"We're now on a journey with Jesus and the disciples. For the next couple of chapters they will be on their way to Jerusalem. In fact, this journey to Jerusalem occupies the entirety of the second section of Mark’s Gospel. If we were to view Mark as a play in three acts, as some have done, this would be Act 2. Act 3 will cover the final week in Jerusalem--and the last five chapters of the book.
The focus of Jesus’ ministry now is the disciples. He must prepare them for what’s ahead--not just his passion, but for their responsibilities after. They are the foundation of the Church, Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone. They must be ready to carry on his ministry after he is gone.
Much of what Jesus will be doing is a re-education process. They must unlearn as many things as they must learn.
You and I are not much different from them. We, too, often find ourselves unlearning many things as our growth in grace goes forward. Remember, we are being unconformed to this world as we are being transformed into the image of Christ through the renewal of our minds.
And as we begin this journey with Jesus and the disciples we need to be reminded of the words of the Father from the Shekinah cloud on the Mount of Transfiguration to Peter, James, and John. Remember what he said? “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
So you and I are going to do the same thing this morning. We are going to listen to Christ as he reeducates us and prepares us for the kingdom in its fullness."
Click here: Mark 9:30-41 - Lessons Along the Way
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