Gospel of Mark Bible Part 60: The Cup and the Baptism [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Bible Study Guide: “The Cup and the Baptism of Jesus”
Scripture Focus: Mark 10:35–40
"Then James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.’ And He said to them, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ And they said to Him, ‘Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?’ And they said to Him, ‘We are able.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’
Opening Discussion
What does ambition look like in our culture today?
How do we sometimes ask God for things that come from pride or misunderstanding rather than submission?
Invite participants to read Matthew 20:20 for a parallel account notice the involvement of their mother.
Background and Context
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were early disciples called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:21). They immediately left their family and livelihood to follow Him, showing obedience and resolve. Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder,” likely due to their strong zeal.
At one point, they even asked to call down fire on a Samaritan village (Luke 9:54), showing their intensity—but also a lack of understanding. Over time, that zeal was refined into faithfulness. John stayed near the cross (John 19:26), and James became the first apostle to die for the faith (Acts 12:1–2).
Their request in Mark 10 shows they still did not grasp that the road to glory comes through suffering.
I. The Cup and Baptism of Suffering
A. What They Mean
In Scripture, “the cup” often symbolizes one’s allotted experience from God. It can represent blessing or judgment.
A cup of blessing: “You prepare a table before me... my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5)
A cup of wrath or judgment: “For a cup is in the hand of Yahweh... all the wicked of the earth must drink down its dregs” (Psalm 75:8)
For Jesus, the cup represented suffering: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36)“Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11)
Likewise, the baptism Jesus referred to meant being overwhelmed or immersed in great distress. The psalmist used similar imagery: “I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me.” (Psalm 69:2)
Jesus Himself said, “But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is finished!” (Luke 12:50)
Discussion Question:
How does understanding these metaphors deepen your appreciation for what Jesus endured for us?
B. How It Was Experienced
Jesus told His followers they too would face suffering: "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20)
James was martyred (Acts 12:2), and Paul described his sufferings vividly (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).
Modern Reflection: Believers today also share in Christ’s sufferings. Around the world, many face violence for their faith, while others experience ridicule, rejection, or loss for standing with Christ.
Discussion Questions:
What kinds of “cups” of suffering do believers face in our time?
How do we respond to trials when they come?
II. The Cup and Baptism of Blessing
While the cup and baptism of suffering come to those who follow Jesus, the Lord also provides a cup and baptism of blessing for every believer.
A. The Cup of Blessing
“Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16)
During the Lord’s Supper, this cup represents Jesus’ blood of the new covenant: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)“For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)
When we partake faithfully, we proclaim His death and draw near in fellowship with Him.
Discussion Question:
How does the Lord’s Supper remind you of both the suffering and the blessing of Christ?
B. The Baptism of Blessing
Jesus commanded baptism for all who repent and believe: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
Through baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised to new life (Romans 6:3–7). It is our appeal for a clean conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21) and marks the point at which sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).
Discussion Question:
How does Christian baptism mark both a spiritual death and resurrection for believers today?
Conclusion
Jesus told James and John that they would indeed share His cup and baptism of suffering. Yet before that, they first needed to experience the cup and baptism of blessing—the forgiveness of sins and the new life that comes through faith and obedience.
Those who belong to Christ are called to both share His sufferings and partake in His blessings.
Final Reflection
Every follower of Jesus must ask:
Have I received the baptism of blessing through faith and repentance?
Am I willing to accept the cup of suffering that comes from following Him?
Faithfulness means saying, as Jesus did, “Not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36)
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