|
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Introduction
a. Tradition ascribes the Gospel to John Mark, son of Mary,
assistant to Paul and Barnabas and friend of the apostles (see: Acts
12:12-25; 15:37,39; Col.4:10; Phlm.24; 2 Tim.4:11; 1 Pet.5:13). Mark
14:51-52 may be his signature. Mark was not an early disciple of Jesus
and, according to Papias, an Early Church Father, he may have obtained
details of the Lord's ministry from Peter.
b. The Gospel has Gentile readers in mind (note: 7:1-3). Its
terse, clear, pointed style and portrayal of Jesus would certainly
appeal to the Roman mind. The Greek text contains Latinisms: speculator
(executioner, 6:27); census (tribute, 12:14) centurio (centurion,
15:39, 44,45). It may show a concern for believers who are beginning to
suffer for the gospel (1:13). But who is Jesus according to Mark?
Jesus is the Son of Man - the
Christ
a. Jesus' messiahship is downplayed in Mark (see 1:34,44;
3:12; 5:43; 7:36-37; 8:26,29-30; 9:9). Scholars speak of 'the messianic
secret'. Jesus rejected the popular image of the Messiah and chose to
refer to himself as the Son of Man (Aram. barnasha). This title
embraces Jesus as true man (Psa.8:4), prophet (Ezek.2:1), the Danielic
Son of Man (Dan.7:13; cf., Mk.14:61,62) and Messiah (Enoch). But its
oblique use required thought as barnasha could simply refer to a man or
somebody. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (4:9).
Jesus is the Servant of the
Lord
a. "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life a ransom for many" (10:45). This is a key verse
and suggests this Gospel outline: Preparation of the Servant (1:1-13);
Proclamation of the Servant (1:14-8:30); Passion of the Servant
(8:31-16:20).
b. Jesus is proactive in Mark. The word euthus (translated
with words like 'immediately') is used some 42 times (e.g.,
1:12,20,21,29). Jesus is driven into the wilderness to be tested (1:12;
cf., Lk.4:12).
c. Mark gives prominence to the Lord's miracles (see demons,
disease and death in ch.5), which would attract the Roman mind. His
ministry resisted and overcame the work of the devil (see: 1:21-28;
cf.1 Jn.3:8).
Jesus is the Suffering
Servant of Isaiah
a. Jesus is seen as the suffering Servant of Isaiah (see:
Isa.42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12 (Acts 3:13,20; 4:27,30;
8:32-35)).
b. His example of suffering would help Christians face theirs
by seeing four things: Jesus suffered; he suffered in the will of God;
he suffered religiously; God saw him through his suffering; there was a
redemptive purpose in his suffering (consider Rom.8:28,29 here).
Concluding thoughts
a. The Gospel's introduction indicates a high Christology:
"The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (1:1; cf.,Holy One of God,
1:24). Son of God requires special attention (see: 15:39).
b. What a challenge the Saviour, Messiah and Son of God has
given of humble service! We must follow him.
|
