Mark now describes what was undoubtedly a tense and dramatic moment in the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Apparently, as they neared the city, Jesus suddenly stepped out ahead of them with a strange look in his eyes and a sense of purpose and determination in his bearing. His manner caused the disciples to feel that something momentous was about to happen. The word that is here translated amazed (astonished) really means terrified.
It would seem that fear spread throughout the entire group that was following Jesus.
Jesus did not attempt to allay their fears. He did not minimize the gravity of the situation into which they were moving. Instead, he again put in clear and simple language the truth about his impending death at the hands of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. On this occasion he went more into detail and described not only the suffering that awaited him but the shame that would be heaped on him as he said concerning himself: 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 10:34). What a vivid picture of the events as they were actually to take place!
It should be noted that each time Jesus referred to his suffering and death (Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31), he invariably concluded with mention of his resurrection on the third day. While he was fully aware of the travail that awaited him, he was ever mindful that the victory of his enemies would be short-lived. Beyond the pain of death lay the certainty of the resurrection. By itself, the cross is a gigantic tragedy. Coupled with the resurrection, it is the door of hope for all mankind.
One would think that the disciples, on hearing their Master's sobering words, would have been filled with compassionate concern for him. How dark was the way that lay before him!
Yet, their thoughts were not for him but for themselves and their own advancement and prestige. They could not get away from the belief that Jesus would in the near future reign on the earth as the Messiah, the second David. So, once again, just as they had done at the last time he spoke to them of his death and resurrection (Mark 9:31), they brought up the question of their places of honor in the kingdom.
It was James and John who brought up the subject. Without any apparent sense of impropriety they asked, Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory (Mark 10:37). This request envisioned Jesus sitting on the throne of his kingdom with his ministers of state gathered about him, the chief minister sitting on the right and one minister next in rank on his left.
Jesus did not try to correct the incomplete understanding the disciples held concerning the nature of his kingdom. That problem would shortly be resolved. All too soon, they would discover just how mistaken they were. What Jesus did assail was their false notion of greatness in the kingdom. He had already expressed himself on this subject (Mark 9:35) but, obviously, his words had fallen on deaf ears. James and John had used the imagery of the Gentile courts in which honors were handed out on the basis of favoritism and to gain political support. It would not be so in the Kingdom of Heaven. The honors of the Kingdom are not gifts but rewards.
Once again, Jesus set forth the Christian principle of greatness: Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. (Mark 10:44). On a previous occasion he had illustrated this principle by pointing to a little child (Mark 9:36). On this occasion, he illustrated it by referring to himself and his own sacrificial ministry. Even he, the Son of Man, the promised Deliverer, came not to be served but to be a servant to the extent that he would, at last, yield up his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
The meaning of the phrase a ransom for many as applied to the death of Jesus Christ cannot be better defined than by a reference from the Old Testament: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that brought us peace was upon him (Isaiah 53:5)
The crowds journeying from Galilee to Jerusalem for the Passover usually avoided passing through despised Samaria by crossing the Jordan, making their way down the east side of the river, even as Jesus and his disciples had done. At Jericho, some fifteen miles from Jerusalem, the Passover pilgrims would re-cross the Jordan.
It was the custom for the people who for one reason or another could not attend the Passover to line the streets of Jericho to greet the passers-by. For this reason, the city was crowded when Jesus put in his appearance. Already the news of his coming had been widely heralded. There had been great talk of his miracles and his matchless teaching. Was this, indeed, the Messiah of promise? The atmosphere was tense with excitement. (The story of Zaccheus - Luke 19:1-10 - belongs to this same period).
As Jesus went out from Jericho, he came upon a blind man who was begging alms by the side of the road. Suddenly the man sensed the excitement that was in the air and asked what was going on. The answer was that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. Immediately, blind Bartimeus began to cry out, not for alms but for healing. He would not be silenced by the crowd, but persisted in crying at the top of his voice, Son of David, have mercy on me! (Mark 10:48)
In the midst of all the tumult, Jesus heard the blind man's cry and spoke, call him. The many in the company who had sought to rebuke the earnest seeker were silenced by Jesus's words. Others, probably more friendly to Bartimeus, passed on the word: Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you. (Mark 10:49)
Why did Bartimeus throw his cloak aside? Was this an unusual act for a blind person, who would ordinarily be careful to keep his garments within reach? It may be that he expected to be able to see it when he returned back. Jesus, granting him his request said simply, Go, your faith has healed you. (Mark 10:52)
The heart-warming note about this story is that, having recovered his sight, Bartimeus did not go off about his own business, but followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:52)