THL 107 Session Three

The Gospel according to Mark

– Part OneBackground

the identity of the 'author' original audience

date of origination historical/cultural context literary structure

Outline of Mark's GospelComparison of the two outlines

(Branick p 63-64, CSB p. 1484):- Branick's emphasis on parenthetical reference to

blindness- CSB emphasis on Peter’s confession, passion predictions

- progressive revelation/Galilean ministry- “the Way” of the Suffering Son of Man/Journey from Galilee to

Jerusalem- Climax in Jerusalem/Death and Resurrection

Sea of Galilee Jordan Valley

Themes in the Gospel of Mark

Overview'immediately' - frequency of the term

- significance of usageMessianic secret

- frequency of injunction to tell no one

- an element of Mark's theology'they did not understand'

- gradual revelation- inherent misunderstanding- literary device- instructional method

. . . and immediately . . .Urgency in Mark's Gospel

“kai euthus” - immediately, at once, then,

next

11 times in Chapter One

verses

10,12,18,20,21,23,28,29,30,42,43

The Messianic Secret

What is to be kept secret?

Who is to “tell no one”?

Possible reasons for the injunction

When does Jesus stop giving this injunction?

Relationship to the rest of Mark's narrative

“Blindness” in Mark's Gospel2 healings of a blind man: 8:22-26, 10:46-52

2 commissionings of disciples: 3:13-19, 6:7-13

2 sections showing Gentile faith: 5:1-34, 7:24-37

2 feedings of a multitude: 6:34-44, 8:1-9

3 times Jesus is exasperated: 2:5, 6:5-6, 8:12

2 uses of “did not understand”: 6:51, 9:32

4 times demons recognize Jesus: 1:23, 1:34, 3:11-12,

5:2-7

at least 14 occasions of doubt/incomprehension: 2:6-

7, 3:20-22, 4:40-41, 5:31, 6:1-3, 6:37, 7: 15, 17; 8:11,

9:28, 10:2-5, 10:38, 11:18, 11:27-32, 12:10-12

climax of “blindness”: 8:17b-21

δεΰτε όπίσω μου(come, follow me)

Discipleship in Mark's Gospel

trust

suffering

readiness