Mark 10: 35-45

Between the end of last week's gospel text and the text for this week Mark recounts Jesus' third prediction of his suffering and death. "They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 'Behold, we are going to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death. But after three days he will rise.'" (Mark 10: 32-34)

1. What hopes do your have for your future? How would you like your life to be different in 5, 10 or 20 years?
2. Where in your culture is honorable to be dedicate ones service of others? Where is it honorable to do that as a side venture but not one's life work? Can a person live a honorable life as so little service of others? How would your attitude be different than that of your culture?
3. Do you think the disciples were really as unaware of the possibility that Jesus would suffer and even be put to death as Mark portrays?
4. How aware are you of the possibility of suffering and persecution for following the values of Jesus in your own life?
5. Who are the leaders around you who seem to approach their role with a real sense of service?
6. How can you approach your life with a greater sense of service?

(Comments to Paul at frpaul@franoutreach.org.)

Serving the University of Houston, Main Campus