:32–33) | Jesus commands them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (8:33–9:1) |
| Jesus will be delivered, killed, and will rise after three days (9:30–31) | The disciples do not understand the saying and are afraid to ask him about it (9:32) | Jesus teaches that the first must be last and that those who receive children in his name receive him (9:33–50) |
| Jesus will be delivered, condemned, mocked, flogged, killed, and will rise after three days (10:33–34) | James and John ask that they may sit next to Jesus in his glory (10:35–37) | Jesus teaches that, to be great, they must become servants; to be first, they must become slaves; and that he came to serve by giving his life as a ransom for many (10:38–45) |
Mark 9:2 high mountain. Probably Mount Hermon (see note on Matt. 17:1).
Mark 9:4 Jesus is greater than both Moses, who represents the Law, and Elijah, who represents the Prophets. Jesus thus fulfills both the Law and the Prophets (see Matt. 5:17). Luke adds the detail that they discuss Jesus’ imminent “departure” (Luke 9:31).
Mark 9:7 The voice . . . out of the cloud echoes Ex. 24:15–16. This is my beloved Son; listen to him. Jesus, with all his claims, is endorsed by the Father (see Ps. 2:7; Isa. 42:1; Mark 1:11). “Listen to him” echoes Deut. 18:15, 18, where Moses is shown to be a leader-prophet.
Mark 9:12 John the Baptist restored all things by preparing the way for the coming of the ultimate Restorer (see Mal. 3:1; Luke 1:17; Acts 3:21). On John the Baptist as Elijah, see notes on Mal. 4:4–6; Matt. 11:14. be treated with contempt. See Isa. 53:3.
Mark 9:19 O faithless generation. Jesus’ burdened expression echoes that of the prophets (e.g., Deut. 32:5, 20; Isa. 6:11; Jer. 5:21–22; see note on Mark 8:12).
Mark 9:22b–24 The father is merely seeking a miracle from Jesus (if you can do anything), but Jesus calls on him to put his trust in God.
Mark 9:28–29 “Why could we not cast it out?” The disciples lack the ability to fully carry out their commission from Jesus (see 6:7, 13; 9:18).
Mark 9:30–31 he did not want anyone to know. Jesus seeks privacy in order to continue teaching his disciples about his impending suffering in Jerusalem (see note on Matt. 8:4).
Mark 9:32 The disciples do not understand that Jesus, the Messiah, must die; rather, they expect the Messiah to be a political liberator. Nor do they understand the idea of individual resurrection; they expect only the resurrection of all mankind at the last judgment (see Dan. 12:2). Yet they understand enough of what Jesus is saying that they are afraid to ask him anything more. Perhaps they remember that, when Peter expressed disapproval of Jesus’ predictions of suffering, Jesus rebuked him (Mark 8:33).
Mark 9:33 in the house. Jesus instructs the disciples in the privacy of the home (see 4:10, 34; 7:17; 9:28; 10:10).
Mark 9:34 who was the greatest. Because they thought the Messiah would be a political liberator, the disciples dream of status, honor, and power.
Mark 9:35 he sat down. Teachers often sat as they taught.
Mark 9:36–37 Jesus shows the disciples that, instead of seeking greater status (v. 34), they should be willing to take on lowly, often unnoticed tasks. They should care for those who have little status in the world, such as a little child. receives not me. See note on Luke 9:48.
Mark 9:40 the one who is not against us is for us. Compare Phil. 1:17–18. For a contrasting but equally true statement, see Matt. 12:30.
Mark 9:41 will by no means lose his reward. God notices the smallest of deeds.
Mark 9:42 Any who cause other believers, especially the lowly or powerless, to sin will receive severe punishment from God.
Mark 9:43–48 Jesus uses hyperbole (intentional overstatement) to show the seriousness of sin: nothing, even important things such as a hand, foot, or eye, can be more important than God. Of course, Jesus does not mean that people should literally cut off those body parts, for the literal removal of them cannot remove the root of sin in the heart (see 7:20–23; 9:45).
Mark 9:49 Everyone will be salted with fire is a puzzling statement that occurs only in Mark. In view of Lev. 2:13, “with all your offerings you shall offer salt,” perhaps the best interpretation is that believers are being offered to God (compare Rom. 12:1), and the fire with which they will be “salted” is purification by the “fire” of suffering and hardship.
Mark 9:50 lost its saltiness. See note on Luke 14:34.
The Three Major Passion Predictions in Mark
Three times in Mark 8–10 Jesus predicts his death, the disciples fail to understand or to respond appropriately, and he then teaches them about discipleship.
| Announcement of Jesus’ Death | Failure on the Part of the Disciples | Jesus Teaches on Discipleship |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus will suffer, be rejected, killed, and will rise after three days (8:31) | Peter rebukes Jesus (8:32–33) | Jesus commands them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (8:33–9:1) |
| Jesus will be delivered, killed, and will rise after three days (9:30–31) | The disciples do not understand the saying and are afraid to ask him about it (9:32) | Jesus teaches that the first must be last and that those who receive children in his name receive him (9:33–50) |
| Jesus will be delivered, condemned, mocked, flogged, killed, and will rise after three days (10:33–34) | James and John ask that they may sit next to Jesus in his glory (10:35–37) | Jesus teaches that, to be great, they must become servants; to be first, they must become slaves; and that he came to serve by giving his life as a ransom for many (10:38–45) |
Mark 10:1 And he left there. Jesus sets out on his final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. He returns to the area north of Jericho where his ministry began. He continues to focus his ministry on teaching, as was his custom.
Jesus’ Final Journey to Jerusalem
Though John mentions several trips to Jerusalem by Jesus during his ministry, Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount only one, which occurred as Jesus prepared for his triumphal entry and subsequent death and resurrection. Beginning at Capernaum, Jesus was apparently diverted from the more direct route when Samaritans refused him access (Luke 9:51–56), so he may have crossed the Jordan and traveled through Perea. Jesus then passed through Jericho and proceeded to Jerusalem.
Mark 10:2 Jesus’ Pharisaic opponents hope to expose him as an opponent of the Law of Moses (see note on Matt. 19:3).
Mark 10:4–6 Jesus emphasizes that marriage goes back to God’s purpose at the beginning of creation (Gen. 1:27; 2:24; Ex. 20:14). Moses’ regulations on divorce (Deut. 24:1–4) were not part of God’s original plan but were instituted because of your hardness of heart (see note on Matt. 19:8).
Mark 10:10–11 in the house. Once again, Jesus instructs his disciples in private (see 4:10; 9:33). Whoever divorces his wife and marries another. Here and in Luke 16:18 Jesus does not include the phrase “except for sexual immorality” as in Matt. 5:32 and 19:9. The most likely reason is that everyone agreed that adultery was a legitimate ground for divorce, and Jesus is not addressing that issue here. See notes on Matt. 5:31–32; 19:6; 19:8; 19:9.
Mark 10:12 And if she divorces her husband is the only time in the Gospels where it is assumed that a woman also has a right to initiate a divorce (compare 1 Cor. 7:10–11), as Roman culture allowed.
Mark 10:13–15 rebuked them. The disciples consider children to be an annoying distraction (see 9:36–37, 42). To Jesus, however, children are as important as adults, and equally worthy of love (9:36–37; 10:16). to such belongs the kingdom of God. Children do not belong automatically to the kingdom but must come to Jesus and receive him the same as adults.
Mark 10:18 No one is completely good except God alone, therefore it is not proper for the young man to address Jesus as “Good Teacher” until he is ready to acknowledge that Jesus is God. On the deity of Christ, see notes on John 5:21; 5:22; 5:23; 20:28.
Mark 10:19 Do not defraud probably combines the eighth and ninth commandments (“not steal. . . . not bear false witness,” Ex. 20:15–16).
Mark 10:20 all these I have kept. From a human perspective, the young man’s answer is plausible (compare Paul, prior to his conversion; Phil. 3:6). However, once the righteousness of God sheds light on the human condition (see Rom. 3:21–26; Phil. 3:7–11), human righteousness is seen to be no more than a thin cover-up for mankind’s basic hostility toward God (Col. 1:21).
Mark 10:21 You lack one thing. The man has replaced trust in God and its reward (treasure in heaven) with trust in earthly riches. He thus fails the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3). This does not mean that every disciple of Christ must sell all that he has; rather, the heart must be focused on God, with every possession available for his use.
Mark 10:22 he went away sorrowful. The man’s true state has been laid bare, but he does not repent.
Mark 10:25 The hyperbole (intentional overstatement) of a large camel having to fit through the small eye of a needle stresses that such a thing is humanly impossible (but see v. 27). For other hyperboles in Jesus’ teaching, see Matt. 7:3–5; 23:24; on the “eye of a needle,” see note on Matt. 19:24.
Mark 10:17–27 Contrary to childlike trust (vv. 13–16), the rich young man relies on his possessions (v. 22) and his self-righteousness (v. 20) to inherit eternal life.
Mark 10:29–30 The person who leaves house, lands, and family for Jesus’ sake (see 8:35, 38; Matt. 5:11; Luke 12:8–9; 18:29) and for the gospel can expect now in this life to enjoy fellowship with other believers. He will find a welcome in the houses and lands of Christian friends. But in this life these blessings will be mixed with persecutions (see Mark 8:34–38). The future will yield an even better reward: eternal life.
Mark 10:32 Jesus is aware that he will soon be put to death (see 8:31; 9:31; Isa. 53:1–12), but he proceeds resolutely toward Jerusalem. He is like the servant of the Lord in Isa. 50:7, who set his face “like a flint” (compare Luke 9:53, “his face was set”).
Mark 10:35–37 James and John belonged to Jesus’ “inner circle” (see 1:29; 5:37). They falsely envisioned special places of honor (one at your right hand and one at your left) when Jesus would rule in Jerusalem on the throne of David. See also note on Matt. 20:20.
Mark 10:38 The cup that Jesus was to drink was the cup of God’s wrath that would be poured out on him, as he bore God’s wrath in the place of sinful mankind (see note on Luke 22:42). His baptism was his suffering and death, which would pour over him like a flood (see note on 1 Pet. 3:21).
Mark 10:39 The disciples understand Jesus’ question (“Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?” v. 38) to mean that they will need to fight alongside Jesus. They bravely answer, We are able. Jesus, however, teaches them that they too will undergo suffering: you will drink . . . you will be baptized.
Fact: The death of James
The death of James. In Mark 10:39, Jesus implies that the brothers James and John would suffer a similar death to his. For James, this was fulfilled when Herod Agrippa I, Roman ruler over Palestine, ordered his execution (Acts 12:2).
Mark 10:40 is not mine to grant. Though Jesus is fully God, there are differences of authority within the Trinity (see note on John 3:35). Throughout Scripture, the Son is always subject to the authority of the Father, who will ultimately determine who receives such positions of honor.
Mark 10:41 The other disciples become indignant at James and John, perhaps on account of their own ambition and jealousy (vv. 42–45).
Mark 10:42 lord it over. Jesus does not deny all human authority (compare Matt. 16:19; 18:18), only its oppressive misuse.
Mark 10:32–45 Each of Jesus’ major predictions of his death and resurrection (8:31; 9:30–31; 10:33–34) is followed by instruction in discipleship (8:33–9:1; 9:33–50; 10:38–45).
Mark 10:45 The ransom of Christ’s life was paid to God the Father, who accepted it as just payment for the sins of many (all who would be saved). See Isa. 53:8–12; Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:3; and note on 1 Tim. 2:5–6. Son of Man. See note on Matt. 8:20.
The Three Major Passion Predictions in Mark
Three times in Mark 8–10 Jesus predicts his death, the disciples fail to understand or to respond appropriately, and he then teaches them about discipleship.
| Announcement of Jesus’ Death | Failure on the Part of the Disciples | Jesus Teaches on Discipleship |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus will suffer, be rejected, killed, and will rise after three days (8:31) | Peter rebukes Jesus (8:32–33) | Jesus commands them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (8:33–9:1) |
| Jesus will be delivered, killed, and will rise after three days (9:30–31) | The disciples do not understand the saying and are afraid to ask him about it (9:32) | Jesus teaches that the first must be last and that those who receive children in his name receive him (9:33–50) |
| Jesus will be delivered, condemned, mocked, flogged, killed, and will rise after three days (10:33–34) | James and John ask that they may sit next to Jesus in his glory (10:35–37) | Jesus teaches that, to be great, they must become servants; to be first, they must become slaves; and that he came to serve by giving his life as a ransom for many (10:38–45) |
Mark 10:46 Jericho. See note on Matt. 20:29.
Mark 10:47 Jesus will later say that the cry of the blind man (Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me) was an expression of faith (v. 52). “Son of David” is a messianic acclamation (see 12:35–37).
Mark 8:27–10:52 Journey to Jerusalem. As Jesus and his disciples journey toward Jerusalem, he warns them three times about his approaching death and teaches them about the cost of discipleship.
Mark 10:46–52 Both 8:22–26 and this passage tell of the healing of a blind man. The disciples were themselves blind regarding the true mission of Jesus, but between these two accounts of healing, Jesus has taught them and has discussed his death and resurrection. As he taught them, he was healing their spiritual blindness as well.
Mark 10:52 Your faith has made you well hints at spiritual salvation as well; see note on 5:34. and followed him. Bartimaeus joins Jesus and the other pilgrims on their final journey to Jerusalem; he has become one of Jesus’ disciples.
Fact: Blindness
Blindness was a common condition in biblical times. Because they were unable to work, people who were blind often became beggars (10:46–52; see Luke 18:35).
S4:242 Mark 8-10
Listen NowDive Deeper | Mark 8-10
I term Mark 8-10 the "Preview and Preparation" section of Mark's Gospel. Jesus teaches his disciples about his forthcoming mission and the essence of living for the kingdom of God. The core issue he addresses is the disciples' hardened hearts, questioning in Mark 8:17, "Do you still not see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart?" Mark 10:45 captures the paradox of Jesus' teachings about himself and the kingdom life. Here are three key truths Jesus wants his followers to grasp:
1. We must know and confess who Jesus is.
In Mark 8:27-30, despite various public opinions, Peter identifies Jesus as the Christ. This is also affirmed during the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) as the Father says, "This is my beloved Son, listen to him." Understanding who Jesus is, confirmed as the Messiah, is the foundation of our faith and shapes our spiritual journey.
2. We must count the cost of following Christ.
Jesus predicts his death and resurrection three times (Mark 8:31-33, 9:30-32, 10:33-34) and calls followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. This call involves rejecting a self-centered life and embracing a path of suffering, perseverance, and service, reflecting Paul's view in Philippians 3:7-11, where Christ is the ultimate treasure.
3. The marker of the Christian life is a life of service.
Jesus teaches in Mark 9:35, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." This radical shift from societal norms emphasizes that leadership in God's kingdom is defined by humility and service. Even when James and John seek positions of honor (Mark 10:35-45), Jesus reiterates that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking to be served.
As I grow in my relationship with Christ, I often see my own misunderstandings reflected in the disciples' experiences. Mark 8:21, with its reference to "not yet," reminds me of God's patience and compassion. He continues to teach and ground me in understanding who Jesus is, his mission, and living a life of service.
This month's memory verse
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
– John 15:5
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways does a deeper understanding of Jesus as Christ, the Son of God, influence your faith? How can you maintain a firm belief in this truth amidst misconceptions of Jesus as merely a moral teacher, political figure, or a miracle worker?
2. In what ways does the world encourage you to live a self-centered life? How do you consistently surrender those tendencies to Christ and practice self-denial as you follow him daily?
3. In light of Jesus' teaching, how can you focus on serving others without being swayed by a desire for recognition or status?