Gospel of Mark Bible Part 59: A Few Days Before Palm Sunday [Bible Study]

Rev. Bruce A. Shields
Apr 13
5 min read

Bible Studies based on sermons from The House of Faith Church by Rev. Bruce A. Shields

Bible Study Guide: “Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection”

Scripture Focus: Mark 10:32–34

"And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him: ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him and spit on Him, and flog Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.’”

Opening Reflection

Think about a time you knew a great trial was coming. The waiting, the dread, the anxiety—sometimes these weigh heavier than the trial itself. Jesus understood all that was ahead of Him—His betrayal, suffering, and death—and still walked steadfastly toward Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions:

What does Jesus’ determination teach us about obedience and courage?
Why might God allow us to see trials coming before they arrive?

Background and Context

Last week, Jesus had taught about the cost and reward of true discipleship, right after warning of the dangers wealth brings to the soul. As He traveled toward Jerusalem with His disciples and followers, Jesus sought to prepare them for what was about to take place—His suffering, death, and resurrection.

The term “passion” here refers not to emotion or desire, but to suffering. It comes from the Latin passio, rooted in the Greek paschō, meaning “to suffer.” The “Passion of Christ” is therefore the suffering that led to His death.

Jesus predicted His suffering and resurrection three times:

In Mark 8:31, near Caesarea Philippi, emphasizing the necessity of it.
In Mark 9:31, as they traveled through Galilee, stressing its certainty.
And in Mark 10:32–34, while approaching Jerusalem, giving the fullest detail.

I. The Setting

A. On the Road to Jerusalem

They were traveling from beyond the Jordan, through Jericho, toward Jerusalem for the Passover. This would be Jesus’ final approach to the city before His crucifixion.

B. The Order of Their Walk

Scripture shows Jesus leading, the twelve disciples following close behind, and the larger crowd trailing further back.

Jesus had just said, “The last shall be first, and the first last.” (Mark 10:31). His position at the front was not from pride or worldly rank but humility and obedience to the Father’s will. Those following Him represented the pattern for all disciples—walking behind, learning His ways of service and sacrifice.

Discussion Questions:

Are we walking behind Jesus out of obedience, or striving to be “first” by the world’s standards?
How do humility and submission reshape our understanding of leadership?

C. Their Attitudes

Luke records that Jesus “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). The disciples were amazed at His courage, but also overwhelmed by fear, knowing what awaited in Jerusalem.

The people following them were even more fearful, aware of the threats made by the religious leaders toward anyone who confessed Jesus as Christ (John 9:22, John 11:8, John 11:57).

Despite fear and danger, Jesus led decisively, showing how true courage is grounded in obedience to God’s will.

II. The Prediction

Jesus described seven events that would take place in Jerusalem.

1. Betrayal

The Son of Man would be betrayed to the chief priests and the scribes (Mark 10:33). This referred to the Jewish Sanhedrin, their highest council. Fulfilled in Mark 14:41–46.

2. Condemnation

They would condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles—the Romans, who alone held authority to execute (John 18:31).Fulfilled in Mark 14:55–64.

3. Mockery and Contempt

He would be ridiculed by the Gentiles. Fulfilled in Mark 15:16–20, Mark 15:29–32.

4. Spitting

He would be spat upon in hatred and scorn. Fulfilled in Mark 14:65 and Mark 15:19.

5. Scourging

He would be whipped severely. The Roman “scourge” consisted of thongs weighted with bone or lead, tearing deeply into the flesh. Fulfilled in Mark 15:15.

6. Death

After the torture would come crucifixion (Matthew 20:19).Fulfilled in Mark 15:37–47.

7. Resurrection

But on the third day, He would rise again. Earlier He had declared, “Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19–22) Fulfilled in Mark 16:1–7.

Discussion Question:

How does knowing Jesus foresaw every detail of His suffering strengthen your trust in Him today?

III. Lessons from His Foretelling

When Jesus first predicted these things, Peter rebuked Him (Mark 8:31–33). The second time, the disciples were too afraid to ask questions (Mark 9:31–32). But now, in this third prophecy, they remain silent—slowly beginning to understand His mission.

Jesus knew everything He would face. The mental anguish and anticipation were part of His suffering, yet He endured for our sake.

Discussion Question:

What does Jesus’ calm acceptance of His suffering reveal about His trust in the Father’s will?

IV. Encouragement for Today

When anxiety, fear, or exhaustion bear down, Scripture reminds us:

"Since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary, fainting in heart.” Hebrews 12:1–3

To be “fainting in heart” means to falter inwardly—to lose hope. Modern words might be “giving up” or “burning out.” But Jesus, walking knowingly toward the Cross, teaches us endurance born from love.

Charles Rosenbury Erdman once wrote, “Let us pause to gaze on that face and form, the Son of God, going with unfaltering step toward the Cross! Does it not awaken us to new heroism as we follow; does it not awaken new love as we see how voluntary was His death for us?”

Final Reflection

Fix your eyes on Jesus—who walked toward suffering with perfect faith. Because He endured, you can endure. When your heart feels faint, remember His courage, His love, and His victory. Keep moving forward, trusting Him to sustain you no matter the trial.

Group Discussion Prompt: