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EncounteringJesus2003-PPT-Chapter 4
EncounteringJesus2003-PPT-Chapter 4
FOUR
Gospel of Mark: Jesus the
Suffering Servant
Background
- The identity of the author of Mark’s
gospel is unknown
- Tradition holds the author was
John Mark
- Today, most scholars believe it is
based on a number of oral
and written collections of
Jesus’ sayings and deeds
- Written sometime between A.D.
65 & 70
Background
- Audience:
• Gentile Christians suffering persecution for
their beliefs
or
• Christians in Syria or Palestine
- Writings included:
• Jesus’ Baptism
• Preaching/ performing miracles in Galilee
• Journey to Jerusalem
• Preaching/Rejection/Crucifixion
Background
Sources for Writing
1.) Oral Traditions
2.) Written collections of parables
3.) Miracle stories
4.) Outline of Jesus’ passion story
Background
Message to Readers:
- Jesus walked the path of suffering to
glory and eternal life
- So must his followers undergo suffering
before they gain their eternal reward
-Asked his readers two questions about
Jesus:
• Who is this person?
• Will you follow Jesus?
MAIN MESSAGE:
Jesus’ followers must be
prepared to suffer as
Jesus Himself suffered
Paschal Mystery
- Commemorated in today’s church
during Holy Week
Initiated into
In Baptism
mystery
Represents
Eucharist
Paschal Mystery
Paschal Mystery
- The passion narratives were
probably the oldest stories
about Jesus circulating in
the early church
- First 13 chapters of Mark’s
gospel serve as an
introduction to the Passion
narratives
- The four gospels agree on the
basic essentials, but each
evangelist has their own
way of telling the story
Paschal Mystery
- Mark shows how everyone abandoned
Jesus at the very end:
• Judas betrays him