ISB ~ Mark 8 v27 - 10

Seven times in this section reference is made to “the way”, although this (Greek) motif is muted through various translations like “journey”, “road”, and “roadside” (8:27; 9:33-34; 10:17, 32, 46, 52). At the narrative level, it depicts the steady movements of Jesus on “the way” to Jerusalem. On a theological level, Jesus is teaching that “the way” to heavenly glory is “the way” of heroic suffering. He first clears “the way” through his own Passion and then summons disciples to follow in his footsteps (1 Pet 2:21; 4:13).

• This Marcan motif recalls the New Exodus motif of Isaiah. Just as Yahweh delivered the Israelites from Egypt and led them on “the way” to the Promised Land (Ex 13:21-22), so Isaiah envisioned a second Exodus from the bondage of sin to a new life with the Lord. The prophet describes this as a great journey along “the way” to Mt. Zion (Is 30:19-21; 35:8-10; 40:3-5; 48:17; 51:10-11; 62:10-11). See note on Mk 1:2-3.