Mark’s Image of JesusThe Suffering Son of God

What do we know about Mark’s Gospel?

Shortest gospel/Jewish Gospel Probably our earliest gospel (Markan Priority) Authorship: Anonymous – attributed to Mark Written in Greek (Koine) Date: 65-70 CE, about the time of the first

Jewish Revolt at which time the Second Jewish Temple was destroyed

Gospel = good news; ancient biography of the life and deeds of Jesus

Structure of Mark I. Prelude to Public Ministry Baptism

and Temptation (1:1-13) II. Galilean Ministry (1:14-8:26) III. Journey to Jerusalem (8:27-10:52) IV. Jerusalem Ministry (11:1-15:47) V. The Empty Tomb (16:1-8)

Composition of Mark Begins with an adult Jesus who is

baptized by John the Baptist Ends with empty tomb – and the women

go away and tell no one Written sources that are now lost (such

as miracle source)

Who is Jesus according to Mark?

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God(Mark 1:1)

“Christ” (Messiah)Greco-Roman View Not a name Not a meaningful

title “to anoint” as in a

rubdown with oil

Jewish View Equivalent to

Hebrew “Messiah” Messiah is a title “to anoint” as a

king Mark is writing

about Jesus the Messiah

What is a Jewish Messiah?

“anointed one”- the Lord’s anointed Jewish King, like King David Political title/warrior king After 587 BCE, emphasized future

deliverer of Israel from its enemies A future king like David who would rule

Israel as an autonomous nation Associated with grandeur and power

Messiah in the First Century

Warrior-king like David Supernatural cosmic judge of the earth Priestly ruler who would interpret God’s

Laws (Dead Sea Scrolls) Jewish sources refer to the messiah in

these ways What is the description of messiah in

Mark?

Mark’s Jesus as Messiah

One who suffers One who dies One who dies for the sins of people Suffering servant Combination of future deliverer (Parousia)

with one who is truly righteous who suffers (Ps. 22)/suffering Son of Man

Righteousness, suffering and death are NOT linked to descriptions of Messiah in the Jewish tradition

Not associated with grandeur and power

Jesus and Jewish Expectations of

Messiah Did not overthrow the Romans Did not arrive from the clouds in

judgment

Instead, he was: executed by the Romans for treason - How can he be the Messiah? Mark’s Gospel answers this question . . .

Son of GodGreco-Roman

Divinely inspired teacher/ruler

Miraculous deeds that benefited people

Jewish Intimate relationship

with God; chosen by God; human title

Endowed with divine power

Fantastic deeds Inspired teachings Mediates between

God and humanity

Jesus as fulfillment of Jewish Prophecy

Quote from the prophet Isaiah The prophet John the Baptist

proclaiming the Jewish rite of baptism for forgiveness of sins

Baptizes and preaches about one who is mightier – mightier than a prophet?

Then Jesus takes center stage . . .

Baptism and Temptation

You are my beloved son, in you I am well pleased – approval by God

As a result of this, Jesus is driven into the desert to confront evil

Angels minister to him Jesus begins to proclaim that God’s

kingdom is near His story begins….

Characterization of Jesus as Messiah

Authoritative leader Teaches with authority; astonishes Commands unclean spirits Heals the sick Heals all who come to him Commands evil forces (exorcist)The Result? Jesus is an authoritative Son of God who . . . is misunderstood and suffers

Son of Man Dan 7:13-14 – one like a Son of Man

coming from the clouds – divineThe Son of Man in Mark: Jesus uses it to refer to himself (8:31,38) Jesus uses it to talk about impending

suffering (Mark 8:31) Jesus references a cosmic figure who is

going to bring judgment at the end of time (Parousia) – imminent for Mark (8:37-38)

Three Passion Predictions

And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things (Mark 8:31)Predicts his own death in JerusalemPredicts rejection by Jewish leadersFirst prediction in 8:31, uses it to instruct that suffering is his fate and the fate of his followers“Whoever would come after me must take up the cross and follow me.”Jesus is always MISUNDERSTOOD

2nd prediction – Transfiguration Jesus predicts his own death and disciples

do not understand; begin to argue over who is greater

3rd prediction –James and John request prominence

Jesus responds that following him means certain death –

must serve rather than be served

The Messianic Secret “You are the Christ.” And he charged them

to tell no one about him (Mark 8:29-30) Attempts to keep identity secret Commands demons not to speak Commands those he heals to keep silent If someone recognizes who he is, he

demands silenceWHY? He is not a warrior-king messiah He is the messiah who must suffer and die

Jesus as Messiah is . . .

An authoritative teacher who is:

Misunderstood

Mysterious

Unique Markan Features

Begins with an adult Jesus who is baptized by John the Baptist (no infancy narrative)

Ends with the empty tomb and the women afraid to tell anyone (no post-resurrection appearance)

Naked young man (14:51-52)

Healing of Blind Man at Bethsaida (8:22)

Refers to Jesus most often as “teacher”

Jesus is misunderstood (especially by the disciples)

Other Features in Mark Unsympathetic characterization of the

disciples: they are obedient, dull-witted, inept, unreliable, cowardly, slow learners; their hearts are hardened (like the Pharaoh); called “men of no faith”

Women in Mark: generally portrayed in positive ways

Who is this Jewish Messiah?

Not the messiah who came to overthrow evil forces to bring about the kingdom of God

Was the messiah who came to suffer and die at the hands of these forces (Romans)