Jesus Enters the Scene: Mark’s Introduction of Jesus
Section 1: Introduction
Image by bresslau.
Everyone remembers the first few scenes of a good movie. A successful director knows that these scenes — these first few images of the film — set the tone for the entire picture. They not only give context to the story and its characters, but they also provide the pace in which the story will play out. The viewer typically knows within minutes if they are watching an action movie or a romantic comedy.
The audience’s first encounter with each character defines their relationship with that character. This is no different than it is in real life. First impressions are essential. Whether fair or not, they define how one views another person. A bad first impression can prematurely end a relationship, while a good first impression can create a bond that last a lifetime. Many couples can still remember the first time they saw or spoke to one another.
The gospel writers understand these concepts. The first few chapters of each gospel provide the reader with clues as to how the story will unfold. The gospels introduce the main characters, even Jesus, in their own unique way. Before going any further, take a minute to read the first chapter of Matthew, Luke, and John.
Let us take a moment to look at each of these and compare them to the Gospel of Mark.
Note about the Missing Birth Narrative
While some have called the heavenly voice declaring Jesus son a mini-birth narrative, Mark is void of any traditional telling of the “Christmas story.” For Matthew and Luke, the virgin birth was a defining characteristic of Jesus. So why does Mark not include this in his account, especially if he was the first to write a gospel narrative?
While we may never know the answer, several theories have been proposed. The following blog post does a great job providing a short summary of the various theories:
http://nearemmaus.com/2011/11/30/why-is-there-no-virgin-conception-in-the-gospel-of-mark/
I encourage you to also take a look at the comments. There is a lively discussion concerning several of the options.
Discussion Questions
Although we may never have a clear answer as to why Mark does not include a birth narrative, some insight can be gained from studying the various theories of how we got the gospels and how those theories affect our understanding the of the gospels compare to one another. While this material is not essential to understanding the introduction of Jesus in Mark, I have included a series of three lectures by a Duke University professor, Mark Goodacre, that discuss the “synoptic problem.” They can be found at the following link:
Look for the episodes entitled NT Pod: Extended Episodes 1: The Synoptic Problem 1, NT Pod: Extended Episodes 2: The Synoptic Problem 2, and NT Pod: Extended Episodes 3: The Synoptic Problem 3.
http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Feed/new.duke.edu-dz.6309763950.06309763952
The audience’s first encounter with each character defines their relationship with that character. This is no different than it is in real life. First impressions are essential. Whether fair or not, they define how one views another person. A bad first impression can prematurely end a relationship, while a good first impression can create a bond that last a lifetime. Many couples can still remember the first time they saw or spoke to one another.
The gospel writers understand these concepts. The first few chapters of each gospel provide the reader with clues as to how the story will unfold. The gospels introduce the main characters, even Jesus, in their own unique way. Before going any further, take a minute to read the first chapter of Matthew, Luke, and John.
Let us take a moment to look at each of these and compare them to the Gospel of Mark.
Image by partie traumatic.
While some have called the heavenly voice declaring Jesus son a mini-birth narrative, Mark is void of any traditional telling of the “Christmas story.” For Matthew and Luke, the virgin birth was a defining characteristic of Jesus. So why does Mark not include this in his account, especially if he was the first to write a gospel narrative?
While we may never know the answer, several theories have been proposed. The following blog post does a great job providing a short summary of the various theories:
http://nearemmaus.com/2011/11/30/why-is-there-no-virgin-conception-in-the-gospel-of-mark/
I encourage you to also take a look at the comments. There is a lively discussion concerning several of the options.
Discussion Questions
- As you compare each gospel’s introductions of Jesus, what differences (or similarities) strike you? If you were reading each of these gospels for the first time, what would you expect after reading the first couple chapters?
- Why do you think Mark leaves out the birth narrative? Do you feel this is essential to the “gospel” of Jesus?
Although we may never have a clear answer as to why Mark does not include a birth narrative, some insight can be gained from studying the various theories of how we got the gospels and how those theories affect our understanding the of the gospels compare to one another. While this material is not essential to understanding the introduction of Jesus in Mark, I have included a series of three lectures by a Duke University professor, Mark Goodacre, that discuss the “synoptic problem.” They can be found at the following link:
Look for the episodes entitled NT Pod: Extended Episodes 1: The Synoptic Problem 1, NT Pod: Extended Episodes 2: The Synoptic Problem 2, and NT Pod: Extended Episodes 3: The Synoptic Problem 3.
http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Feed/new.duke.edu-dz.6309763950.06309763952
The creator of this podcast also has a book entitled A Synoptic Problem: A Way Through the Maze. A free copy of this book can be obtained at the following link:
http://archive.org/details/synopticproblemw00good
In this book, he speaks of the missing birth narrative, “Perhaps he omitted the Birth Narratives because he saw them as similarly surplus to requirements. (Kindle Location 712)”
Section 2: John the Baptist (The Opening Act)
Much like a DJ or a band who prepares the audience for the main act, John the Baptist provides an introduction to Jesus and his mission in the Gospel of Mark. William Barclay, in his commentary on the gospel, states, “John’s one aim was not to occupy the centre of the stage for himself, but to try to connect men with the one who was greater and stronger than he; and men listened to him because he pointed, not to himself, but to the one whom all men need. (The Gospel of Mark: Revised Edition, p 18)”
Much like a DJ or a band who prepares the audience for the main act, John the Baptist provides an introduction to Jesus and his mission in the Gospel of Mark. William Barclay, in his commentary on the gospel, states, “John’s one aim was not to occupy the centre of the stage for himself, but to try to connect men with the one who was greater and stronger than he; and men listened to him because he pointed, not to himself, but to the one whom all men need. (The Gospel of Mark: Revised Edition, p 18)”
Mark uses John the Baptist to connect Jesus to the prophecy in Isaiah. In this passage, the reader is introduced to the idea of “the way” or “the path.” Biblical scholar, Marcus Borg, does a great job giving some insight on this passage and it’s meaning in the following recording:
Discussion Questions
- Marcus Borg points out that in the beginning Mark focuses on two different themes. What are they?
- “The way” in Mark is not explicitly about how to get to heaven. What is the way? How does this compare to the “gospel” taught in most churches?
- In the video, Marcus Borg says that there are three things to know about the kingdom. What are these three things? How do these three things set the stage for the Book of Mark?
Marcus Borg explores these thoughts in more detail in his book Conversations With Scripture: The Gospel of Mark.
This book can be viewed on Google Books at the following link:
http://books.google.com/books/about/Conversations_With_Scripture.html
Or it can be purchased at the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Scripture-Anglican-Association-Biblical/dp/0819223395
Section 3: Jesus Enters the Scene
Jesus entered the scene by being baptized by John and heading into the desert to be tempted. Once he returns, he declares:
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15 NRSV)Jesus makes it clear from the very beginning that his message is going to be about the kingdom. As Marcus borg pointed out, this is both a spiritual and political proclamation. (I will refrain from getting too far into the idea of a kingdom as this will be address in Week 6.) While the other gospels writers invest a considerable amount of time into presenting the story of Jesus, Mark is eager to present the message of Jesus.
Mark is fast-paced. He often uses the word “immediately.” The first few chapters of his gospel waste no time and move from encounter to encounter, each building on this idea that the kingdom is near.
NT Wright speaks of Mark’s “breathless” gospel and the message of Jesus contained in it, in this video clip:
- NT Wright mentions that the Gospel of Mark does not pull any punches. Instead, it quickly gets into who Jesus is and what Jesus is here to do. There is a sense of urgency to it, especially early in the gospel. Do you relate to the pace of the story?
- NT Wright points out that Mark makes an effort to show Jesus doing things “a different way.” What examples of this can you find in the book of Mark, particularly in the beginning?
For more of NT Wright’s thought on the Book of Mark, read his commentary Mark for Everyone, which can be found at the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Everyone-Tom-Wright/dp/066422783X/
Section 4: Conclusion
As soon as Jesus proclaims his mission, he calls his disciples. His second words in the gospel are:
“Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” (Mark 1:17 NRSV)What a beautiful way to introduce the story! Mark introduces Jesus and his mission and then shows Jesus introducing others to the mission. On one hand, there is a unique individual like John the Baptist preparing the way and, on the other hand, there is a call to several common individuals, fishermen, to help usher in the kingdom. Mark makes it clear from the first few passages that this gospel is for everybody.
Composed by Chris Miller
