I.
The Basics
A.
Setting
Jesus continued His journey to Jerusalem. On the way, He
repeated in greater detail the prophecy of His suffering, death, and
resurrection (compare 10:33-34 to 8:31; 9:31). Still, the twelve disciples were
blind to the fact that Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give His life a ransom for many” (10:45).
B.
Key Verse
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (10:45).
“What do you want Me to do for you?” (10:36,
also 10:51)
C.
Did You Know…?
1.
Gentiles (10:33): Non-Jews in general. In this
verse, it refers specifically to the Romans because the Jews lacked political
power to exercise capital punishment and must defer to the Roman government.
2.
Chief priests (10:33): Also called “high
priests.” They were revered civil and religious dignitaries. Aside from his
religious office, a chief priest was also the chairman of the Sanhedrin (Jewish
high court) and head of political relations with the Roman government. During
Jesus’ time, the chief priests were Annas and Caiaphas, who later recommended
putting Jesus to death (Jn 11:49-50) and persecuted the early church (Acts 4:6;
5:17-18).
3.
“Drink the cup” (10:38): The cup was a common
Jewish metaphor either for joy (Ps 23:5) or for divine judgment (Jer 25:15).
4.
Jericho (10:46): A very ancient city located 5
miles (8 kilometers) west of the Jordan and about 15 miles (24 kilometers)
northeast of Jerusalem. In Jesus’ time, the Old Testament Jericho was largely
abandoned, but a new city, south of the old one, had been built by Herod the
Great.
5.
Begging (10:46): Beggars were commonly found in
public places. The prevalence of begging was due to the lack of a relief system,
to the lack of a cure for common diseases, and to the impoverishment under the
excessive taxation of the Roman government.
II.
Observation
A.
Outline
(10:32-34)
(10:35-45)
(35-37)
(38-40)
(41-45)
(10:46-52)
(46-48)
(49-51)
(52)
B.
Key Words/Phrases
III.
General Analysis
1a. List the titles used to identify Jesus in this passage? How does
each illustrate Jesus’ character?
1b. How did Jesus demonstrate His identity as a servant in this passage?
In the book of Mark? In the Bible? In your life?
1c. What do you identify yourself as? How does your identity influence
what you do?
2. Contrast
James and John’s initial request (35) to Bartimaeus’ (47). Compare them to the
Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14.
3a. Why should we ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” To whom can
you ask this question?
3b. What is your answer when Jesus asks, “What do you want Me to do for
you?”
IV.
Segment Analysis
A.
10:32-34
1. In the NKJV, verse 32 implies
that the disciples were also amazed and afraid. Why do you think the disciples
were amazed and afraid?
2. Why did Jesus tell the twelve
disciples what would happen to Him?
B.
10:35-45
3. What does James’ and John’s
request for glory (37) tell you about their self-identity? What does this teach
us about our attitude in serving God?
4a. What did James and John think
was Jesus’ glory?
4b. What is the true meaning of
sitting at Jesus’ right and left? (cf. Rom 8:17; 2Tim 2:12).
5a. What did James and John think
was Jesus’ cup and baptism?
5b. What was Jesus’ cup and
baptism? (cf. Did You Know 3).
6. Based on verses 42-44, how
should church organization be different from secular organization?
7. How does Jesus give His life
as a “ransom for many” (45)? A ransom for what?
8. Verse 43 repeats the lesson
Jesus taught in 9:35. How many times does Jesus repeat a lesson before you
understand? What does this tell you about your faith?
C.
10:46-52
9. Why do you think the people
rebuked Bartimaeus (48)? Compare them to the disciples who rebuked those who
brought little children to Jesus (10:13).
10. Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son
of David.” What does this tell you about his faith?
11. Bartimaeus said to Jesus, “I want
to see” (NIV; emphasis added) as opposed to, “I hope I can see” or “It would be
nice if I could see.” Why did he dare to ask so forcefully? What does this
teach you about praying for God’s mercy?
12. Contrast this healing to the
one in 8:22-26. What do the differences tell you about Jesus’ ministry at this
point in time?
13. What can we learn from
Bartimaeus’ persistence?