Jesus in Control | Mark 10:32–34


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, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.”

Some think that the crucifixion was outside of Christ’s control.  Typically, these would be those who would also deny that God had a plan in it or that it had significant meaning for you or me.  In this short passage, however, we see the boldness of Christ in facing what He knew was coming.  He even explains to His disciples what is about to take place so they are prepared—and we should notice His control.

First, notice His determination (v. 32).  This is what the disciples noticed, causing them amazement.  He was leading the way.  He set His face like flint (Is 50:7) despite the dangers that exist.  He knew the Jews sought to kill Him, and even His brothers had previously taunted Him, telling Him to go up to Jerusalem and make Himself known (Jn 7:1–9).  Yet, He goes on ahead boldly.

Second, notice His pre-determination (vv. 33–34).  Perhaps because the greater crowd of followers were fearful, Jesus calls His disciples aside to speak to them of His coming suffering.  This is the third and last time He predicts this (cf. 8:31; 9:31), including seven detailed prophecies concerning His treatment: He’ll be betrayed (Lk 22:47–48), the Sanhedrin will condemn Him to death (Mk 15:15), He’ll then be turned over to the Romans (the Jews had no power to execute under the Romans), who will then mock (15:17–20), spit upon (14:65), and scourge Him (15:15), and finally crucify Him (cf. Mt 20:19).

It’s easy to read vv. 33–34 and wonder if He had any control.  Even so, we must remember that He’s preparing His disciples for what is coming.  He’s also walking boldly into Jerusalem, knowing all of this.  He willingly plans to undergo all for the sake of saving our souls.  And none of this—even His death—keeps Him from His sovereign control over the situation, for He says that He will rise again three days later.  This means we can trust Him with our salvation, and regardless of the evil of man, we can always trust His control.

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