Charles Ellicott Commentary Mark 10:32-34

"And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them: and they were amazed; and they that followed were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were to happen unto him, [saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles: and they shall mock him, and shall spit upon him, and shall scourge him, and shall kill him; and after three days he shall rise again." — Mark 10:32-34 (ASV)

And they were in the way.—See Notes on Matthew 20:17-19.

Jesus went before them.—Better, was leading the way. The word is the same as that used in Matthew 21:9; Matthew 21:31. The graphic picture of the order in which the Master and the disciples were at this time travelling is eminently characteristic of Saint Mark. The special mention of “the Twelve” implies that there were other disciples, possibly the Seventy of Luke 10:1, and the “devout women” of Luke 8:1.

And they were amazed.—We have clearly in these words a vivid reproduction of states of feeling which the disciples remembered, but for which the facts related hardly give a sufficient explanation. Probably the words that had just been spoken—still more, perhaps, the look and tone which accompanied them—and the silent withdrawal from conversation with them, struck all the disciples with a vague fear, and the Twelve with absolute terror.

Shall spit upon him.—In common with Saint Luke, but not with Saint Matthew.