The Way of the Cross

Jesus says he’s going to die. Then he repeats himself. Then he does it again. Three times Jesus predicts his death and resurrection in Mark 8-10. These predictions serve as a transition in the Gospel of Mark from focusing on the person of Jesus to the mission of Jesus. This week, we look at the second prediction. Jesus tells his disciples what is coming and spends time teaching them each time they don’t get it. Jesus is on the way to the cross and he’s attempting to train his disciples in the way of the cross. As you read through the text this week on pages 81-82 in your journal (circling characters today), make sure to note the three parts of this pattern: Jesus’ prediction, the disciples’ failure and Jesus’ instruction.

We see the disciples’ pattern in our lives too often. We read something in the Bible or hear a challenging message during the weekend and then, like the disciples, fail to really process it and put it into action. It’s the difference between information and transformation. When we don’t put in the time or energy to allow what Jesus says to transform our lives, we will continually repeat this pattern. Our lives won’t be shaped to the cross (cruciform). Thankfully, as Jesus did with the disciples, he doesn’t give up on us. He keeps calling us to follow him and listen to him.