Unit II Mark Gospel

Gospel

Good News.

John Mark

The author of the Gospel of Mark, cousin of Barnabas, and companion of St. Paul and St. Peter.

Gospel of Mark

Contains Peter’s testimony about the Passion and oral and written collections of Jesus’ sayings, parables, and miracles.

When was the Gospel of Mark written?

AD 65-70, during the persecution of Gentile Christians by Emperor Nero.

Purpose of the Gospel of Mark

To strengthen believers during a time of persecution, violence, and discrimination.

Mark's symbol

Winged lion.

Titles for Jesus in Mark's Gospel

Includes Messiah, Christ, and Son of Man.

Son of Man

Refers to how Jesus is the ideal human and model of faith.

The Messianic Secret

Jesus directed his disciples to keep his identity as Messiah quiet, due to differing interpretations of the term.

Structure of Mark's Gospel

Divided into three acts: Who is Jesus?, What it means for Jesus to be the Messiah?, How Jesus becomes King.

Geography of Mark's Gospel

Chapters 1-9 in Galilee, Chapter 10 to Jericho, last chapters in Jerusalem.

Five elements of the miracle story pattern

1. Introduction 2. Display of Faith 3. Response 4. Result 5. Reaction.

Example of miracle in Mark's Gospel

Jesus heals a leper (Mark 1:40-45): A leper approaches, displays faith, Jesus responds, the leprosy leaves, but then Jesus instructs silence (Messianic Secret).

Purpose of Jesus' miracles

To show God's work in humanity and demonstrate the Kingdom's active presence.

Miracle vs. magic

Miracles are encounters revealing God's power; magic seeks to control supernatural powers.

Static Kingdom

A pre-Gospel notion that transformation comes from authoritative figures like emperors.

Dynamic Lordship

Mark's view of God's active sovereignty and intervention in history, distinct from static notions.

Types of miracles in Mark

Physical and spiritual healings, nature miracles, exorcisms, and raisings from the dead.

Mastery of Jesus over domains

Nature, evil and sin, and death.

Theological messages in Mark about the Paschal Mystery

Sacrificial love is central to Jesus' teachings, emphasizing a love that leads to new life through suffering.

Aquinas' criteria for emotions of Jesus

1. Based on reason 2. Proportionate 3. Directed toward God's will.

Lawful vs. unlawful anger

Lawful anger desires peace after injustice; unlawful anger seeks revenge.

Example of Jesus modeling Aquinas' criteria

Mark 3:5, Jesus is justifiably angry at the Pharisees for their hardness of heart, leading to healing without harm.