Topic 4 Topic 4 MarkMark: Jesus as Suffering Messiah: Jesus as Suffering MessiahA. Circumstances of origin

1. Author Anonymous (all the gospels are). Tradition going back to Papias (c. 135) attributes to

Mark, a disciple of Peter (see Harris, p. 128). Evaluation.

2. Place Tradition: Rome Others: Syria; Palestine

3. Date: 65-70 Nero’s persecution (64) Fall of Jerusalem (70)

4. Purpose: Written in a time of crisis to strengthen Christians faced with suffering for the faith.

B.B. Key themes in MarkKey themes in Mark1.1. God’s agent in eschatological conflict with evilGod’s agent in eschatological conflict with evil

Portrays Jesus’ ministry in terms of a “cosmic battle” with evil.Portrays Jesus’ ministry in terms of a “cosmic battle” with evil. Kingdom of God – final reign of God, after evil is destroyed.Kingdom of God – final reign of God, after evil is destroyed. Sense of urgency – fast-paced; “immediately” 42 times.Sense of urgency – fast-paced; “immediately” 42 times. Exorcisms: Jesus vs. demons; God vs. Satan (3:22-27).Exorcisms: Jesus vs. demons; God vs. Satan (3:22-27). Final victory won on Cross.Final victory won on Cross.

2.2. Powerful Powerful Son of GodSon of God who dies sacrificially. who dies sacrificially. Background of “Son of God”:Background of “Son of God”:

OT: heavenly beings (angels); humans (Israel; king).OT: heavenly beings (angels); humans (Israel; king). Judaism: Messiah; any righteous person who bears God’s Judaism: Messiah; any righteous person who bears God’s

character. character. Greek world: Son of God = superhuman miracle-worker.Greek world: Son of God = superhuman miracle-worker.

Occurences of “Son of God” in Mk.:Occurences of “Son of God” in Mk.: Superscription (1:1)Superscription (1:1) Baptism (1:10-11) – heavenly voice: “This is My Son.”Baptism (1:10-11) – heavenly voice: “This is My Son.” Exorcisms (3:11; 5:7)Exorcisms (3:11; 5:7) Transfiguration (9:7) – heavenly voice: “This is My Son.”Transfiguration (9:7) – heavenly voice: “This is My Son.” Trial (14:61)Trial (14:61) Death (15:39) – climax of Mk.; centurion; only human affirmationDeath (15:39) – climax of Mk.; centurion; only human affirmation

Jesus’ sacrificial death reveals him to be Son of God.Jesus’ sacrificial death reveals him to be Son of God. It is the Cross of Christ that supremely reveals the character It is the Cross of Christ that supremely reveals the character

of God: sacrificial love.of God: sacrificial love.

B.B. Key themes in Mark (cont.)Key themes in Mark (cont.)3.3. Heavenly Heavenly Son of ManSon of Man who must suffer. who must suffer.

a.a. Background of “Son of Man”:Background of “Son of Man”: OT – a human beingOT – a human being Apoc. lit. – heavenly Cosmic Judge who comes on clouds at Apoc. lit. – heavenly Cosmic Judge who comes on clouds at

End Time (Dan. 7:14).End Time (Dan. 7:14).

b.b. Gospels – most freq. title for Jesus; used three ways:Gospels – most freq. title for Jesus; used three ways:(1)(1) Eschatological Son of Man (Mk. 13:26-27; 8:38).Eschatological Son of Man (Mk. 13:26-27; 8:38).

Cosmic Judge who comes at end riding on clouds, etc.Cosmic Judge who comes at end riding on clouds, etc. ““Parousia” expectation (“second” coming).Parousia” expectation (“second” coming).

(2)(2) Earthly Son of Man (2:10, 27) – has authority.Earthly Son of Man (2:10, 27) – has authority.(3)(3) Suffering Son of Man (8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) – “Passion Suffering Son of Man (8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) – “Passion

Predictions.”Predictions.”

4.4. The “Messianic Secret”The “Messianic Secret” Famous term coined by W. Wrede (1901).Famous term coined by W. Wrede (1901). Jesus’ identity as Messiah is kept hidden (8:27-33).Jesus’ identity as Messiah is kept hidden (8:27-33). Can’t be revealed until after death (9:9).Can’t be revealed until after death (9:9). Only Jesus’ sacrificial death reveals what kind of Messiah Only Jesus’ sacrificial death reveals what kind of Messiah

he is.he is.

B.B. Key themes in Mark (cont.)Key themes in Mark (cont.)5.5. Centrality of the PassionCentrality of the Passion

M. Kähler: “a passion narrative with an extended introduction.”M. Kähler: “a passion narrative with an extended introduction.” Six chapters devoted to “Passion Week” (ch. 11-16).Six chapters devoted to “Passion Week” (ch. 11-16). Ministry begins after arrest of John the Baptist (1:14).Ministry begins after arrest of John the Baptist (1:14). Plot to kill Jesus as early as 3:6.Plot to kill Jesus as early as 3:6. Passion Predictions central in ch. 8-10.Passion Predictions central in ch. 8-10. Jesus’ death is a sacrifice for others (10:45; 14:24; 15:38).Jesus’ death is a sacrifice for others (10:45; 14:24; 15:38).

6.6. Call to discipleshipCall to discipleship ““Disciple” = pupil, learner, follower.Disciple” = pupil, learner, follower. Abandon all to follow Jesus (teaching, example)Abandon all to follow Jesus (teaching, example) Willingness to suffer and die (8:34-38).Willingness to suffer and die (8:34-38).

C.C. Outline of MarkOutline of MarkGalilee (1-8)Galilee (1-8) Journey (8-10)Journey (8-10) Jerusalem (11-Jerusalem (11-

16)16)(pop.; success)(pop.; success) (Peter’s Confession;(Peter’s Confession; (rejection; death)(rejection; death)

Passion Predictions)Passion Predictions)

1:1-131:1-13 IntroductionIntroduction John the Baptist – John the Baptist – eschatological prophet; forerunner of Messiaheschatological prophet; forerunner of Messiah

Baptism of Jesus Baptism of Jesus – called to be “servant Messiah”– called to be “servant Messiah”

Temptation Temptation – 40 days “testing” in wilderness– 40 days “testing” in wilderness

1:14-8:261:14-8:26 Galilee MinistryGalilee Ministry

ch. 1ch. 1 Beginnings: only after John’s arrestBeginnings: only after John’s arrest Preaching the “Kingdom of God” (1:14-15) – Preaching the “Kingdom of God” (1:14-15) – main theme in main theme in

teaching of historical Jesus (all 3 Synoptics)teaching of historical Jesus (all 3 Synoptics) Calling first disciples: Calling first disciples: Simon (Peter) & Andrew; James & JohnSimon (Peter) & Andrew; James & John

Healing: Healing: unclean spirit; fever; leprosy; etc.unclean spirit; fever; leprosy; etc.

Fame spreads; crowds gather.Fame spreads; crowds gather.

Baptism & Temptation

Galilee Ministry

1:14-8:261:14-8:26 Galilee MinistryGalilee Ministry (cont.) (cont.)

ch. 2-3ch. 2-3 Controversies – Controversies – over various issues:over various issues: Forgiving sins (2:1-12)Forgiving sins (2:1-12) Eating with tax collectors and sinners (2:13-17)Eating with tax collectors and sinners (2:13-17) Fasting (2:18-22)Fasting (2:18-22) Sabbath observance (2:23-3:6)Sabbath observance (2:23-3:6) Exorcisms (3:22-30)Exorcisms (3:22-30)

Perplexity of Jesus’ family (3:21, 31-35)Perplexity of Jesus’ family (3:21, 31-35)

Appointment of the Twelve (3:13-19)Appointment of the Twelve (3:13-19) Disciple = pupil, learner, follower.Disciple = pupil, learner, follower. Apostle = one sent out as authorized messenger.Apostle = one sent out as authorized messenger. Twelve symbolize restoration of Israel.Twelve symbolize restoration of Israel. ““Disciples” include more than the 12.Disciples” include more than the 12.

1:14-8:261:14-8:26 Galilee MinistryGalilee Ministry (cont.) (cont.)

ch. 4ch. 4 Parables Parables (Make list of Synoptic parables covered; study carefully.)(Make list of Synoptic parables covered; study carefully.)

Mustard Seed (vv. 30-32) Mustard Seed (vv. 30-32) Contrast: small start, big result.Contrast: small start, big result. K of G is already present (“embryonically”) in Jesus’ ministry K of G is already present (“embryonically”) in Jesus’ ministry

but not yet in its fullness. (Assures that it will come.)but not yet in its fullness. (Assures that it will come.)

Sower (vv. 3-9) Sower (vv. 3-9) Contrasts wasted seed with successful seed.Contrasts wasted seed with successful seed. Despite failures/setbacks Jesus’ ministry will bring K of G.Despite failures/setbacks Jesus’ ministry will bring K of G. Allegorical interpretation (v. 14-20) – perhaps added by early Allegorical interpretation (v. 14-20) – perhaps added by early

church; admonishes proper response to preaching of word.church; admonishes proper response to preaching of word.

ch. 4-5ch. 4-5 Miracles Miracles – four types– four types Calming a storm – Calming a storm – nature miraclenature miracle

Gerasene demoniac – Gerasene demoniac – exorcismexorcism Raising Jairus’ daughter –Raising Jairus’ daughter – resuscitation resuscitation Healing a hemorrhaging woman – Healing a hemorrhaging woman – healinghealing

Note Mark’s “framing” technique.Note Mark’s “framing” technique. Jairus’ daughter / Hemorrhaging woman / Jairus’ daughterJairus’ daughter / Hemorrhaging woman / Jairus’ daughter

1:14-8:261:14-8:26 Galilee MinistryGalilee Ministry (cont.) (cont.)Perspectives on Jesus’ miraclesPerspectives on Jesus’ miracles:: Not unique to Jesus.Not unique to Jesus. Do not “prove” claims about Jesus.Do not “prove” claims about Jesus. Opponents acknowledge Jesus’ miracles but attribute to Opponents acknowledge Jesus’ miracles but attribute to

Satan (3:22-30).Satan (3:22-30). To the “eyes of faith,” they are signs of the in-breaking To the “eyes of faith,” they are signs of the in-breaking

Kingdom of God (3:27; cf. Lk. 11:20).Kingdom of God (3:27; cf. Lk. 11:20).

ch. 6-8ch. 6-8 Tensions and withdrawalsTensions and withdrawalsch. 6ch. 6 Rejection in NazarethRejection in Nazareth

Mission of the Twelve – preaching and healingMission of the Twelve – preaching and healingDeath of John the BaptistDeath of John the BaptistFeeding 5,000 (Messiah for Israel)Feeding 5,000 (Messiah for Israel)

ch. 7ch. 7 Controversy over ritual purityControversy over ritual purityHealing GentilesHealing Gentiles

ch. 8ch. 8 Feeding 4,000 (Messiah for Gentiles)Feeding 4,000 (Messiah for Gentiles)Refusal to give a signRefusal to give a signRebuke of disciples’ blindnessRebuke of disciples’ blindnessHealing a blind man (8:22-26)Healing a blind man (8:22-26)

Healing a blind man (8:22-26) – “framing”Healing a blind man (8:22-26) – “framing”

8:27-10:528:27-10:52 Journey to JerusalemJourney to Jerusalem – central transition section– central transition section Peter’s Confession at Peter’s Confession at Caesarea Philippi Caesarea Philippi (8:27-33) (8:27-33) – turning – turning

point in Mk’s plotpoint in Mk’s plot ““You are the Messiah/Christ” – first open declarationYou are the Messiah/Christ” – first open declaration Command to silence – and announcement of “passion”Command to silence – and announcement of “passion”

Passion Predictions (8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) Passion Predictions (8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34) – on way to Jerus.– on way to Jerus. Prediction; misunderstanding; rebuke.Prediction; misunderstanding; rebuke. Closest followers fail to understand until after Cross/Res.Closest followers fail to understand until after Cross/Res.

Healing a blind man (10:46-52) – “framing”Healing a blind man (10:46-52) – “framing”

11:1-16:811:1-16:8 Jerusalem MinistryJerusalem Ministrych. 11ch. 11 Arrival in Jerusalem Arrival in Jerusalem – several “symbolic actions”– several “symbolic actions”

Triumphal entry (Sunday) – Triumphal entry (Sunday) – demonstration of Jesus’ “kingship”demonstration of Jesus’ “kingship” Cleansing the Temple Cleansing the Temple (Monday)(Monday) – – prophetic action against prophetic action against

temple corruptiontemple corruption Symbolizes “purification” or “doom” of Temple?Symbolizes “purification” or “doom” of Temple? Mk’s framing by “Cursing” the fig tree – interprets as judgmentMk’s framing by “Cursing” the fig tree – interprets as judgment Cursing the fig tree/Cleansing the Temple/Cursing the fig treeCursing the fig tree/Cleansing the Temple/Cursing the fig tree

ch. 12ch. 12 Teaching in the TempleTeaching in the Temple (Tuesday) (Tuesday) Parable of Wicked Tenants Parable of Wicked Tenants – scathing attack on religious leaders– scathing attack on religious leaders Controversies with religious leadersControversies with religious leaders

11:1-16:811:1-16:8 Jerusalem MinistryJerusalem Ministry (cont.) (cont.)

ch. 13ch. 13Eschatological discourseEschatological discourse Warnings: Warnings: persecution; war; destruction of temple; cosmic persecution; war; destruction of temple; cosmic

catastrophescatastrophes Promises: “Promises: “Parousia” of Son of Man; salvation of the faithfulParousia” of Son of Man; salvation of the faithful

End is near (v. 29-30) – time is uncertain (v. 32).End is near (v. 29-30) – time is uncertain (v. 32).

ch. 14ch. 14Betrayal, Last Supper, ArrestBetrayal, Last Supper, ArrestAnointing in BethanyAnointing in Bethany (Wed.) (Wed.)

Judas Iscariot’s plot Judas Iscariot’s plot to betray Jesusto betray Jesus

Last SupperLast Supper (Thursday evening) (Thursday evening)• Passover meal (Syn.; not in Jn.)Passover meal (Syn.; not in Jn.)• ““Upper room” in JerusalemUpper room” in Jerusalem• Predicts betrayalPredicts betrayal• Interprets his death – Interprets his death –

covenant sacrifice covenant sacrifice (v. 22-25)(v. 22-25)

Traditional House of the Upper Room

ch. 14ch. 14 Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest (cont.)Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest (cont.)GethsemaneGethsemane –– olive grove on Mount of Olives; prayer of agonyolive grove on Mount of Olives; prayer of agony

Arrest Arrest – kiss of Judas; prohibits defense by sword; disciples scatter– kiss of Judas; prohibits defense by sword; disciples scatter

ch. 14ch. 14 Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest (cont.)Betrayal, Last Supper, Arrest (cont.)

Trial before Sanhedrin Trial before Sanhedrin (Jewish council)(Jewish council) • Accused of threatening Temple (doesn’t stick)Accused of threatening Temple (doesn’t stick)

• Condemned for blasphemyCondemned for blasphemy

Peter’s Denial Peter’s Denial • Denies Jesus three timesDenies Jesus three times

• ““Frames” Sanhedrin trialFrames” Sanhedrin trial

Modern church built on traditional site of Caiaphas’ house.

Steps may be first-century.

ch. 15ch. 15 Condemnation, Death, Burial (Friday)Condemnation, Death, Burial (Friday)

Trial before Pontius PilateTrial before Pontius Pilate (Roman governor)(Roman governor)

• Accused of insurrection, sedition (claiming to be “king”)Accused of insurrection, sedition (claiming to be “king”)• Pilate’s reluctance to condemnPilate’s reluctance to condemn• Release of Barabbas (an insurrectionist) – failed attempt to Release of Barabbas (an insurrectionist) – failed attempt to

satisfy chief priests by offering to pardon Jesussatisfy chief priests by offering to pardon Jesus• Condemned, mocked, scourgedCondemned, mocked, scourged

CrucifixionCrucifixion

• At Golgotha (Calvary), between two rebels, about 9 a.m.At Golgotha (Calvary), between two rebels, about 9 a.m.• Death – about 3 p.m.; cosmic signs: darkness, earthquake, Death – about 3 p.m.; cosmic signs: darkness, earthquake,

tearing of temple veiltearing of temple veil• Who killed Jesus?Who killed Jesus?

• Wrong to blame “the Jews”Wrong to blame “the Jews”• Historically, executed by RomeHistorically, executed by Rome• Theologically, died for sins of allTheologically, died for sins of all

Burial Burial • In a tomb; by Joseph of ArimatheaIn a tomb; by Joseph of Arimathea• Unusual for crucifixion victim to get proper burialUnusual for crucifixion victim to get proper burial

“Gordon’s Calvary”

ch. 16ch. 16Discovery of Empty Tomb (Sunday)Discovery of Empty Tomb (Sunday) Women come at dawn to anoint Jesus’ body.Women come at dawn to anoint Jesus’ body. ““Angel” announces resurrection of Jesus.Angel” announces resurrection of Jesus. Instructions to go to Galilee, Instructions to go to Galilee, where Jesus will appear.where Jesus will appear.

““They went out and said nothing to anyone, for they They went out and said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid” (v. 8).were afraid” (v. 8).

Did Mark tell resurrection appearance in Galilee?Did Mark tell resurrection appearance in Galilee?

Garden Tomb

Ending of Mark uncertainEnding of Mark uncertain (Greek manuscripts have different endings):(Greek manuscripts have different endings):

(1)(1) Abrupt ending (ends at 16:8) – Abrupt ending (ends at 16:8) – oldest mss.oldest mss.

(2)(2) Longer ending (adds v. 9-20) – Longer ending (adds v. 9-20) – most later mss.; “Received Text”most later mss.; “Received Text”

(3)(3) Shorter ending (adds brief ending) – Shorter ending (adds brief ending) – few mss.few mss.

(4)(4) Lost ending ?Lost ending ?