Mark’s Gospel opens at a rapid pace. One of his favorite words is “Immediately.” There is no birth narrative. No genealogy. No temptation in the wilderness. No turning water into wine. Jesus is introduced at his baptism, and immediately afterward, he begins calling his disciples. The first half of the book has Jesus instructing his followers through signs, healings, and parables. He is teaching them who he is and what his mission is all about.

In the middle of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus began to explain that he would suffer, die, and rise again after three days. They left the mountain region in the far north of Galilee and headed toward Jerusalem. As they traveled, Jesus repeated his mission to them three times. However, they ignored what Jesus was saying and instead argued among themselves about their future roles in the new kingdom. 

The disciples had noticed the crowds following Jesus. They counted 5,000 and 4,000 men on two separate occasions when Jesus had fed the people in the wilderness. They were evaluating their military strength. Records show that the Romans had 5,000 soldiers in all of Judea under Pontius Pilate, with about 500 stationed in Jerusalem. It’s no wonder the disciples believed their victory would be guaranteed. If Jesus were a modern-day Moses, they were counting on him to be a modern-day Joshua by leading them back into power in the promised land. 

In Mark 10:45, Jesus told his disciples, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (ESV). This is Mark’s key verse. Jesus did not come to be crowned as king, to judge his enemies, or to elevate his disciples. Jesus came to serve us by going to the cross, dying for our sins, and providing us with a righteousness we could not earn on our own. 

As we work through these daily readings for Holy Week, please keep in mind the stories that came before them. Mark intends for us to see the flow of his narrative. Every story gives us keen insight into the mind of Christ as he made his way to the cross and the empty tomb. 

Take time to read the assigned texts each day. My commentary isn't extensive. I’ve aimed to highlight two or three ideas from each reading to help with meditation. I was especially interested in highlighting any unique details exclusive to Mark’s narrative. Whatever time you spend reading, I encourage you to spend twice as much simply thinking about what you read. Immerse yourself in Holy Week with Mark’s Gospel. Reflect on the implications of Jesus’ teachings as they lead up to the climax of the cross and the final victory at the empty tomb.

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