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- Introduction
  - Introduction-1:1
    - Gospel
      - Nature of Gospel
        Jesus never wrote anything
        4 different versions- 3 very similar
        Written approx 30-35 years after Jesus
        Timeline of NT
        Jesus lived, acted, taught, died and rose- events recorded in Gospels
        The apostles were filled with the Spirit and preached kerygma- events recorded in Acts
        Epistles written to deal with these dynamics of early churches
        Gospels written after most epistles- to people who were already saved and familiar with much about Jesus and the Christian life
        Different Gospels with different emphases written for different communities with different needs
        Not intended to be biographies in the modern sense
        No birth narrative or physical description
        Not as interested in precise times or dates or chronology
        ‘Gospel’ not a type of literature
        Literally good news- but not originally the news itself
        But the climactic event(s) which were life changing-
        for the purpose of action, imitation on the part of the readers-
        not just written to inform or entertain,
        but to motivate and to change
      - Authorship
        Eusebius- h.e. II.15.1
        “But a great light of religion shone on the minds of the hearers of Peter, so that they were not satisfied with a single hearing or with the unwritten teaching of the divine proclamation, but with every kind of exhortation besought Mark whose Gospel is existing, seeing that he was Peter’s follower, to leave them a written statement of the teaching given them verbally, nor did they cease until they had persuaded him, and so became the cause of the Scripture called the Gospel according to Mark.”
        Papias (ca 125) quoted in Eusebius h.e. III. 39.15
        “Mark became Peter’s interpreter [or translator, or messenger] and wrote accurately all that he remembered, not indeed in order, of the things said or done by the Lord. For he had not heard the Lord, nor had he followed him, but later on, as I said, followed Peter, who used to give teaching as necessity demanded but not making, as it were, an arrangement of the Lord’s oracles, so that Mark did nothing wrong in thus writing down single points as he remembered them.”
        Mark of Acts 12:12, 25
        Acts 15:37-39
        and 2 Tim 4:11
        I Peter 5:13
        Close connection with Peter
        Early events in Peter’s house and town
        1:21-28 town synagogue
        1:29-31 Peter’s mother in law in his house
        1:32-34 whole town comes to Peter’s door
        1:35-39 disliked that Jesus left the revival in their home town
        Peter not always shown in positive light
        4:13 rebuked for failure to understand
        4:40 rebuked for lack of faith
        8:14-21 they come off as dull
        8:32 Peter harshly rebuked and called ‘satan’
        9:5-6 at transfiguration comes off like an idiot
        14:27-31 denial predicted
        14:37 Peter sleeps in Gethsemane
        14:66-72 Peter denies Christ
        Words remembered in their Aramaic original language
        3:17- Boanerges
        5:41- Talitha Koum
        7:11- Korban
        7:34- Ephphatha
        14:36- Abba
        15:22- Golgotha
        15:34- Eloi Eloi Lema Sabachthani
        Special touches of vivid recollection
        1:33 whole city gathered at door
        2:4 tore up the roof having dug it up
        4:37 Jesus, asleep on a cushion in the stern
        5:5 the demoniac shrieks and cuts himself with stones
        6:40 neat grouping of the 5000
        9:36 takes the children in His arms
        10:21 Looks at the young man and loves him
        Written to Rome?
        15:21 Alexander and Rufus- unusual unless Alexander and Rufus known
        Cf. Rom 16:13
        Latinisms
        4:21 modius
        5:9 legion
        6:27 spekulatora
        7:4 sextarius
        12:14 census
        12:42 two lepta, which is kodrantes
        15:15 flaggellare
        15:16 praetorium
        15:39 centurion
        Conclusion
        Accurate report of eyewitness
        But not dictation
        Authentic recounting, but organized by Mark
        Overall framework, organization both geographical and Chronological
        Many details that are not tied to geography or Chronology
        Galilee to Jerusalem- stay tuned
        Many details reflect the interests of Mark and the needs of his readers
      - Therefore read at 3 levels
        1. Life of Jesus
        2. Document written for and early church- about them, about discipleship
        3. Scripture inspired that speaks to us through the first 2 levels
    - Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God
      - Mark is written to the early church, but it is not about the early church
      - Mark is about Jesus
        Life of Jesus-
        Who is Jesus?-
        Jesus is the Christ/Messiah
        what does it mean to be Christ?-
        ask Jewish questions and relationship with OT
        Jesus is the Son of God
        What does it mean to be Son of God?
        Message of Jesus- Kingdom of God?
    - Beginning of the Gospel
      - significance for us?
    - Big questions when reading Mark
      - 1. What is the ‘gospel’ the event(s) that are so significant?
      - 2. Who is Jesus? Christ? Son of God?
      - 3. What is the Kingdom of God?
      - 4. What does discipleship look like?
      - 5. How does this apply to me?
  - Introduction- 1:2
    - “It is written in Isaiah the prophet
    - Mark does not start with birth of Jesus, but puts Him in the context of the continuing history of God’s people and salvation
    - Tons of OT quotes and references- must take them very seriously
      - OT refs as flashbacks-
        Jesus did not appear out of the blue, but entered into a story,
        a history that had been going for thousands of years
        OT refs place Jesus as part of that continuing story
        OT refs place Jesus as the climax of that continuing story
        Remind the readers of God’s ways in the OT- God does not change
        God works in ways that are similar (analogous) to ways He has always worked
      - OT refs as icons for bigger context
        Icon- small pointer to bigger reality
        small words point to much mental baggage
        1:1 ‘gospel’ cf. Isa 52:7
      - OT refs as showing precursor for NT
        The flow of the story, the place in the story that we are at
      - OT as promise-
        much that God had promised that had not yet come to complete fulfillment
        great sense of expectation- OT is unfinished story- when would God finish?
      - OT as preparation
        making provision, setting the stage for the final act
        teaching His people and preparing His people for Jesus
        Jesus makes sense because of the history that God had previously given His people.
    - OT Background
      - Abraham-
        blessing to the nations
        Covenant and promise
        peoplehood
      - Exodus-
        Salvation/Rescue
        People of God
        Law/righteousness of God
        God as victor
      - Davidic Kingship-
        The golden age celebrated in the Psalms
        Promised rule Gen 49:10 cf. Num 24:17
        Promised continued eternal rule of descendents 2 Sam 7
        Kingship of God
        God was understood as the true King-Psalms
        Kingdom of God a major theme of Mark
        And the main topic of Jesus’ teaching
      - Apostasy and Prophetic warning
        Idolatry
        Treating the innocent badly
      - Judgment and Exile
        Babylon
        Conquered and taken to exile
        Reactions
        Despair and/or apostasy
        Hope for purified and renewed Israel
      - Return to the land, but not return from exile
        Persian rule
        Only a small percentage returned
        Hope centered in David’s heir Zerubbabel
        But disappointment
        Great hardships
        Rebuilt temple was a pale comparison to past temple
        Zerubbabel died and much Davidic hope died with him
    - Intertestamental background
      - Continued living as oppressed in own land
        Persian rule continued
        Alexander’s conquest and his heir’s rule
        Hellenism- Promoting Greek culture
        OT Scriptures translated into Greek- LXX- Bible of NT church
        Battleground back and forth between two different overlords
        Emergence of Judaism
        Emphasis on the law
        Synagogues
        Priestly castes
        Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Judaism, tried to stamp it out
      - Brief time of independence
        Reacting against Antiochus Epiphanies
        Elderly priest Mattathias outraged over sacrifices to Greek gods, killed offerer and Greek officials
        His sons led by the oldest Judas Maccabeus “the Hammer” successfully (miraculously) led a guerilla war for independence for the first time since the exile- celebrated at Hannukah Dec. 165BC
        No clear Davidic descendant to rule
        Maccabees set up hereditary priests as rulers- priest-kings- called Hasmoneans
      - Tremendous National hope
        Dan 2,7 hope
        Nationalism and independence- map almost same territory as Solomon
        Political and Social activity
        Apocalyptic writing
      - But continued under foreign imperial power
        Brothers became rivals for throne
        Appeals to Rome to help decide
        Rome takes over in 63BC
        Set up Herod the Great
        a distant relative of Hasmoneans (half-breed) as puppet ruler-
        rebuilt temple, but somewhat of a nut
        At his death his territory divided between sons and some parts put under direct Roman rule under procurators.
    - Background of NT
      - Summary
        Tremendous sense of expectancy and hope
        Tremendous sense of despair, frustration and hopelessness
        Powder keg of expectations and frustrations
        Often went off with “messiah’s” coming forward to lead rebellion against Rome-
        causing war and much pain and further expectation and frustration.
      - Social Forces
        Hebrew/Aramaic language and Jewish culture
        Hellenistic language and culture
        Roman politics and economics- taxes, soldiers
        2 classes in Jewish palestine
        Aristocracy- both political and religious
        Common people- farmers, fishermen, carpenters
        Temple center of religious, political, social and even economic life
        Synagogue functioned in the same way in local society
      - Jewish groups
        Pharisees-
        passively against Romans,
        focus on keeping the law, Sabbath, purity, oral traditions explaining what law meant-
        originally good guys-
        religious right of the day-
        looks down on common people-
        but respected and admired by them-
        controlled most of the synagogues,
        largest and most well known group
        only Scribes (rabbis) were full time
        Sadducees-
        collaborate with the Romans to save their interests and nation- c
        ontrolled the Temple and High priesthood,
        small elitist group
        Zealots-
        fight against the Romans
        with terrorist-like tactics
        Essenes-
        Ignore the Romans,
        flee to desert to start an alternative society-
        Dead Sea Scrolls
      - Geography
        Coastal Plain
        River and across the river
        Central Mountains
        Galilee-
        North
        Mountains
        Sea of Galilee
        River
        Controlled by Herods
        Much Greek influence
        Cosmopolitan
        Judea
        Mountains
        Jerusalem
        Wilderness (desert)
        Controlled directly by Rome
        More strictly Jewish
        Samaria
        Plains and mountains
        Between the two
        No mans land
        Half-breeds
  - Introduction- Kingdom of God
    - Intro
      - “There…runs through [The Bible] a unifying theme….It is a theme of redemption, of salvation; and it is caught up particularly in those concepts which revolve about the idea of a people of God, called to live under his rule, and the concomitant hope of the coming Kingdom of God. This is a note which is present in Israel’s faith from earliest times onward, and which is to be found, in one way or another, in virtually every part of the Old Testament. It also unbreakably links Old Testament to New. For both have to do with the Kingdom of God, and the same God speaks in both.” -Bright, Kingdom of God, p. 10-11.
      - Every NT book but Jude talks about the Kingdom
      - “The two testaments are organically linked to each other. The relationship between them is neither one of upward development nor of contrast; it is one of beginning and completion, of hope and fulfillment. And the bond that binds them together is the dynamic concept of the rule of God. There is indeed a “new thing” in the New Testament; but it lies precisely here. The Old Testament is illumined with the hope of the coming Kingdom, and that same Kingdom lies at the heart of the New Testament as well. But the New Testament has introduced what we might call a tremendously significant change of tense. To the Old Testmaent the fruition and victory of God’s Kingdom was always a future, indeed an eschatological thing, and must always be spoken of in the future tense: “Behold, the days are coming”; “It shall come to pass in those days.” But in the New Testament we encounter a change: the tense is a resounding present indicative- the Kingdom is here! And that is a very “new thing” indeed: it is gospel- the good news that God has acted!
    - History-
      - David/Solomon
        Kingdom of God intimately tied with promised hope of Davidic king- 2 concepts together/ often blurred
        2Sam 7
        Decay of Kingdoms pushed ideal and idea into another realm
      - Prophecy- Isaiah, Amos, etc.
        The Bible language is antique language, and we would never put it so, but when we read of swords beaten into ploughshares and of war forever ended, of the eternal reign of justice and peace (Isa. 2:2-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-9), we recognize our deepest longing. We may be so very modern that we have heard neither of Isaiah nor of the Kingdom of God, but we can no more escape that longing than we can escape ourselves. – Bright, Kingdom of God, p. 95.
        Isaiah
        2:2-4- Mountain of Lord, peace and knowledge of God
        2:12 God has a day in store to humble the proud
        9:1-7- peace and Government on the son/child- God will do it
        11:1-9- Davidic descendant- Spirit on Him, judge rightly for the oppressed- knowledge of Lord
        25:6-8- banquet on the Holy mountain, God will destroy death
        32:1-2 King coming
        32:14-20 Spirit will come and bring justice, peace and prosperity
        35:3-10- healing and holiness when God comes
        40:1-11- prepare for God’s coming, coming as good news, He comes with power as King and tends flock gently and His glory is revealed
        42:1-9 Servant with Spirit, judges justly and healing, and preaching/light to nations
        44:1-6 Pour out Spirit, God is only King and redeemer
        49:3,6,8-9,10,13 restore Israel, light to gentiles, salvation to ends of earth, restore, free captives, comfort and lead
        52:7-10 Good news that God reigns, returns to Zion, salvation to ends of earth
        58:6-14 overcoming injustice and oppression
        59:15-20 God does the miraculous work in zeal
        60 God will shine light resulting in vindication, blessing and witness to nations
        61:1-3 healing, freedom, prosperity, proclaiming God’s favor and vengeance
        63:4-5 God does His own work
        65:17ff. New heavens and earth, rejoicing and prosperity
        Jeremiah
        31:31-33, New covenant
        Ezekiel
        34 God will shepherd His people, place David over them as shepherd v.23, safety and prosperity
        36:23ff cleansing, new heart and spirit, God’s Spirit, righteousness, prosperity
        37:24ff David will be King over restored, God’s presence will be with them
        Daniel
        2:44 God will set up eternal kingdom
        7:13-14 Son of Man given authority and everlasting Kingdom
        7:18, 22, 27- time for saints to receive the Kingdom
        Zechariah
        9:9ff Humble King is coming to bring peace and prosperity
        13: cleansing for sin, strike the shepherd, people and God
        14 Lord comes and reigns, king over earth, all will worship the King, the Lord almighty
        Day of the Lord
        Word of judgment, not only surrounding nations, but Israel as well
        3 great sins: idolatry, sexual immorality, oppression of poor
        Day of Lord would be characterized by righteous and justice-
        poor would have good news
        no more idolatry
        people would live in righteousness
        As such, a day of salvation for the oppressed
        God sides with the oppressed
        Whole creation would be effected
        God would overturn the effects of the fall
        He would rule supremely over all the earth
        His will alone would be done
        Righteousness would prevail, and all injustice cease
        Messianic expectations-
        Person/individual- king and agent of Kingdom
        Gen 3:15, 49:10, I Sam 2:10- hope for a person
        But more than a person- Psalms and large robes, cartoonish ideal, shorthand for utopian superleader
      - Exile
        Return to land- hopes unfulfilled
      - OT Kingdom idea
        God is frequently spoken of as king
        Of Israel- Exod 15:18, Num 23:21, Dt 33:5, Isa 43:15
        Of the whole world 2Kgs19:15, Isa 6:5, Jer 46:18, Ps 29:10, 99:1-4
        Promised day when God would become King
        Isa 24:23, 33:22; 52:7, Zeph 3:15, Zech 14:9ff
        God is king but will manifest His kingship in new way
        Rule through Davidic King
        Result in blessing, peace, prosperity, and preeminence for His people Israel
        Result in blessing the nations
      - Intertestamental
        2 problems
        Prophetic famine- God was silent
        Theodicy- God was inactive
        4 Ezra:6:59 “If the world has indeed been created for us, why do we not possess out world as an inheritance?”
        4 results
        intetestamental literature
        Apocalyptic-
        fantastic images
        separating and blurring of this-worldy political kingdom and otherworldly spiritualized kingdom-
        Political ups and downs are just a symptom of the deeper struggle going on in the spiritual realm- great cosmic struggle-
        moving of hope from present hope to future home, totally eschatological-
        they began to give up on anything happening in history and looked to God to end history, to bring the present age to a cataclysmic end.
        Eschatological dualism-
        this age and age to come
        Enoch 16:1 “the age shall be consummated
        48:7 “This world of unrighteousness
        71:15 “he proclaims unto thee peace in the name of the world to come
        IV Ezra 7:50 “the Most High has made not one Age but two
        7:113 “The Day of Judgment shall be the end of this age and the beginning of the eternal age that is to come
        8:1 This age the Most High has made for many, but the age to come for few
        kingdom of satan and Kingdom of God,
        this age characterized by foreign oppression, demonic oppression, sickness, pain, famine, hardship, death, etc.
        evidence all around- Rome, oppression, sin, demonic- all seen as evidence that God was not working in this age and they looked forward to the coming age when God would act
        next age characterized by all that is good, prophetic hope, lion and lamb, vine and milk
        Next age comes in triumph- supernatural intervention- accompanied by a powerful messiah
        Come in triumph
        Restore the nation to its former glory
        Bring the Spirit
        Deliver the oppressed
        Deterministic attitude-
        just hang on, grin and bear it, almost fatalistic
        The course of this age is predetermined, and must run its course to completion
        Apocalyptic anticipation- inbreaking- tension
    - Theology
      - Not realm, but reign
        Not locality, but rule, not spacial or static, but dynamic, not noun, but verb
        “God’s work in history among His people for His purposes.”
        Mk 1:1 cf. Isa 52;7 Good News: Our God reigns
        Psalms
        God as mighty King Psa 93:4, Ex 15:1,8,18;
        God is enthroned, Ps 24, 47:5, 101, 103:19
        God is sovereign Gen 1:26, Dan 4:24-25, 34-35, 6:26ff., Psa 145:11-13
        Both present and future Ps 10:16
        Lord’s prayer
        4 nuances of Basileia in NT
        abstract reign or rule- Luke 19:12
        synonym for ‘age to come’ Mk 9:47
        present dynamic- what God is presently doing/working- Mk 10:14-15
        Present realm- Mt 11:11
        KOG and KOHeaven same thing, no division
        KOG interchanged with eternal life, not just future, but present
      - Timing
        When Kingdom preached, people didn’t ask ‘What is the Kingdom?” but “when is the Kingdom?”
        Already/Not Yet
        Contrast Day of Lord Diagram with Ladd diagram
        “The Kingdom is God’s kingly rule which has two moments: a fulfillment of the Old Testament promises in the historical mission of Jesus and a consummation at the end of the age, inaugurating the Age to Come.” – Ladd Theo ofNT p. 60.
        Soteriological fulfillment without eschatological consummation
        Already present, but not yet complete
        Presence of the future- eschatological judgment, gift of Spirit, resurrection already happening
      - Nature of the Kingdom
        Victory over enemy
        Sickness
        Deliverance
        Freedom from oppression
        New People
        Redemption-exodus
        Banquet
        New heart and Spirit
        People and God
        Missionary to all earth
        God’s universal victory
        God’s universal sovereignty acknowledged
        God’s fame and renown
        God’s praise
        Kingdom is God’s creation, not man’s
    - The Kingdom in Jesus
      - On one hand…
        Peasant from artisan class
        Feels call of God
        Gathers disciples and trains them in his understanding of law and Judaism
        Runs afoul of authorities and is crucified
      - On the other hand…
        ‘What is this?...Who then is this?..
        Authority
        People marvel
        Jewish leaders are threatened
        Does not explain the law like the Rabbis, but pronounces as one who has authority
        Gathers 12 as new Israel- he is not one of the 12
        Heals and casts out demons and performs miracles
        Favors oppressed and outcasts
        Preaches that Kingdom is dawning in His work-
        His proclamation of the Kingdom is the proclamation of the King
        - the Kingdom was coming IN HIM
        “Jesus’ message is that in his own person and mission God has invaded human history and has triumphed over evil, even though the final deliverance will occur only at the end of the age.
        Preaches new intimacy, access to God- Father
      - Paradox in Jesus
        Drastically new thing, amazing, but people miss the significance
        The disciples who understand the significance misunderstand what kind of significance
        Didn’t fit their expectations- “hardening of the categories”
        They already knew how God would do things- Jesus didn’t fit
        Sin and injustice still prevail?
        Mystery of the Kingdom- did not fit their expectations
        About the Messiah himself
        About the nature of the Kingdom
- Introduction- 1:1-15
  - Prologue- V.1
    - Beginning- where does it go from here?
    - Gospel- good news, cf. Isa 52
    - Jesus Christ- Messiah
    - Son of God
  - OT Quote- vv. 2-3
    - Introductory formula-
      - It is written in Isaiah the prophet
      - Combination of two quotes, why only mentioned one
    - Malachi quote- 3:1
      - Promise of preparatory one- last step but one
      - Lord will come to temple
      - Context, word of judgment
    - Isaiah quote- 40:3
      - Turning of Isaiah-judgement to hope
      - Word of comfort and hope/salvation/fulfillment
      - Word of exhortation to get ready for promised fulfillment
    - Judgment and hope mixed together
  - John Baptizing vv. 4-8
    - Baptism
      - Significance of Baptism
        OT washing
        Ezek 36 washing
        Initiation rite for Jewish converts
        Scandal in applying to Jews-
        radical departure-
        repentance was for gentiles.
        God’s people are to be created on new grounds/basis,
        not earthly descent
      - Repentance and forgiveness
        Not something that brings forgiveness
        But acknowledging self as a sinner,
        not ready for end,
        submitting to prepare for coming King.
    - Location, Desert/Jordan/Border/Exodus
      - Not Jewish political power base
      - OT Significance of desert and crossing Jordan
        Jesus is following the path of Israel
        Fulfilling it successfully where Israel failed
    - People’s response
      - Judea and Jerusalem (power base) went out
      - Confessed and baptized-
        Mt. and Lk. tell that J the B commanded these things-
        prepare for coming age-
        getting ready for the day of Lord
    - John’s clothing
      - 2 Kgs 1:8
      - Elijah, cf. Mal ch 4
      - explains fearful response of crowds
    - John’s message
      - the coming one is coming- at the brink, get ready
      - He is more powerful
      - He is more worthy
      - I baptize with/in water
      - He will baptize with/in Spirit- judgment and salvation
  - Jesus Baptized vv. 9-11
    - Why baptized? Repent and confess?- important that Mark does not say.
      - Tied His ministry to J the B
      - Tied His ministry to Jewish hopes
      - Tied His ministry to the people who were being baptized (repentant people)
      - Was Jesus’ own call to public ministry-
        before that time, just carpenter-
        decisive moment
    - Identification
      - He identified himself with the nation of Israel
      - He identified himself with the oppressed who needed help
      - He was with them, for them
    - Events
      - Coming up,
      - Heaven opened
      - Spirit coming as dove
        Descent of dove as equipment for the task, cf. Isa 11:1-2, 61:1-3 return of the Spirit
        Jesus’ ministry in power of Spirit
        Jesus is the giver of the Spirit
    - Voice reflects 2 (or 3) passages- affirmation of Messianic destiny
      - Psa 2-
        King,
        vice-regent of God’s
        overcoming all opposition from arrogant rulers-
        Messiah’s triumph as King
      - Gen 22-
        beloved son,
        God’s provision-
        unique sonship
      - Isa 42:1
        Servant song-
        all of Isaiah’s promises and hopes wrapped up into one person-
        4 ‘servant songs’
        42:1-4
        49:1-6
        50:4-9
        52:13-53:12
        looks forward to fourth servant song, Isa 53-
        servant who overcomes through suffering in place/ on behalf of others
        experiences suffering and death for the people of God
    - Jesus’ self-understanding
      - King – who He is
      - and Suffering Servant- what He is about
      - fulfillment of all hopes
        explains why he was misunderstood-
        no one put the two together,
        rule by suffering,
        victory by weakness
  - Jesus’ Temptation- vv. 12-13
    - baptism and temptation go together, call and testing of call
    - Spirit sent into desert-
      - compelled, sense of destiny,
      - necessity- lit. “threw”
    - Desert for 40 days-
      - exodus significance-
      - Israel failed,
      - Jesus succeeded.
    - By Satan- power struggle-
      - from Mt. and Lk. the struggle is over what kind of messiah He would be-
      - Who am I? “if you are the Son of God”
      - What am I doing here?
        “turn stones to bread, throw self down, bow and worship”-
        power for self, shortcut around the cross,
        go the route of power and glory
        We try to win the world with power and “show us a sign” but should we not try to win the world with service and weakness?
      - Kingdom is different from popular expectations
      - A military ruler who defeats Rome would not get to the real heart of the matter
    - With wild animals
      - universal significance
      - away from Humans
      - angels attended him
  - Jesus’ proclamation- vv 14-15
    - After John in prison, went into Galilee-
      - Away from power centers
      - instead of people coming to him, he went to people
    - Proclaimed good news of God- cf. v.1 Kingdom comes as good news, as gift
    - Announcement
      - time has come- that which is hoped for has arrived
      - Kingdom of God has drawn near
        Kingdom of God
        Has drawn near
        Perfect tense- Past action with abiding result
        Verb meaning- draw near, not be here
        Neither all here nor not here
    - Implications-
      - see connection-
        because Kingdom-
        Kingdom comes as gift,
        not because of our repentance
      - Repent-
        turn, change, whole life change
        change of mind
        change of heart
        change of life direction
        world-shaking event deserves life-shaking response-
        radical reorientation of life, goals/desires, priorities-
        response to Kingdom as God’s gracious acceptance of us and forgiveness
      - Believe the good news-
        trust and follow where it goes
        Rest of Mark is explanation of this- Discipleship
        Get to, rather than Got to ethic
        Freedom-
        we don’t need to orient the world around ourselves,
        because the One whom the world revolves around has us in His care
        No longer my kingdom, but His Kingdom
        No longer my will, but His will
        following where t goes is evidence that we trust
        If we trust God, we do what He says
    - Kingdom and repentance come as gift
- Act 1: In Galilee- 1:16-8:26
  - 1:16-3:6
    - Initial ministry and popularity- 1:16-45
      - Calling of the Disciples- 1:16-20
        He saw and He said
        He saw and He called
        How did Jesus get people to follow Him?
        What does it mean to follow Jesus?-
        discipleship to rabbi
        apprentice in living
        What does it mean to be fishers of men
        What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?
      - Exorcism in a Synagogue- 1:21-28
        Taught in synagogue
        Taught with authority
        demon cried out- about who He was
        Jesus silenced him- Why?
        messianic secret?
        Jesus cast him out- Kingdom overcoming evil
        People amazed- new teaching, with authority
        Fame spreads quickly over whole region
      - Heals Peter's Mother in Law- 1:29-31
        Hanging at Peter’s house- base of ministry
        They made him aware of the problems that were there
        He healed her and the fever left
        Not just public miracles for notoriety but meeting real needs- Kingdom
        She got up and served them
      - Ministers to the whole town- 1:32-34
        After sunset- end of Sabbath
        People brought Him all the sick and demon possessed
        Whole town at door- popularity
        Healed many
        Drove out many demons- Kingdom presence
        Would not let them talk, Why?
      - Leaves the town- 1:35-39
        Why did he leave town?
        Got up to pray early
        Prayed alone in solitary place-
        Why? Implications for discipleship?
        Simon and His companions- Simon’s leadership
        Went to look for Him
        “Everyone is looking for you”- popularity
        Let’s go somewhere else- shock, leaving their town
        Focused on mission- to preach there also- purposeful use of time
        That is why come- to preach seems to take place over healing
        Traveled throughout Galilee
        Preaching in synagogues- Kingdom message
        Driving out demons- Kingdom power
      - Heals a man with leprosy- 1:40-45
        Man approaches Jesus-
        acknowledges authority but questions willingness-
        valid question, he was outcast by Jewish law
        Who is the Kingdom for? Do untouchables somehow squeak in under the wire?
        Jesus responds with compassion
        Kingdom for all, especially oppressed
        Touched untouchable man
        He was immediately clean- Jesus did not become unclean, reverse infection
        Sent man away, but with warning to be quiet- Why?
        Sent to priests as testimony to them- not rebellious against system
        Man spoke freely- message of Kingdom, but probably distorted message
        Jesus could no longer enter town openly because of popularity- wrong kind of popularity?
        People came out to Him from everywhere
      - Summary
        Early ministry brings great popularity
        Right kind of popularity?-
        that of the King and suffering servant,
        or that of a magician who gives people only what they want?
        No opposition yet- Jesus certainly not seeking trouble
        Preaches and demonstrates the Kingdom
    - Ministry and opposition- 2:1-3:6
      - Heals a paralytic- 2:1-12
        Popularity out of hand
        Huge crowds-
        Jesus preached to them-
        still Kingdom message
        Some men brought a paralytic
        Had to go to great lengths to get him to Jesus
        Jesus saw their faith-
        implications for discipleship?
        Jesus says “Your sins are forgiven”
        Why mention sins when his obvious problem is physical paralysis?
        The teachers of the law are shocked and think he is blaspheming
        He upsets their sensibilities
        Who can forgive sins but God alone?
        They are right, He is blaspheming unless He is God or from God
        Jesus knew their thoughts
        Which is easier to say?
        Forgiveness is unseen, healing is seen,
        so he does healing to show that forgiveness is real-
        fruit of the Kingdom
        To show that Son of Man has Authority
        Man was healed-
        work of Kingdom-
        both to witness to Kingdom/Son, and for man’s healing-
        no division between two purposes
        Everyone amazed
      - Calling of Levi- 2:13-17
        Large crowd- still popularity
        He taught them- Kingdom message
        Tax collector-
        lowest of low,
        lawyer or telemarketer,
        more outcasts
        He saw, He called
        Levi responded and left a lot
        Jesus eats with outcasts- Kingdom feast inclusion
        Pharisees offended at the inclusion- Why?
        Jesus’ response-
        the sick need a doctor-
        I have come to those who need me-
        veiled implication is that everyone needs Him,
        but only the sinners recognize and admit it-
        Kingdom to the outcast,
        must be received with repentant humility
      - Question on fasting- 2:18-22
        Others fasted- not required to the extent practiced
        Asked why Jesus did not live up to their traditions
        What is the point of Jesus response about wedding?
        Jesus answered-
        something more important than human traditions is here-
        Kingdom is more important than our traditions and organizational structures
        Jesus’ presence is a cause for joy- Kingdom
        A cause for fasting will come, but not now- preview of cross
        New patch and New wine-
        What is the point?
        old structures and traditions often are not able to contain the new move of the Kingdom-
        how often we hinder the Kingdom by trying to force it into our preconceived structures-
        rather follow Kingdom and use structures appropriate for new move
        Placement of this saying between controversies over fasting and Sabbath
      - Question on Sabbath- 2:23-28
        On Sabbath-
        many traditions around Sabbath,
        important for their society,
        people had given their life for faithfulness to law
        But went beyond word in their traditions
        What the disciples did was unlawful according to the traditions,
        but did not explicitly break the commandment
        Jesus challenged the Pharisees –
        He upset their traditions and sensibilities- cf. new wine
        What is the point of Jesus’ response?
        Why were the disciples and David justified in their actions according to Jesus?
        Jesus replies-
        David explicitly broke the law because of greater need-
        priority of laws- mercy greater than sacrifice- Kingdom priorities more important
        Laws for the sake of humans, not humans for the sake of laws- Kingdom priorities
        (but don’t play fast and loose with God’s laws)
        The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath
      - Healing on the Sabbath- 3:1-6
        In the synagogue on the Sabbath
        They were looking for a reason to accuse Him
        He had already done exorcism on a Sabbath-
        with no apparent opposition, cf. 1:25
        But apparently healing was taboo cf. 1:32 people waiting until after dark
        Inconsistency?
        Jesus saw need and met need
        Jesus saw trap and met it head on-
        opportunity to demonstrate the Kingdom and challenge their unscriptural traditions
        “What is lawful- to do good or evil, save life or kill?”
        contrast to show their inconsistency and point to a better way-
        Kingdom people centered
        They could not answer against Him, but they could not repent, so they kept quiet
        Jesus was distressed and angered at their hard hearts-
        pride and apathy toward suffering of others-
        Don’t be like this
        He restored the man’s hand- Kingdom power
        Notice the way Jesus healed him
        Only thing Jesus did was speak- not against the law
        Only thing he asked the man to do was reach out- not against the law
        The only possible grounds to accuse depended on them admitting that Jesus was powerful enough to do a miracle at a distance
        implicit answer is that people are more important than Sabbath
        implicit challenge to their traditions and opportunity to change for the Kingdom
        They rejected the opportunity and chose to fight against the Kingdom
        Teamed up with their ideological enemies because they hated Jesus more
        Plotted murder which is against the law and traditions-
        hypocritical, not only are they plotting to commit murder and refuse the Kingdom,
        but they are doing it on the Sabbath!
      - Summary
        Notoriety brings opposition
        Challenging their traditions/structures brings opposition
        Care for people brings opposition
        Why questions in (ch.2) v.7,16,18,24
  - 3:7-5:43
    - Strengthening of Discipleship- 3:7-19
      - Crowds at the Lake- 3:7-12
        Jesus withdraws, cf. prayer, but with disciples- Why?
        People come from many regions
        Healed many- Kingdom
        They wanted more healing
        Priority of teaching
        Evil spirits fell before Him and cried out His identity
        He is the Son of God
        He silenced them
      - He Chooses Twelve- 3:13-19
        He chose those to come to Him
        He appointed 12- number significant- new Israel
        To what purpose did He appoint?
        To Be With Him- first and most important part of discipleship is relationship
        Send out to preach- Kingdom
        Giving them authority like He has
        Disciples- 5 already introduced
        Simon the Zealot- revolutionary patriot
        Levi=Matthew- traitor
        Judas who would betray Him
        What a mixed bunch, but Jesus could unite them
        Imperfect people
        Not power Jerusalem elite, but nobodies
    - Strengthening of Opposition- 3:20-35
      - A Kingdom Divided?- 3:20-30
        Again Jesus was pressed by the crowd
        His family thought He was nuts
        Teachers of the law from Jerusalem
        They attribute His exorcisms to Satan
        How does He respond?
        “I assure you” “Truly I say to you” authority, like ‘thus says the Lord”
        It doesn’t make sense if He were to cast out demons if He were on their side
        Goes one step further,
        If Satan’s house was being plundered, someone stronger was doing the plundering-
        Kingdom power and authority
        Whoever blasphemes against the Spirit?
        From context, has to do with attributing the Spirit’s work to Satan
        From context, calling the Holy Spirit an “evil Spirit”
        From context, they disbelieved, disliked Jesus for other reasons and would even resort to blasphemy to accuse Him
        Rejected Jesus, refused to hear and this is just the excuse to cover their choice
      - Jesus' Family- 3:31-35
        Those who do God’s will are Jesus’ relatives
        Not devaluing family
        But Kingdom is much more valuable
        Kingdom Priorities
    - Jesus' Teaching- 4:1-34
      - Parable of the Sower- 4:1-12
        What is parable and why?
        Teaches truth, but not directly
        Illustrates truth, but at the same time obscures truth
        Response to opposition and separating the serious from the curious
        Parables are about the Kingdom, explaining the Kingdom
        Challenge to hear
        12 asked for explanation
        ‘Secrets’ of Kingdom given to them-
        “something of a key to His teaching-
        (His teaching is for disciples, who are to know ‘the mystery of the Kingdom’)
        To those on the outside, the parables are given to obscure even further
        Quote from Is 6
      - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower- 4:13-20
        He chastises them for not understanding the parable
        Explains the parable
        Seed is the word with various results based upon the soil
        The effect of the Kingdom is partially dependent on the receptivity of the people
        Some seed is productive up to 100 times, not because of the soil, but the life is still in the seed
        Depends on how people ‘hear’
        not like the Pharisees,
        but like the disciples-
        Whoever has ears, let them hear
      - Lamp on a Stand- 4:21-25
        What is hidden is meant to be disclosed
        Challenge to hear
        Whoever has will be given more-
        cf. parables who give more to those who are already in,
        but obscure those who are out-
        further separation caused by the Kingdom.
        Put into practice what is heard is a sure way to hear more
        To neglect what heard is a sure way to not hear more
        See how all these stories fit together to teach about discipleship
        Because they rejected Jesus and refused to hear,
        because they said that His work is the work of satan,
        they will hear less and less and less,
        because they will hear less and less,
        they will always be on the outside and never receive forgiveness,
        therefore they have committed the unforgivable sin
      - The Self-growing Seed- 4:26-29
        About the Kingdom
        Seed has life that grows without the help of the farmer
        Kingdom grows with power inherent in itself
        We have our part to play, our jobs to do, but only the Spirit brings growth
      - The Mustard Seed- 4:30-34
        About the Kingdom
        Starts small, but will be big
        Kingdom starts as a wandering rabbi with a few disciples
        Does not look significant compared to what they expected from the Kingdom
        Expected military/political king to beat the Romans
        Jesus reassures them,
        that even though not what expected,
        His movement is significant and will be very large in the end
        even if the start didn’t seem big
        Spoke to them in parables, but explained to His own disciples.
    - Four Stories about His Greatness- 4:35-5:43
      - Jesus Calms the Storm- 4:35-41
        It was Jesus’ idea to go to the other side- trouble can come even in the will of God
        They were in trouble, nearly swamped
        Jesus was fast asleep- exhausted
        Disciples woke Him with accusing question-
        “Don’t You care?”
        cf. Lepers question
        He rebuked the weather- Authority
        Rebuked disciples for lack of faith
        They were terrified and asked- “Who is this?” theme
      - Healing of the Demoniac- 5:1-20
        Went to gentile territory
        Seriously demonized man was there
        He approached Jesus and confronted/asked for mercy
        Jesus sends them into the pigs- complete authority over them
        One person is worth more than 200 pigs
        The people came and saw the man who had been a major problem healed
        They were afraid and asked Him to leave
        Probably partly because of fear of great authority
        Partly because of fear for their pigs
        The healed man wanted to go with Him but Jesus sent Him to tell
        Why send to tell? What about the secret?
        Tell what Lord has done- how He had mercy
        He told what Jesus had done
        People were amazed
      - Dead Girl and a Sick Woman- 5:21-43
        Large crowd again
        Synagogue ruler
        not all in power opposed Him-
        motive? But faith
        Jesus went with him- allowed His itinerary to be (at least partially) determined by others’ need
        Woman’s example of faith, trust for discipleship
        Jesus knew power had gone out?-
        not need to be conscious aforethought (power overflowed) for healing,
        and yet completely in tune- personal, not superstitious
        Brought her trust to light and commended her trust
        The ruler’s friends’ faith ended at death
        Jesus’ response- don’t fear, just trust
        Just the 3 follow- special group among disciples
        Said she was asleep-
        not lie but euphemism-
        future looking, true,
        but also possibly to suppress the news of what was about to happen
        The mourners mocked Him- and for good reason
        Did miracle in private
        He raised her
        They were appropriately astonished
        Gave strict orders that the secret be kept
        But revealed Himself to His disciples in marvelous way- authority even over death
  - 6:1-8:26
    - Summary of Opposition- 6:1-6
      - Height of rejection, still amazed, but took offense at humility
      - “Could not do…” balanced with sov’ty and authority
      - Amazed at lack of faith- trust cf. 1:15- antidiscipleship
    - The Mission Moves Forward- 6:7-53
      - The Twelve are Successful- 6:7-30
        Jesus sends out the Twelve- 6:7-13
        Mission- Kingdom-
        preaching the Kingdom
        demonstration of Kingdom
        2X2- accountability, 2 witnesses, Dt. 19:15
        Gave His authority- their authority the same as His
        Gave His mission- their mission the same as His
        Preached ‘repent’ probably shorthand for 1:15
        Exorcisms and healings done by disciples just as done by Jesus
        Take nothing-
        travel light, not for profit business,
        focused, not distracted by stuff.-
        but not absolute for all times and situations
        Herod and John- 6:14-29
        Why here? Why not at 1:14
        Cf. v.14-16 question about who Jesus is.
        Looking forward to 8:27ff.
        The disciples are exercising Jesus’ authority,
        but they don’t yet have a clue about His identity and its implications.
        Herod is at least asking the right questions
        17-29 parenthesis explaining v.16
        But also an example of anti-king
        He is ruthless and served by everyone, flaunting God’s laws
      - The Twelve are Stupid- 6:31-52
        Feeding of the 5000- 6:30-44
        Disciples return successful-
        challenges them to the next step
        v.31 come by yourself for rest/quiet & ‘be with Him’
        Crowds come
        Jesus had compassion
        Taught them
        Jesus challenged disciples-
        they followed Him in healing and exorcisms
        ‘How many do you have?’
        Divided the people- cf Moses organizing people in wilderness
        quiet miracle
        no mention of amazement
        but disciples knew
        Gave thanks and broke bread and gave-
        connection with last supper-
        pointer to banquet of consummation
        Everyone satisfied
        more leftover than when started
        cf. Exodus manna
        Cf. 2Kgs 4:44-45 Elisha feeds by multiplying
        5000 not counting women and children-
        slight possibility of all male gathering,
        prob. just using OT way of counting, cf military census
        Jesus Walks on Water- 6:45-52
        Jesus prays alone, sent disciples ahead
        Pass by them
        From their perspective
        cf. Jesus in Lk 24:28 who intended to go on
        Jesus walking is making better progress than the trained boatsmen rowing
        Test, they fail again
        They should have seen by the many miracles, incl. the bread that Jesus is more than a man
        Disciples hearts hard?
        They were amazed-
        The wind died down
        Authority over laws of nature
    - Non-Galilean Ministry- 6:53-8:26
      - Transition Outside Galilee- 6:53-56
        Gennessaret- where demoniac was
        Outside Galilee/Jewish territory
        Primarily Greek
        cf. pigs which were not Kosher
        Healing but not preaching Kingdom?-
        would not have made sense
        didn’t have the same expectations
      - Teachings That Prepare for Non-Jewish Ministry- 7:1-23
        God’s Commands or human Tradition?- 7:1-13
        Opposition from Jerusalem, which is the focal point of opposition
        Preparing the way for the Gentile mission (written to Rome)
        Difference between law and tradition-
        traditions only externals and only from humans,
        law goes to internal root, and is from God
        Wineskins-
        tearing down their expectations to be able to reveal the true fulfillment-
        goes on offensive
        He challenges their interpretation-
        hypocrites, look good, but are not good
        Isaiah quote
        Idolatry- inability to hear, worldly wisdom destroyed
        Word of judgment
        Not rules, but people centered- heart
        Traditions vs. commandments- they chose wrong
        How much do we do the same? –
        “Don’t smoke”, -don’t need command, just read the side of the box
        “Don’t drink”,
        “Invite Jesus into your heart” etc.
        Clean and Unclean- 7:14-23
        Gives authoritative interpretation
        People centered
        root of issue
        not symptom
        v.18 Disciples are dull- building theme
        Declared all foods clean-
        Mk written to Rome-
        not throwing out law,
        but giving authoritative interpretation for understanding the purpose of law
        Sins from the heart are the real problem
        Not image (hypocrisy) but reality- true discipleship in heart
      - Two Healings Outside Galilee- 7:24-37
        The Phonecian Woman- 7:24-30
        Gentile territory
        Not calloused but leading forward to more important issues
        Committed to the priority of the Jewish mission, without leaving her out
        She replied with the faith and trust that He drew out of her
        Who is the Kingdom for? Lepers? Tax collectors? But surely not for gentiles?
        Yes, eventually even gentiles
        The Healing of the Deaf Mute- 7:31-37
        Cf Isa. 35:5-6
        Blind and deaf, etc
        idolatry broken in non-Jews
        Took him away from crowd, still secretive
        Overwhelmed with amazement
      - Setup for the Central Question- 8:1-26
        Feeding the 4000- 8:1-10
        Very similar to feeding of the 5000
        Why 2 feeding miracles?
        Compassion
        Challenged disciples- they failed once so he repeats the test
        Setup for the Central Question- 8:11-26
        Beware the Yeast of the Pharisees- 8:11-21
        They tested Him for a sign
        Right after miracles with plenty of evidence,
        why not another?
        He is not a magician-
        miracles are signs of Kingdom
        not Kingdom
        He is not the type of Messiah they were looking for,
        Not just a miracle worker
        BTW He is not the type of Savior we are looking for,
        just someone to fix all our problems
        Disciples fail again- they are spoken of as blind an deaf
        They need another touch
        Jesus warned of Pharisees and Herod’s type of authority
        Hypocritical and self serving
        image
        The Twice Touched Blind Man- 8:22-26
        Why included
        touched twice
        failed the first time
        Outside the village- secret
        Saw partly, but did not really see until touched again
        Parallel to disciples, who saw some, some success
        But who were blind and needed another touch
        All of which is setup for the next section
- Act 2: On the Way to Jerusalem (The Way of the Cross)- 8:27-10:52
  - Recognizing Jesus- 8:27-9:13
    - Who is Jesus?- 8:27-30
      - Caesarea Philippi- far away, borders, secluded
      - Jesus started the topic by asking them
      - Herod had already been asking this central question
      - They repeated the answers of the people
      - Jesus asked for their own answer
        Peter answered, Messiah
        Jesus told them to keep it quiet, just as the demons
      - They had some knowledge of who He is,
        but incomplete knowledge-
        Jewish expectations partly right
      - They need a second touch to see clearly
        How are they going to get a second touch,
        to know what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah?
        The Son of God?
        Next section!
    - Jesus Predicts His Death- 8:31-33
      - Suffer, rejected, killed, rise
      - Jesus ‘spoke plainly’ but they didn’t get it- ‘hardening of categories’
      - Peter began to rebuke Him
        But Jesus harshly rebuked Peter
        called him satan
      - Not thinking things of God, but of men-
        cf. temptation in wilderness
        tempted to deny suffering servant
      - Disciples fail to understand the cross
    - Take Up Your Cross- 8:34-9:1
      - Explicit connection with previous-
        disciples imitate the master,
        even in cross
      - Discipleship is way of the cross-
        Deny self- take up cross-
        follow me- cf. discipleship call
      - Trade off of losing life and saving
      - Being ashamed of Jesus in adulterous generation
      - See the Kingdom coming in power
        When did that happen?
        next section
    - Transfiguration- 9:2-13
      - The inner three alone with Jesus
      - High mountain, where God often reveals Himself
      - Transfigured blazing white
      - Moses and Elijah speaking with Him
      - Peter spoke stupidity from fear- 3 shelters- permanent?
      - Voice again from heaven- cf. baptism
        This is my Son, whom I love- listen to Him!
        Gen 22, Isa. 53
        Listen to Him
        Last word then transfiguration ended
      - Jesus ordered them not to tell-
        **until He had risen**
        They obeyed and questioned rising from the dead-
        even though He had already told them
        they are slow
        Elijah must come first-
        preparing the way by being a pattern of suffering and rejection
        **Son of Man must suffer and be rejected**
        That is just what happened to J the B
  - Success and Failure in Exorcism- 9:14-29
    - Disciples arguing with teachers of law,
      - but unable to help the boy
    - People were overwhelmed with wonder at Jesus
    - Jesus rebukes the unbelieving generation-
      - apparently because they only cared about getting needs met,
      - and not about discipleship
    - Father’s request- ‘if you can…’- cf. leper
      - Jesus reply- ‘Everything is possible for him who believes, cf. 1:15
      - I believe, help me overcome unbelief
    - When He saw the crowd, he rebuked the evil spirit
    - Disciples asked why they could not- only by prayer
  - More Lessons on the Cross- 9:30-50
    - Jesus Predicts His Death (2nd time)- 9:30-32
      - Jesus wanted to be away from crowds because He was teaching His disciples
      - Predicted betrayal, death, and resurrection
      - They did not understand
      - They were afraid to ask
    - Who is the Greatest?- 9:33-37
      - They argued among selves, but He knew
      - The first must be last, the servant-
        cf. cross, losing life
      - Child in presence-
        serve one like this is serving Jesus,
        serving Jesus is serving the One who sent Him
    - Who is For Us?- 9:38-41
      - One doing miracle in Jesus name
      - All good is good when somehow in connection with Jesus,
        even if not from the group of 12-
        disciples making old wineskins?
      - Cup of water is reward worthy
      - Who is a disciple? One doing good in His Name
    - Beware of Hell- 9:42-50
      - Beware causing a little one to sin- cf. child of v. 36
      - Beware sinning, to the point of cutting off hand, etc.
        It is better to enter Kingdom of God blind
        If it comes down to that choice,
        but sin is not from the hand, but the heart, cf. ch. 7
      - 3 salt sayings
        1. salt/fire purifies-
        holiness through suffering
        (in combating sin, but not limited to that),
        taking cross and following Jesus to sacrifice,
        cf. ‘salt’ in OT sacrifices
        2. warning against turning back from discipleship,
        even when it gets hard
        3. wholesome relation (peace) among the disciples-
        cf ‘salt’ used in OT cov’t ritual-
        in light of trying for positions of greatness
  - Values of the Kingdom- 10:1-31
    - Divorce- 10:1-12
      - Jesus went into Judea! He is on His way to the cross
      - Crowds came
      - He taught them
      - Pharisees came and tested Him
        theme that will recur
        Is it lawful to divorce?
      - Jesus answered with question- their interpretation?
      - They answered one way,
        Moses permits divorce-
        based on Dt 24:1-4
        Technically, this passage does not require or even permit divorce,
        but just regulates it-
        like a law talking about disposition of stolen property does not permit stealing
        They misinterpreted the passage
      - Jesus rejected their interpretation and offered a better one
        From the beginning- two become one
        Alone with the disciples, he explained
        Clearly spoken, no divorce-
        but this is not the whole of the Biblical teaching on the subject
    - Little children- 10:13-16
      - People bringing children
      - Once again the disciples failed to understand
      - Let the children come
      - The Kingdom belongs to such as these-
        who turn and trust
      - Whoever does not become like one of these-
        turn and trust-
        will never enter the Kingdom
      - He held them and blessed them
    - Riches and the Kingdom- 10:17-25
      - Teacher approached Jesus and asked about eternal life- parallel to Kingdom
      - Jesus asks about word ‘good’?
        Does not deny divinity,
        but rather puts focus on the question ‘Who is Jesus?’
        as implicit requirement to eternal life-
        really an affirmation of divinity
      - Points to commandments
        He claims to have done them
        (didn't mention coveting)
      - Jesus wants to give him a second touch
        Breaking him free from riches- sell and give
        Follow me
      - Man failed because he loved wealth, did not leave all like disciples did-
      - Hard for rich to enter Kingdom of God
        Not because of nature of Kingdom,
        or nature of riches,
        but Kingdom calls for complete commitment
        which is harder for rich to give up
        because they have more to give up
    - Who then can be saved?- 10:26-31
      - Disciples recognize the difficulty then of being saved
      - Jesus says it is in fact impossible, but not with God
      - Peter says they have left all
      - Jesus does not rebuke what seems like bragging, but instead gives a promise
      - But also promises/warns of the attending suffering
      - The first last and last first
  - Following the Way of the Cross- 10:32-45
    - Jesus Predicts His Death (3rd time)- 10:32-34
      - On way to Jerusalem, Jesus leading the way
      - Disciples were astonished
      - Took the 12 aside and told them plainly
      - Going to Jerusalem, betrayed to chief priests and teachers of law
      - Condemn to death and give to gentiles,
      - Mock, spit, flog and kill
      - 3 days later will rise.
      - By far, the most detailed prediction-
        continuing to prepare them
        But they completely missed it, misunderstood
    - The Way of the Cross- 10:35-45
      - James and John request
        Jesus did not promise to grant
        but asked what it was
        They want positions of authority
        He asks if they are prepared for the attending suffering on the way of the cross
        They promise they are
      - He answers their question-
        they are not His to give
        The other ten are mad
      - He answers their attitude-
        worldly leadership is one way- being served
        Leadership in the Kingdom is the opposite- serving
        Being great = being a servant of all
      - Discipleship is imitating a master-
        look what the master is doing
        10:45 key verse of Mark
        Did not come to be served
        Came to serve
        Came to give life as a ransom
        Isa. 53- suffering as a ransom for many
        The way of discipleship is the way of the cross,
        which follows in Jesus footsteps-
        cf. 1Pet 2:18ff.
  - 2nd Healing of a Blind Man- 10:46-52
    - What title did the blind man give Jesus?
      - Son of David
      - Messianic Title
    - Crowd rebuked, but shouted louder- overcame opposition
    - Asked ‘what do you want?’
    - Example of discipleship
      - Left all and came when Jesus called
      - He trusted the good news, and was healed
      - He followed Jesus
- Act 3: In Jerusalem- 11:1-16:8
  - Popularity and Conflict in Jerusalem- 11:1-13:37
    - Openly Declares He is Messiah- 11:1-26
      - The Triumphal Entry- 11:1-11
        Entering Jerusalem, final act
        Authority over colt
        Blatant declaration of Kingship in OT prophetic terms- Zech 9:9
        But Mark does not spell it out, drawing out faith of those who know, but denying knowledge to those who don’t
        Expected King, but not in their terms
        They responded with OT quotes recognizing and welcoming Him as Davidic king- Psa. 118:25-26
        cf. 2 Kgs 9:13 for cloaks
        Jesus went to the temple, the seat of authority, proper place for King to be coronated
        But was not coronated by the official leadership of the temple
        He left
      - Judgment on the Existing Leadership- 11:12-26
        The Fig Tree Cursed- 11:12-14
        Cursed the tree because it did not bear fruit
        cf. Isa. 5
        Had outward look of fruitfulness, but no life
        Fig tree often symbol for Israel
        Hos 9:10, 16
        Mic 7:1-6
        Jer 8:13
        Jer 29:17
        Judgment on the Temple- 11:15-19
        Cleaned the temple
        judgment on temple officials who were not bearing fruit
        cf. fig tree
        Quoting Isa. 56:7- see in context esp. v.10
        Quoting Jer 7:11- see in context esp. v. 14
        The officials plotted to kill Him, they feared Him
        but the crowds were amazed
        The Fig Tree Withered- 11:20-26
        Jesus has authority to curse, tear down, judge
        Teaching on prayer specifically for this situation- ‘this mountain’= temple
        Teaching on prayer also general, pray in trust, forgiving others
        But personal, not magical
    - Open Conflict with Official Leadership- 11:27-12:44
      - They Challenge His Legitimacy- 11:27-33
        Asked about Jesus' 'authority’
        Jesus turns the question around- ‘where does authority come from?’
        Not from official channels, but from God
        They were trapped because they did not recognize John who was obviously from God
        Jesus did answer their question though not in so many words
        His authority came from the same source as John’s
        Challenge them to recognize His authority and repent of dismissing John’s
      - He Challenges Their Legitimacy- 12:1-12
        Cf. again Isa. 5
        They were unfruitful tenants
        They treated God’s representatives, like John, shamefully
        Veiled prediction of death
        They were unfruitful, therefore their legitimacy expired
        They would be judged
        Quoting Psa. 118 which had been quoted at triumphal entry
        Praise of God saving from enemies and installing His people in the temple
        Jesus uses the Psalm in this way, but casts the temple officials in the role of the enemies
        They understood exactly what He was saying and plotted to kill Him
        They feared the crowds
      - The Challenge to Loyalty- 12:13-17
        Enemies who were loyal to different things plotted together
        Tried to trap Him by making Him declare loyalty either for or against Rome
        Jesus saw through lip service and hypocrisy
        Asked ‘whose image?’
        Give to Caesar what is in his image- got out of their trap
        Give to God what is in God’s image- put them in His trap
        They did not give themselves, and they abused others made in God’s image
        They were disloyal to God
      - The Challenge to Teaching pt. 1- 12:18-27
        Current theological controversy
        Jesus rebuked the liberals of the day because they didn’t know what they were talking about
        Answered their controversy in a way that none of them could
        Also implied challenge to live for God
      - The Challenge to Teaching pt. 2- 12:28-34
        Another current theological controversy
        Asked out of good motives- recognized Jesus’ authority as teacher
        Jesus answer was not unusual, but profound- quoted their Pledge of Allegiance
        Tied it with love of neighbor- cf. image of God vs. idolatry of temple
        Teacher agreed and commended Jesus
        Jesus commended him
        No one dared ask any more questions
      - Who is the Christ?- 12:35-40
        Greater than David- 12:35-37
        Jesus therefore asked the questions
        Quoting Psa. 110
        The Christ is the Son of David- yes
        The Christ is more than just a descendant of David, more than king like David
        Remember, their expectations, but not their expectations
        Crowd listened with delight
        Not Like the Pharisees- 12:38-40
        Watch out for the teachers of the law
        They are like this-worldly rulers
        They don’t serve people but are served by people
        By implication (in Mark’s larger purposes) the Christ is not like that
      - The Challenge to Commitment- 12:41-44
        The widow gave all
        Cf. giving to Caesar
        Challenge for discipleship to be like that
    - Signs of the End- 13:1-36
      - The Temple will be Destroyed- 13:1-2
        Directly tied in with preceding sections, judgment on temple and official leadership
      - Two Part Question- 13:3-4
        When fulfilled?
        What are the signs?
      - Warnings to Watchfulness- 13:5-31
        2 part answer based on the two questions
        2 layer answer based on the fulfillment of AD70 and only secondarily on the future end
        Beware of precise schemes-
        their expectations of Messiah did not match God’s plan
        if anyone says they have it figured out, they are most likely wrong
        Hal Linsey and Left Behind etc.
        Watch for substitute Christs
        Watch for persecution
        Watch for idolatry/invasion
        That time will be dreadful
        God will protect the elect
        Watch for substitute Christs
        After the distress, the son of Man will come/arrive in Glory
        Then He will be vindicated
        Then you will know that it is near
        This generation- either AD70 or Jews
      - Answer to the Timing Question- 13:32-37
        No one knows the time
        But be alert
        Be prepared
        Be disciples all the time
        Watch
  - Death and Resurrection- 14:1-16:8
    - Preparation for Death- 14:1-42
      - Jesus Anointed at Bethany- 14:1-11
        Jesus’ last days
        Teachers trying to arrest Him away from the crowds
        They are offended by the “Waste of money”-
        cf. offended by waste of pigs
        Different priorities
        The poor are important, but not most important-
        first priority is always to be with Him-
        ministry cannot rule your life
        She did what she could
        Preparation for burial
        She will be memorialized in Scripture
        Judas made plans to betray Him for money
        Enemies were delighted
        He watched for opportunity
      - The Lord's Supper- 14:12-26
        Passover celebration- celebrating rescue from slavery
        Jesus knew the arrangements in advance
        Jesus predicts His betrayal
        Ambiguous in the way he names the betrayer- cf. parables
        Reinterprets Passover and covenant ceremony of Sinai in terms of His own death
        Looking forward to the consummation of the Kingdom of God
      - Prediction of Peter's Denial- 14:27-31
        Jesus predicts that they all will fail- anti-discipleship
        “I will strike the shepherd”
        cf. context of quote,
        esp v.1 “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity”
        Peter confidently says he won’t fall away
        Jesus says oh yes you will
        Peter insisted, and they all did-
        beware of trusting yourself
        1 Corinthians 10:12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
      - Gethsemane- 14:32-42
        Went by himself to pray, as was His habit
        Asked disciples to pray with Him
        Separated the 3
        He was troubled, and deeply distressed-
        really experienced the suffering He asks of His disciples
        Prayed that He wouldn’t have to suffer,
        but at the same time submitted Himself to suffering if it is God’s will
        Found disciples failing
        Told them to watch and pray so as not to fall into temptation
        They failed 3 times
        Predicted His arrest
        He confronted the hour and went to meet the suffering, not running away
    - The Arrest and Trial- 14:43-15:15
      - The Arrest- 14:43-52
        Judas led a crowd sent from His enemies
        Singled out Jesus as the one to be arrested
        The disciples fight back
        Jesus calmly rebukes them while still submitting to arrest-
        full control, authority in the situation
        Young man (possibly John Mark) fled as well
        All the disciples who promised not to fail,
        failed in the garden,
        and failed in the arrest-
        unfaithful in difficult times-
        antidiscipleship
      - The Jewish Trial- 14:53-65
        Gathered together all the Jewish authorities, those whom Jesus had already revoked their authority
        Trial probably did not meet the standards of a legal trial gathering, not fair trial
        Peter followed at a distance
        Already had a verdict, just looking for evidence
        Could not find any evidence against Him
        Even false testimony did not work
        Jesus did not bother to answer their claims-
        still complete control and authority
        High priest asked- ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of God?’
        Jesus answered directly yes
        Elaborated in terms of Dan 7:13-14
        where Son of Man is vindicated by God against enemies
        ‘beasts who had been stripped of their authority’
        and His Kingdom will never end
        High priest called ‘blasphemy’- Why?
        Not because Jesus claimed to be the Messiah,
        not because claimed to be vindicated at God’s right hand
        But probably more because He called the Jewish leaders the enemies of God,
        the people of God a beastly nation
        They condemned Him worthy of death and began to abuse Him
      - Peter's Denial- 14:66-72
        Peter intimidated by a servant girl
        Denied Christ 3 times, even swearing oath
        The rooster crowed and Peter remembered Jesus’ words
        He broke down, utterly humbled
      - The Roman Trial- 15:1-15
        Gave over to Romans because the jewish authorities did not have authority to kill Him
        Pilate asks question about King
        Jesus answers plainly that He was the King of the Jews
        Enemies accused
        Jesus did not answer-
        authority in complete control
        Pilate was amazed at His composure, authority
        Custom of releasing a prisoner
        They asked for Barabbas,
        an insurrectionist, violent revolutionary against Rome-
        the kind of King they were looking for, they got- a murderer
        Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and tried to get Him released, calling Him King
        Pilate afraid of the crowd, just as the Pharisees had been
        Jews called for Jesus crucifixion-
        same crowd that had shouted in triumph when He entered the city
        Had Jesus flogged and handed Him over to be crucified
    - The Death and Burial- 15:16-47
      - The Humiliation- 15:16-20
        Led Jesus into fortress
        a whole company of soldiers mocked Him
        calling Him king
        Ironic treatment as of a conquered King the one who was truly King and still in authority
        Led Him out to crucify Him
      - The Crucifixion- 15:21-32
        Forced Simon to carry the cross
        Went to Golgotha
        Offered anesthesia, but he refused, in control authority
        They crucified Him
        Divided clothes by lot, cf. Ps 22
        Written notice- King of the Jews-
        ironic spite, but true proclamation,
        this is what the Kingdom of God is like-
        giving life for others,
        embracing suffering for the good that comes,
        This is what the King is like,
        not being served,
        but pouring out His life for others,
        this is what God is like
        The crowd still did not get it, but insulted,
        asking for the kind of king they wanted
        Enemies mocked while at the same time admitting He saved and healed others-
        high irony, served others, but refused to serve Himself,
        saved others, but refused to save Himself
        Let Him come down that we may see and believe-
        rather Mark, let Him stay on the cross that we may see and believe
        Let Him come down from the cross- way of the world
        Contrast ‘Take up your cross’ way of discipleship- way of the cross
      - The Death of Jesus- 15:33-41
        Darkness over the land- creation mourning
        Jesus quotes Ps 22
        Expressed His suffering
        Pointing to larger context- proof text
        Pointing to larger context-
        hope of vindication in the midst of suffering-
        prediction of resurrection
        Misunderstood about Elijah
        Jesus was in control over His death
        The curtain of the temple tore from the top-
        access to God, and judgment on the temple
        The centurion saw how He died and confessed that He was the Son of God
        The women were watching-
        who had followed Him and served- discipleship
      - The Burial- 15:42-47
        It was Friday, nearing evening when the Sabbath would start
        Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, waiting for the Kingdom
        Kingdom reached even to the Jewish leaders who have been painted as enemies under judgment
        Went boldly asking for the body
        Pilate verified that He was dead- not swoon theory
        Joseph quickly buried Him- rolling stone against the entrance
        The women observed where He was buried- not wrong tomb theory
  - The Resurrection- 16:1-8
    - Same women brought spices to complete the hasty burial
    - Wondered about the stone
    - The stone already rolled away
    - Saw ‘young man’ reminiscent of Jesus’ appearance at the transfiguration
    - They were alarmed
    - He announced that Jesus is risen
    - Told to go tell the disciples that Jesus was risen and going to Galilee, just as He predicted
    - They fled and did not tell anyone because they were afraid
- (The Long Ending- 16:9-20)
  - Textual criticism- not in best manuscripts
  - Doesn’t seem to fit with previous paragraph
  - Unnecessary
    - the doctrines of this section can be found other places
    - Mark was written to believers, they would already know the end of the story and the implications
    - Jesus had predicted the resurrection
      - the tomb was empty
      - to need more would be to invite the rebuke, ‘Do you not understand about the loaves?’
  - Purposely open-ended/ambiguous as part of Mark’s purpose- beginning of the Gospel
  - Disciples were likewise to trust as they walked into a future in which their vindication was not spelled out in intricate detail, just promised by one who is faithful
- Summary
  - Who is Jesus?
    - Has authority
    - Holy one of God
    - Power over spirits
    - Power to heal
    - demons knew who He was
    - Compassion
    - Authority to forgive
    - Doctor to the spiritually sick
    - Lord of Sabbath- able to interpret law with authority
    - Messiah, but not expected political military Messiah
    - Not a king like Herod, not a ruler like Pharisees
    - One who has authority, but does not use it for Himself
    - Authority over nature
    - Authority over the demonic
    - Authority over death
    - Authority over the laws of nature
    - Authority to interpret the law
    - Authority over the temple
    - Authority from heaven
    - Exercises God’s authority to judge Israel
    - Authority/control over arrest, trial, crucifixion, death
    - Suffering servant
    - Servant King
    - One who comes to serve and give His life for ransom
    - One who is vindicated in the end
    - Son of God
    - Stronger than the strong man
    - Draws faith out of people
    - Did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom
    - Son of David
    - King of Israel
    - Greater than David
    - Vindicated over His enemies
    - Tells the future
    - Saved others, but refused to save Himself
    - Submitted to the Father
    - Maker of the New Covenant
    - Addressed God as Abba, Father
    - He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One
    - He will be vindicated at the right Hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds
    - King of the Jews- in many senses
    - Not the kind of King they wanted
    - King who rules by suffering
    - Surely this may was the Son of God!
    - He is not here, He has risen
  - What is the Kingdom?
    - Drawn near
    - Requires response
    - Somehow secret
    - Preaching
    - Power in healing and exorcism
    - Reaches to outcasts
    - Power to change lives
    - Received by those that recognize need
    - More important than traditions
    - People centered more than rule centered, without throwing out rules
    - Fullness of blessing
    - Relationship restored by following Jesus
    - Promise of reward for everything left in this lifetime
    - Ruling from the bottom up, ruling by serving
    - Opposite of Herod’s
    - Currently despoiling the house of Satan
    - More important than family
    - Comes to those who are receptive
    - Contains a life of its own
    - Seems a small beginning, but will have large impact
    - More important than human traditions
    - Extends to Gentiles and little children
    - Centered around Jesus’ death
    - Worth losing hand or eye etc.
    - Worth more than money
    - Not lording it over others, but service
    - Loving God and neighbor
    - Cares for the poor, but more important than the poor
    - Kingdom does not fight back
    - Being mocked, abused, suffering is an act of reigning in the Kingdom
  - What is Discipleship?
    - Follow Jesus
    - Fishers of men
    - Leaving all without delay
    - Prayer
    - Faith
    - Be like Jesus
    - Arrange priorities around Kingdom priorities
    - People centered
    - Don’t be hard hearted, stubborn pride and apathy to others- Pharisees negative example
    - Can (probably will) involve opposition
    - Not denying, not fleeing
    - Following Jesus example
    - The way of the cross
    - Deny self, take up cross, follow me
    - Meets resistance and opposition
    - Finishing the unfinished story of Jesus resurrection
    - Going deeper than the crowd
    - Being with Him
    - Receiving authority
    - Trusting Him even in the storm
    - Trusting Him to provide
    - Setting aside traditions/wineskins to follow the Kingdom
    - Focuses on inward reality more than outward appearance
    - Shunning the way of the Pharisees and of Herod
    - Getting a second touch
    - Listening to and obeying Jesus
    - Receiving the Kingdom like a child
    - Service to others
    - Giving everything to God
    - Loving the Lord with everything
    - Loving the neighbor as yourself
    - Being on guard, alert, prepared for the end
    - Doing what you can
    - Beware of denial, even when you think you are above it
    - Watch and pray you don’t enter into temptation
    - Open-ended, unfinished- following where the road is not completely mapped out, but it is promised that the road leads to reward, vindication, and happiness
- Why Mark's Emphases?
  - The suffering church in Rome
    - The people to whom this book was written needed to know this as encouragement/help in what they were going through (persecution under Nero)
  - The true nature of discipleship”
    - The people who are now reading this book need to know this as encouragement/help in what we are going through or will go through