Markus 4:16

4:16 These are the ones sown on rocky ground: As soon as they hear the word, they receive it with joy.

Markus 10:40

10:40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared.” ¹ 

Markus 11:3

11:3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it ²  and will send it back here soon.’”

Markus 12:6

12:6 He had one left, his one dear son. ³  Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

Markus 12:25

12:25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels ⁴  in heaven.

¹ sn After the first passion prediction in 8:31 Jesus rebuked Peter as having been used by Satan. After the second passion prediction in 9:31 the disciples were concerned about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. After the third passion prediction in 10:33 James and John asked for positions of honor and rulership in the kingdom, revealing their complete misunderstanding of the nature of the kingdom and exposing their inadequacy as true disciples of Jesus. Jesus replied that such positions were for those for whom it has been prepared.

² sn The custom called angaria allowed the impressment of animals for service to a significant figure.

³ tn Grk “one beloved son.” See comment at Mark 1:11.

sn The owner’s decision to send his one dear son represents God sending Jesus.

⁴ sn Angels do not die, nor do they eat according to Jewish tradition (1 En. 15:6; 51:4; Wis 5:5; 2 Bar. 51:10; 1QH 3.21-23).