Understanding the Gospel According to Mark

Sep 9, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Gospel According to Mark

Introduction

  • The Gospel of Mark is one of the first accounts of Jesus' life.
  • Traditionally linked to Mark or John Mark, a co-worker of Paul and partner of Peter.
  • According to historian Papias, Mark collected eyewitness accounts, especially from Peter, to form this Gospel.
  • Mark's Gospel is carefully designed as a drama with three acts.

Structure of the Gospel

  • Act 1: Galilee

    • Focus: People wonder about Jesus' identity.
    • Jesus performs acts of healing and forgives sins, showing divine authority.
    • Responses vary: some follow, some are confused, others reject him.

  • Act 2: Journey to Jerusalem

    • Focus: Disciples struggle with understanding Jesus as the Messiah.
    • Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah, but misunderstands the type of Messiah Jesus will be.
    • Jesus is portrayed as a suffering servant, contrary to expectations of a military king.
    • Important teaching: "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many."
    • The Transfiguration: Jesus is revealed in his divine glory, echoing God's presence on Mount Sinai.

  • Act 3: Jerusalem

    • Jesus makes a royal entry into Jerusalem.
    • He cleanses the Temple and debates with religious leaders, who plan his death.
    • Jesus predicts Jerusalem's destruction and warns of persecution.
    • The Last Supper reinterprets Passover symbols to signify liberation through Jesus' death.
    • Crucifixion and recognition by a Roman soldier: "This man was the Son of God."

Ending of the Gospel

  • Women discover the empty tomb and are told by an angel that Jesus is risen.
  • They flee in fear, and the original Gospel ends abruptly.
  • Later manuscripts have additional endings, but these are considered less reliable.

Themes

  • The shocking claim: Jesus, the crucified and risen one, is the Messiah, the Son of God.
  • The Gospel's ending forces readers to confront this claim and decide their response.

Conclusion

  • The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the Messiah in an unexpected, upside-down kingdom.
  • Readers are challenged with the decision to recognize Jesus as king and share the good news.