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Mark: Topic Jesus as Suffering Messiah
Anonymous (all the gospels are). Tradition going back to Papias (c. 135) attributes to Mark, a disciple of Peter (see Harris, p. 128). Evaluation. Tradition: Rome Others: Syria; Palestine
A. Circumstances of origin
1. Author
1. Place
2. Date: 65-70
Nero's persecution (64) Fall of Jerusalem (70) 3. Purpose: Written in a time of crisis to strengthen Christians faced with suffering for the faith.
A. Key themes in Mark
1. God's agent in eschatological conflict with evil
Portrays Jesus' ministry in terms of a "cosmic battle" with evil. Kingdom of God final reign of God, after evil is destroyed. Sense of urgency fast-paced; "immediately" 42 times. Exorcisms: Jesus vs. demons; God vs. Satan (3:22-27). Final victory won on Cross.
2. Powerful Son of God who dies sacrificially.
Background of "Son of God":
OT: heavenly beings (angels); humans (Israel; king). Judaism: Messiah; any righteous person who bears God's character. Greek world: Son of God = superhuman miracle-worker.
Superscription (1:1) Baptism (1:10-11) heavenly voice: "This is My Son." Exorcisms (3:11; 5:7) Transfiguration (9:7) heavenly voice: "This is My Son." Trial (14:61) Death (15:39) climax of Mk.; centurion; only human affirmation
Occurences of "Son of God" in Mk.:
Jesus' sacrificial death reveals him to be Son of God. It is the Cross of Christ that supremely reveals the character of God: sacrificial love.
B. Key themes in Mark (cont.)
3. Heavenly Son of Man who must suffer.
a. Background of "Son of Man":
OT a human being Apoc. lit. heavenly Cosmic Judge who comes on clouds at End Time (Dan. 7:14).
b. Gospels most freq. title for Jesus; used three ways:
(1) Eschatological Son of Man (Mk. 13:26-27; 8:38). Cosmic Judge who comes at end riding on clouds, etc. "Parousia" expectation ("second" coming). (2) Earthly Son of Man (2:10, 27) has authority. (3) Suffering Son of Man (8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) "Passion Predictions."
1. The "Messianic Secret"
Famous term coined by W. Wrede (1901). Jesus' identity as Messiah is kept hidden (8:27-33). Can't be revealed until after death (9:9). Only Jesus' sacrificial death reveals what kind of Messiah he is.
B. Key themes in Mark (cont.)
1. Centrality of the Passion
M. Khler: "a passion narrative with an extended introduction." Six chapters devoted to "Passion Week" (ch. 11-16). Ministry begins after arrest of John the Baptist (1:14). Plot to kill Jesus as early as 3:6. Passion Predictions central in ch. 8-10. Jesus' death is a sacrifice for others (10:45; 14:24; 15:38). "Disciple" = pupil, learner, follower. Abandon all to follow Jesus (teaching, example) Willingness to suffer and die (8:34-38).
2. Call to discipleship
A. Outline of Mark
Galilee (1-8)
(pop.; success)
Journey (8-10)
(Peter's Confession;
Jerusalem (11-16)
(rejection; death) Passion Predictions)
1:1-13
Introduction
John the Baptist eschatological prophet; forerunner of Messiah Baptism of Jesus called to be "servant Messiah" Temptation 40 days "testing" in wilderness
Baptism & Temptation
1:14-8:26 Galilee Ministry ch. 1 Beginnings: only after John's arrest
Preaching the "Kingdom of God" (1:14-15) main theme in
Galilee Ministry teaching of historical Jesus (all 3 Synoptics) Calling first disciples: Simon (Peter) & Andrew; James & John
Healing: unclean spirit; fever; leprosy; etc. Fame spreads; crowds gather.
1:14-8:26 Galilee Ministry (cont.) ch. 2-3 Controversies over various issues:
Forgiving sins (2:1-12) Eating with tax collectors and sinners (2:13-17) Fasting (2:18-22) Sabbath observance (2:23-3:6) Exorcisms (3:22-30)
Perplexity of Jesus' family (3:21, 31-35) Appointment of the Twelve (3:13-19)
Disciple = pupil, learner, follower. Apostle = one sent out as authorized messenger. Twelve symbolize restoration of Israel. "Disciples" include more than the 12.
1:14-8:26 Galilee Ministry (cont.) ch. 4 Parables (Make list of Synoptic parables covered; study carefully.)
Mustard Seed (vv. 30-32)
Contrast: small start, big result. K of G is already present ("embryonically") in Jesus' ministry but not yet in its fullness. (Assures that it will come.) Contrasts wasted seed with successful seed. Despite failures/setbacks Jesus' ministry will bring K of G. interpretation Allegorical (v. 14-20) perhaps added by early church; admonishes proper response to preaching of word.
Sower (vv. 3-9)
ch. 4-5 Miracles four types
Calming a storm nature miracle Gerasene demoniac exorcism Raising Jairus' daughter resuscitation Healing a hemorrhaging woman healing
Note Mark's "framing" technique. Jairus' daughter / Hemorrhaging woman / Jairus' daughter
1:14-8:26 Galilee Ministry (cont.) Perspectives on Jesus' miracles:
Not unique to Jesus. Do not "prove" claims about Jesus. Opponents acknowledge Jesus' miracles but attribute to Satan (3:22-30). To the "eyes of faith," they are signs of the in-breaking Kingdom of God (3:27; cf. Lk. 11:20).
ch. 6-8 Tensions and withdrawals
ch. 6 Rejection in Nazareth Mission of the Twelve preaching and healing Death of John the Baptist Feeding 5,000 (Messiah for Israel) Controversy over ritual purity Healing Gentiles Feeding 4,000 (Messiah for Gentiles) Refusal to give a sign Rebuke of disciples' blindness Healing a blind man (8:22-26)
ch. 7 ch. 8
8:27-10:52
Healing a blind man (8:22-26) "framing" Journey to Jerusalem central transition section Peter's Confession at Caesarea Philippi (8:27-33) turning
point in Mk's plot "You are the Messiah/Christ" first open declaration Command to silence and announcement of "passion" Passion Predictions (8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) on way to Jerus. Prediction; misunderstanding; rebuke. Closest followers fail to understand until after Cross/Res.
Healing a blind man (10:46-52) "framing"
11:1-16:8 Jerusalem Ministry ch. 11 Arrival in Jerusalem several "symbolic actions"
Triumphal entry (Sunday) demonstration of Jesus' "kingship" Cleansing the Temple (Monday) prophetic action against
temple corruption Symbolizes "purification" or "doom" of Temple? Mk's framing by "Cursing" the fig tree interprets as judgment Cursing the fig tree/Cleansing the Temple/Cursing the fig tree
ch. 12
Teaching in the Temple (Tuesday)
Parable of Wicked Tenants scathing attack on religious leaders Controversies with religious leaders
11:1-16:8 Jerusalem Ministry (cont.)
ch. 13 Eschatological discourse
Warnings: persecution; war; destruction of temple; cosmic
catastrophes
Promises: "Parousia" of Son of Man; salvation of the faithful End is near (v. 29-30) time is uncertain (v. 32).
ch. 14 Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest
Anointing in Bethany (Wed.) Judas Iscariot's plot to betray Jesus Last Supper (Thursday evening)
Passover meal (Syn.; not in Jn.) "Upper room" in Jerusalem Predicts betrayal Interprets his death Traditional covenant sacrifice House of the (v. 22-25) Upper Room
ch. 14 Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest (cont.)
Gethsemane olive grove on Mount of Olives; prayer
of agony
Arrest kiss of Judas; prohibits defense by sword;
ch. 14 Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest (cont.)
Trial before Sanhedrin (Jewish council)
Accused of threatening Temple (doesn't stick) Condemned for blasphemy
Peter's Denial
Denies Jesus three times "Frames" Sanhedrin trial
Modern church built on traditional site of Caiaphas' house. Steps may be first-century.
ch. 15 Condemnation, Death, Burial (Friday)
Trial before Pontius Pilate (Roman
governor)
"Gordon's Calvary"
Accused of insurrection, sedition (claiming to be "king") Pilate's reluctance to condemn Release of Barabbas (an insurrectionist) failed attempt to satisfy chief priests by offering to pardon Jesus Condemned, mocked, scourged
Crucifixion
At Golgotha (Calvary), between two rebels, about 9 a.m. Death about 3 p.m.; cosmic signs: darkness, earthquake, tearing of temple veil Who killed Jesus? Wrong to blame "the Jews" Historically, executed by Rome Theologically, died for sins of all
ch. 16 Discovery of Empty Tomb (Sunday)
Women come at dawn to anoint Jesus' body. "Angel" announces resurrection of Jesus. Instructions to go to Galilee, where Jesus will appear. "They went out and said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid" (v. 8). Did Mark tell resurrection appearance in Galilee?
Garden Tomb
Ending of Mark uncertain (Greek manuscripts have different endings): (1) Abrupt ending (ends at 16:8) oldest mss. (2) Longer ending (adds v. 9-20) most later mss.; "Received Text" (3) Shorter ending (adds brief ending) few mss. (4) Lost ending ?