Passion Passion Passion [Proper 24B]
The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Mark 10:35-45 Passion Passion Passion Three times. This has happened three times. In the verses immediately preceding today's Gospel reading, Jesus predicts his passion and death for the third time. And for the third time, his disciples just don't get it. After the first passion prediction in Mark's Gospel, Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him – which Jesus did not love. You might remember Jesus gave Peter the less-than-desirable nickname “Satan” after that little encounter. Peter expected big things from Jesus; that is why he was following Jesus. He was sure Jesus was selling himself short. Surely he could do better than death on a cross. That was a pretty low bar. The first try didn't take, so Jesus tries again. Still not successful. After the second passion prediction in Mark's Gospel, the disciples argue about which of them is the greatest; they spent the road ...