Jesus Leads the Way - Follow Him - Growing Through God's Word

This is the second week of Lent. Although I studied Mark 10:32-34, I chose a different passage to memorize. Jesus leads the way to Jerusalem.

See the end of my study to find out which passage we are memorizing.

Using the SIMPLE Bible Study Method I try to figure out what God is telling me about the chosen passage.

S – Say the passage out loud: Check other versions.

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.  “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles,  who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” (Mark 10:32-34, NIV).

I – Interpret the passage – check footnotes, references, and commentaries. Find out all you can about the passage. When? Where? Why?

Jesus has been doing lots of walking, teaching, and miracles. He is always heading towards Jerusalem.

I looked at the reactions of the disciples: Mark 10:24. They were amazed at His words.

I looked at Jesus’ reactions: Mark 6:6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

I looked at the reactions of the crowds: The crowds were growing everywhere He went. Mark 7:37. They were overwhelmed with amazement.

This passage follows the passage of the rich man asking how to get eternal life. And is in between that story and the one of “who will be first” (Mark 10:35-45).

This is His 3rd passion prediction.

He adds the Gentiles to His prediction.

M – Make list of thoughts, questions and ideas.

Jesus has resolutely set Himself for Jerusalem.

Jesus leads the way.

I had so many thoughts after reading many commentaries.

The disciples, even though they were with Jesus, DID NOT UNDERSTAND.

Sometimes I want to skip this part too. It is filled with pain, anger and suffering.

But it’s there. It is part of our faith and I need to go through it.

P – Pray – after all your thoughts are expended – take time to talk to God and then to LISTEN to Him.

L – Life Application – Write down what you heard God speak (It might be entirely different than your thoughts – that’s okay)

I heard the word – resolute.

Checked that in the dictionary: marked by a a firm determination. Bold. Steady.

I find it interesting that I had painted a lion on Tuesdays, for Creative Tuesdays before I began to study this passage. I had chosen Proverbs 28:1 BE AS BOLD AS A LION.

Now really God? That is amazing.

When I read Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman, I determined to become a devoted follower of Jesus. When I joined Intentional Bloggers and Tribe Writers, I determined to learn as much as I could about blogging well.

But every step of the way I must remember to follow Jesus. (click to Tweet)

A few days ago I started reading my third book by Nancy E. Turner called My Name is Resolute. After the first few chapters I see the young child is aptly named. She has been captured by pirates, kept in a cell on board a ship, attacked, and sold to a family as a slave. She is fiery, determined and bold. She has suffered much in the first chapters. But she survives. She even joins in singing with the slaves aboard ship.

I hear that I need to continue to be bold for Jesus; to work on my books; to blog His Word; to connect with others; to encourage all of us onward.

So our scripture to memorize for Word of God Speak is Proverbs 28:1.

The wicked flee though no one pursues,
    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Watch as Jesus leads. Then be bold as a lion.

E – Exit the study with a written prayer of confirmation, forgiveness, praise or acceptance.

Lord, I am amazed, as the disciples were, at what You can do. But I have the privilege of knowing the end of the book. Yes You died but You rose again. You have freed us from death. We will not lose connection with You, Lord. We will continue to be with You forever and ever. Praising You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.

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