The Path to the Cross {John 11, Mark 10-11}

We continue our #40DaysWithJesus in John 11, Mark 10, and Mark 11. These three chapters lay a clear path pointing toward the cross.

The Path to the Cross - John 11, Mark 10, Mark 11 #40DaysWithJesus

John 11 – Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life

In John 11 we read the well-known story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knows Lazarus is dying, but He does not hurry to heal Him.

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” (John‬ ‭11:5-6‬)

Jesus loves us so he allows us to experience what is real in this life. His love does not mean we won’t experience loss and pain. Rather He dwells with us in our suffering. He wept with Mary and Martha (John 11:35). Ultimately he did bring Lazarus back to life, just as He himself would rise from the dead.

Jesus proclaims to Martha:

John tell us that the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection brought many more to belief in Jesus (v. 45), but it also solidified the leadership’s opposition to Him: “So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.” (John 11:53)

Mark 10 – Jesus the Teacher

In this chapter Jesus speaks to the people of matters both temporal and eternal:

divorce (Mark 10:2-12)
children (Mark 10:13-16)
the way to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17-31)
ambition (Mark 10:35-45)

To His own disciples, on their way to Jerusalem, He speaks very clearly of what is to come:

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” (Mark 10:33-34)

This chapter is also where we find the healing of blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)

Mark 11 – Jesus Returns to Jerusalem

Jesus had just prophesied his own death and resurrection to His disciples, and now it was time to return to Jerusalem.

This chapter is easy to break down by day:

Sunday

Jesus command the disciples to bring him a colt they will find in the village
Jesus rides triumphantly into the city, people laying their cloaks and branches before Him to honor Him

Monday

Jesus curses the fig tree
He drives out the the money changers, sellers, and people in the temple courtyard
The chief priests and scribes determine to kill Jesus

Tuesday