SUMMARY
Again, following a pattern established in the second major section of the Gospel according to Mark, JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. announces his passionPassion is the theological term used to describe Jesus' suffering prior to and including his crucifixion. The Passion Narrative (the portions of the Gospels that tell of the Last Supper, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus) are often read in church during Holy Week. and resurrection then teaches about discipleship.
ANALYSIS
The setting of Jesus’ second announcement is in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee, as he and his disciples draw closer to Jerusalem (9:30-31). The misunderstanding that follows, when the disciples discuss who among them is the greatest (9:33-35), creates the setting for Jesus to teach about discipleship. His words focus on the paradox that those who would be first “must be last of all and servant of all” (9:35-37). Jesus continues to teach his disciples about the acceptance of others who exorcize in his name (9:38-41), gives warning about the reality of sin (9:42-48), and calls the disciples to be like the seasoning property of salt (9:49-50).
The setting of Jesus’ teaching moves into the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan River, where Jesus teaches on marriage and divorce, interpreting the true intent of the law (10:1-12). Jesus teaches the disciples that the acceptance of children is a true sign of receiving the kingdom of GodThe kingdom (reign) of God is a central theme of Jesus' teaching and parables. According to Jesus this reign of God is a present reality and at the same time is yet to come. When Christians pray the Lord's Prayer, they ask that God's kingdom... (10:13-16). A rich man who knows the law is blinded by his wealth, unable to see the true treasure of the call to follow Jesus (10:17-22). Jesus draws upon his encounter with this man as an example showing how riches get in the way of entering the kingdom of God (10:23-27). The paradox of first and last concludes this cycle of passages as Jesus teaches the disciples the reality of leaving family to follow him (10:28-31).
