The Gospel According to Mark: Jesus the Suffering ServantSample

Jesus often taught about the importance of loving others. He regularly spent time with people who were ignored or rejected. He loved everyone enough to die for them. Because of that, some people might say or think these kinds of things:

• “Jesus is OK with whatever people think and do.”
• “Jesus would never condemn anyone.”
• “Jesus wants everyone to be happy all the time.”
• “Jesus is against laws and rules. All he cares about is love.”

Fact: Jesus does love everyone, did die for everyone, and does offer new and real life to everyone.

Also fact: The ideas listed above are as misguided about Jesus’ real identity and purpose as the things people thought about the Messiah when Jesus was alive.

Following Jesus means honoring God's design for creation. It means loving him more than anything or anyone else. It means being willing to suffer on his behalf. It means being willing to give up whatever it is we think we can’t live without. It means serving others instead of seeking recognition and power and prestige.

Jesus didn’t chase after the rich man in this passage and say, “Wait! Don’t walk away! I’ll take back everything I said if you’ll just stay.” He didn’t say to his disciples, “I don’t want following me to be hard — so forget all the stuff about suffering and service.”

To us, Jesus says, “Following me will cost your life. But it will also give you life because I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Focused Reflection

verses 13-16 (Jesus and the children)

• What do you think Jesus meant when he said people must believe and receive his truth “like a child”?

verses 17-31 (Jesus clarifies the cost of following him)

• Jesus didn’t tell everyone he met that they must sell everything, give away their money, and follow him. That was a message for this specific person. Why do you think Jesus spoke these words to this man? What specific challenge do you think Jesus might have for you?

General Reflection

• What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?
• What do you learn about following Jesus from this passage?