Introduction
There seems to be much controversy over the literal or figurative nature of the Gospels. One position views the Bible very literally; still other positions believe the Bible to be metaphorical or symbolic with hidden contexts only understood by the original readers. Once the controversy in the text is pealed away you are left with the truth of the Scripture. This truth is that Jesus was the Great Shepherd who had all authority over demons and proclaimed deliverance to the captive.
In this paper, we will look at Mark’s account of this powerful story to see his purpose, style, and context. We will then begin to look at the theological applications of this text to reveal the true heart of Christ toward the people of biblical times and today.
Historical Context
Occasion and Purpose
The primary purpose of Mark was to encourage the Roman believers to not lose heart even through persecutions. According to Donald Stamps, the book of Mark was written to strengthen the foundations of faith in Roman believers and, if need be, to inspire them to suffer faithfully for the gospel, placing before them the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus their Lord. Because of the Roman Empire’s dominance and harsh treatment of the Believers during the time that the book of Mark was written, they needed the assurance and encouragement to endure suffering and to persevere. Craig Keener writes “the most likely situation in the early church proposed for Mark’s writing here is the suffering of Roman Christians under Nero starting in a.d. 64”. Nero was especially brutal to Christians. It is believed that Nero would set Christians on fire and use them as torches to light his gardens at night. Therefore the Christians began to experienc...
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The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the origin of nearly everything the Christian Church teaches about Jesus. The Gospels, in turn, serve as the scale or test of truth and authenticity of everything the church teaches about Jesus. It is said that the Gospels are the link between Jesus of Nazareth and the people of every age throughout history who have claimed to be his followers. Although the Gospels teach us about Jesus’ life they may not provide concrete evidence that what they speak of is true there are several other sources.
The Gospel of Matthew is an eyewitness story written for an audience of believers, under great stress, and persecution. Matthew develops a theological plot incorporating genealogy, speeches, parables, inter and intra textual references, common vocabulary, and fulfillment quotations, with a tension that builds as we are invited into the story. The crucifixion and resurrection bring us to a Christological climax that symbolically points beyond its conclusion to God’s Kingdom, bringing atonement, salvation and the ushering in the Eschaton. The extraordinary events surrounding the crucifixion act as commentary, adding important details concerning the death of Jesus.1
One of the main characteristics of the gospel of Mark is it’s length. Mark is much shorter than Matthew and Luke, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The author of Mark does not slow down the gospel story and makes sure that only important and relevant details are included. When Mark is compared with Matthew and Luke, it becomes obvious to see what Mark has eliminated. The author’s omission of Jesus’ birth, lineage, resurrection, and ascension denote careful planning and purpose in the gospel of Mark.
The book of Luke, found after the books Matthew and Mark, focuses on the ministry of Jesus Christ but it also gives us a look into His birth and growth in totality. In this chapter we see a historical account of some of the journeys that Christ experienced. It is important to keep in mind that the Bible and all of its books do serve as historical accounts but each book is unique in the fact that they incorporate a theological timeline. The Bible is, conceivably, the most important book that has ever been written. It gives the world eyewitness accounts to historical events that helped not only shaped a region of the world but the whole entire world. It is nearly impossible to go through some formal societal education and have never once read a part of the bible or have heard a story that adapts from the stories within the bible. The bible has helped formed institutions, associations and so much more. By reading the Gospel of Luke we are truly reading what is meant for us to read as Christians. The principal plot in the book of Luke is the life of Jesus Christ, his sacrifice, His ability to beat death and remain perfect as the son of GOD despite being human as well. Jesus is seen as the perfect savior for humans in the book of Luke. Luke not only gives multiple examples of the power of Jesus but also it gives us a look at The Lord’s triumph over temptation. Luke also depicts Jesus as a man/GOD who had a very deep concentration on people and relationships. The book of Luke gives Jesus a loving characteristic but doesn’t shy away from showing that at times Jesus got angry too. Jesus showed a great deal of compassion to the sick, those in pain, the poor, and unambiguously the sinful. Jesus had genuine love for everyone. Throughout this...
New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1997. Osborne, Grant R. Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.
Johnson, Brian D. "Thomas and marturia: John 20:24-31." Proceedings (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 25, (January 1, 2005): 172.. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed April 10, 2014).
Carson, D, & Moo, D. (2005) An introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Mark’s gospel and John’s gospel contain many differences from the beginning, but both end with Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The gospels of John and Mark represent Jesus as two different people. The disparity is that Mark represents Jesus as a servant while John portrays Jesus as a divine being. However, one must realize the two texts are meant to read by different audiences during different time periods. Each description presents a particular aspect of the life of Historical Jesus.
The article Gospel of Mark, explains controversial evidence found by scholars about the origin and
New Revised Standard Version. New York: American Bible Society, 1989. Print. The. Russell, Eddie.
Jewish people expected that He would bring deliverance through the conquest but Jesus explained that deliverance can be achieved only through the cross. Jesus will achieve victory through suffering. It is the cross, not crown He will take up. Explaining His mission to the listeners he requires them to adjust and raise their expectations of Messiah . Jesus is much more than they had anticipated and God's mean of deliverance is through death. Jesus knew that He was misunderstood as Messiah and corrected their view in the gospel of Mark.
Collins, John J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2007.
Wenham, G.J., Moyter, J.A., Carson, D.A. and France, R.T., eds. New Bible Commentary. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 1998.