Passion Prediction
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Heading into this week’s gospel, we are reminded once again of the need to establish the context and remember where we are.
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In skipping over the third Passion prediction, the lectionary doesn’t help us connect the dots to the nature of the disciples’ error.
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Jesus engages the disciples in their distraction and confusion—naming the way they are becoming the temptation to sin.
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In the turning point in the gospel of Mark, Jesus is confronted with Peter’s ignorance and empire’s promise of safe oppression.
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The challenge of the Passion Predictions is that they force us to confront our failure to follow Jesus, to love in the way he teaches.
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In the second passion prediction, Jesus again upends the disciples’ expectations (and ours) for a messiah, and for his followers.