Jesus, according to Mark 1

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Jesus, according to Mark (1)
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Jesus, according to Mark (2)
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The Earliest Gospel

• virtually certain that this Gospel was used by
  Matthew and Luke
• If it lacks in literary polish, is simple and
  direct and often quite vivid
• Valued as our primary source for the ministry and
  message of Jesus
• Like an extended version of Peters sermon in
  Acts 1036ff

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Sections in Mark

• Introduction by JBap (11-13)
• Jesus' ministry in Galilee (114826)
• his journey to Jerusalem (11-13)
• his Passion (14-15)
• his Resurrection (161-8).

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Themes in Mark

• the power and determination of Jesus, in
  healings, feeding people, nature miracles
• overcomes evil forces and oppression
• defies the legalism of Pharisees
• defies the power of oppressors (imperial Rome)
• He prepares for the Passion, far ahead
• Centurions perceptive judgment 15

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Authorship

• Attributed from quite early date to John Mark
  (Acts 1212 1537), an associate of Paul and a
  disciple of Peter, whose teachings the Gospel may
  reflect
• No compelling reason to doubt the early tradition
  from a bishop Papias
• .. wrote down accurately, but not in order, the
  things said by Peter

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Sample Passages in Mark (1)

• Jesus' Initial Proclamation (114-15)
• Healing on the Sabbath (31-6)
• Parable of the Sower (43-9)
• Stilling the Storm (435-41)
• The Woman and the Little Girl (521-43)
• Rejected by his town relatives (61-6)

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Sample Passages in Mark (2)

• Acknowledged as Messiah (827-30)
• Jesus Blesses the Children (1013-16)
• Not to be Served (1035-45)
• Blind man, Bartimaeus (1046-52)
• Woman who anoints him (141-9)
• First Eucharist (1422-26)

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Humanity of Jesus

• The Markan Jesus can show emotions
• Anger grief (35 Sabbath attitude)
• Indignation (1014 when children barred)
• Surprise (530 "Who touched my clothes?)
• Amazement (66 at their unbelief)
• Compassion (82 for the crowd)
• Distressed and agitation (1433 Gethsemane)

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Mystery of his Identity

• "We have never seen anything like this!
• Constant refrain Who is this man?
• A glimpse, at the transfiguration (92-8)
• Called Son of David (1047)
• Preferred the title Son of Man
• Professed by the centurion (1539)
• "Truly this man was God's Son!"

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Sandwiched Stories

• 521-43 Healing the haemorrhage, between parts
  1-2 of the raising of Jairuss daughter
• 67-32 between the sending of the Twelve and
  their return is an account of Herod's activity
  (Mk 614-29)
• 1112-25 Temple-cleansing, between the cursing
  and the withering of the fig-tree

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Aspects of the Passion Story

• Dark, sombre tale of betrayal, injustice,
  isolation and execution
• Shot through with a glimmer of faith, based on
  his predictions and his reading of Scripture
• It is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and
  the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am
  raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.
  1427f
• Centurions confession 1539

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Overall a call to Faith

• Faith comes to fulfilment in personal encounter
  with Jesus, in dialogue with him
• Jairus believed that Jesus had power to heal one
  on the point of death (523)
• Jesus calls people to a deeper faith trust in
  him as one who could raise from the dead, a faith
  finding expression in the midst of unbelief
  (535-36)
• The Christian is asked to recognize that faith in
  Jesus can transform life and is victory over
  death.
• (Harrington Mark, Realistic Theologian )