Mark 10:32-34 “Entrusting and Waiting”

Mark 10:32-34 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Take Courage – Kristene DiMarco | Where His Light Was
• Way Maker – Leeland
• Wait On You – Elevation Worship & Maverick City
• His Kingdom | Isaiah6tyone (Korean Praise with ENG SUB)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus again tells about his death (Mark 10:28-34) – Bible Story for Kids
• I Will Trust You | HLA Wilderness Escape VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God | Everest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Thank God | ARISE Kids Praise | ARISE Kids JR – 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:

At a certain point not far from Jerusalem, Jesus suddenly quickens his pace with a solemn expression and demeanor. Seeing his figure from behind, the disciples were “astonished, while those who followed were afraid” (verse 32). They thought the time had come for a decisive battle against the Roman army. Just as the Maccabean brothers had once led a revolt against Emperor Antiochus Epiphanes, they believed they, too, must commit themselves to the war that Jesus was about to wage. It was, on one hand, a terrifying and daunting prospect, yet on the other hand, an exhilarating and heart-stirring moment.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus gathers his disciples and tells them what will happen in Jerusalem (verses 33-34). In the Gospel of Mark, this is the third prediction of his suffering (8:31; 9:31). In reality, he likely spoke of it more frequently and in greater detail. This time, his words are particularly specific. The reason for going up to Jerusalem is not to lead a rebellion but to be helplessly put to death. He will first be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law, who will sentence him to death and then hand him over to the Gentiles. He will be mocked, insulted, and ultimately killed. Yet, on the third day, he will rise from the dead.

Meditation:

As they approached Jerusalem, Jesus quickened his pace, and the disciples believed that the day of battle had arrived. The thought of engaging in a decisive conflict with the Roman army filled them with both trembling fear and an exhilarating surge of excitement—like dopamine spreading through every nerve in their bodies. They believed that with the miraculous power Jesus had demonstrated in Galilee, he would be able to utterly defeat the Roman forces and restore the great kingdom of David.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus teaches his disciples that his purpose in Jerusalem is not to lead a military uprising but to suffer and die in obedience to God’s will. This is the way the kingdom of God will come. When we fully surrender ourselves to God and follow His will, He establishes His kingdom in His time and in His way. The kingdom of God is not something we build; it is something we receive. It requires us to entrust ourselves completely to God and wait. This is why Jesus will willingly surrender himself and die on the cross.

The disciples neither understood nor accepted this nature of God’s kingdom until they arrived in Jerusalem. As a result, they left Jesus to die alone on the cross. Their lack of understanding reveals how deeply rooted the misconception was—that God’s kingdom would be a physical, earthly one. It also exposes the persistent human desire to establish God’s kingdom according to one’s own methods, within one’s own timeframe, and by one’s own strength.

Waiting is one of the hardest things for people to do. To trust in God and wait for His work requires surrendering one’s own control. Without truly knowing God, giving up control can feel harder than death itself. This is why the disciples could only follow Jesus properly after their old selves had died.

Prayer:

Lord, we also have the desire to establish your kingdom on this earth. We long to build it according to our own standards, our own timelines, and our own ways. Oh, Lord, correct this persistent misunderstanding within us. Remove the deep-rooted impatience that compels us to take matters into our own hands. Help us to surrender our whole being to you, to trust in your work, and to follow where you lead. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s kingdom is not something we build with our own strength, plans, or timing. Instead, we receive it by trusting in God, following Jesus, and waiting for His perfect plan to unfold. Just like the disciples, we may struggle with impatience and want things to happen our way, but Jesus teaches us to surrender and trust in God’s way.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Have you ever had to wait for something really exciting, like a birthday or a special trip? How did it feel to wait?
  • What is something you can ask God to help you be patient for?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • The disciples thought Jesus was going to fight a big battle, but instead, he chose to trust God and wait. Why do you think Jesus made that choice?
  • Why do you think it’s hard for people to let go of control and trust God?
• For High School
  • If God’s kingdom is something we receive, not something we build, what do you think it means to “receive” His kingdom in your life?
  • Jesus surrendered to God’s plan even when it meant suffering. What do you think it looks like to surrender to God in your own life?