Mark 9:30-32 “Too Afraid to Ask”

Mark 9:30-32 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Casting Crowns – Scars in Heaven
• Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsong
• Jesus Paid It All – Kristian Stanfill

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Who is the greatest? (Mark 9:30-41) – Bible Story (0:00 – 0:22)
• No Matter How I Feel | Sky VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Kids Praise Party: One Way – Hillsong Kids – Song for Kids
• Turn Your Eyes | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After leaving that place, Jesus “passed through Galilee” (v. 30). The phrase “passed through” means that he traveled directly without stopping to meet people. Jesus was making a direct journey from Mount Hermon in northern Galilee toward Jerusalem. To do so, he had to pass through Galilee and Samaria. Jesus did not want people to know that he was heading to Jerusalem because those who considered him the Messiah might follow him and cause an uproar.

As Jesus passed through Galilee, he prepared his disciples for what would occur in Jerusalem. The disciples expected the Messiah, Jesus, to establish an earthly kingdom. However, what Jesus would do as the Messiah was entirely different from their expectations. As the Messiah, he would first be “delivered” into the hands of men, be killed, and rise again on the third day. The phrase “delivered” should be translated as “handed over.” It is God who would hand Jesus over to be killed by the hands of men. Only through this process would he receive his eternal kingship as the Son of Man.

The disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying because it differed from their concept of the Messiah. When something is unclear, it is natural to ask for clarification. However, they were “afraid to ask Him” (v. 32) because they sensed that something they did not want was approaching. They did not want to know about the ominous event that was to come.

Meditation:

Jesus and his followers traveled from Mount Hermon in the northern region of Galilee to Jerusalem—a journey of over 200 miles in a straight line. Walking along winding and rugged paths would have taken several days. Jesus used this time as a period of special instruction for his disciples. During this journey, he refrained from performing miracles unless absolutely necessary, focusing instead on teaching and preparing his disciples.

Jesus’ instruction for his disciples focused on preparing them for what would happen to him in Jerusalem. In the Gospel of Mark, there are three recorded instances where Jesus foretells his death and resurrection (Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34). However, in reality, he likely spoke about it more frequently and in greater detail.

The disciples could not imagine that the Messiah would have to suffer and die. Because of this, they could not even begin to comprehend the reality of his resurrection from the dead. At first, they outright rejected the idea, insisting that it must not and could not happen (Mark 8:32). But as Jesus continued to speak about it, they no longer openly opposed him, yet fear grew in their hearts. Though they did not fully understand what he meant, they sensed that something ominous was approaching.

As we see later, the disciples ultimately did not accept Jesus’ words. As a result, he went to the cross and died alone. It was only after encountering the risen Christ that they understood and accepted the mystery of the cross and the resurrection. Their faith became even more certain after experiencing the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This shows just how deeply the disciples were attached to their expectation of an earthly kingdom.

Do we truly understand the mystery of the cross and the resurrection today? Like the disciples, aren’t the vast majority of those who claim to believe in Jesus still longing for an earthly kingdom? Despite possessing incredible miraculous power, Jesus set it all aside and silently walked the path of the cross to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Are we following that same path today? Or are we more inclined to seek a path of victory, strength, and dominion—trying to harness Jesus’ miraculous power for our own success rather than walking in his way of humility and sacrifice?

Prayer:

Lord, in the attitude of the disciples, we see ourselves. We claim to believe and follow you, yet we long to wear the crown. We fear you might ask us to do something we do not want. We hesitate, worried that you might call us to give up what we love. You walked the path of the cross, but we want to walk the path of glory. Oh Lord, what can we possibly accomplish with faith like this? With such faith, we, too, would have abandoned You on the cross and fled. Have mercy on us. Help us truly understand the mystery of the cross and the resurrection. Give us the strength to walk on that path. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus’ path to the cross was difficult, but he followed God’s plan with faith and obedience. The disciples were afraid and did not fully understand, just like we sometimes struggle to trust God. But through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we learn that true faith means following God’s way, even when it is hard or different from what we expect.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Have you ever been scared to ask a question? Why do you think the disciples were afraid to ask Jesus?
  • If you could ask Jesus one question, what would it be?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Jesus could have used his power to avoid suffering, but he chose to follow God’s plan. What does this teach us about true strength?
  • If following Jesus means sometimes giving up what we want, why do you think it is still worth it?
• For High School
  • The disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ path to the cross because they expected a different kind of Messiah. Have you ever struggled with your expectations of God? How do you handle it when he works differently than you expected?
  • Many people want Jesus’ power but not his suffering. Why do you think this is a common struggle? How can we develop a faith that seeks Jesus for who he is, not just what he can do for us?