Gospel of Mark Free Essay Example, 2750 words

However, neither Jews nor the disciples understand the real meaning of his teachings (3: 16). Mark emphasizes that salvation is offered to all but heavenly secrets are revealed to chosen ones only. And, the miracles he performs are the key indicators that throw light on the mystery of his mission. His actions at the same time are simple and plain, and he explains everything through tales and parables. Mark’s objective is to inform his audience that Jesus is God incarnate who is assigned to suffer and serve in order to rescue the entire human race from the bondage of the world. The second part begins from the 8th chapter when Jesus is on his way back to the south and finally to Jerusalem. He now asks the same question to his disciples â€Å"Who do people say that I am? † (Mk 8: 27). Their answer indicates that people still do not have a clear view about who Jesus is. Now he asks a very crucial question, â€Å"Who do you say that I am? † (Mk 8: 29). "You are the M essiah! † Peter’s answer shows that he is convinced that Jesus is the true Son of God. We will write a custom essay sample on Gospel of Mark or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Mark says that â€Å"Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him†. This verse shows that Jesus admits what Peter said about him. II. 2. Issues/Concerns As mentioned in the beginning, the gospel of Mark deals with certain theological concerns and ethical issues. The first concern is about how to keep the Sabbath in its real sense. Jesus’ observance of Sabbath becomes a bone of contention among the Priests and Pharisees, for he declares that ‘Son of Man is the lord of Sabbath’ (Mk 2: 23-27). He asks, â€Å"What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless? † (3: 4). He asks them to mull over this ethical issue. Jesus is a true Jew, and performs everything the law insists to do. He is not against the observance of Sabbath. He instead condemns the strict legalistic interpretation of the law. Another issue related to their belief is that if Jesus has any right to forgive sins. From the Jewish point of view what Jesus does is blasphemy because only God can forgive sin. However, Jesus reiterates that he has the right to do it, and heals the sick as the sign of his forgiveness (Mk 2: 10). The significance of tradition and rituals is yet another issue discussed in the gospel of Mark. Some people ask Jesus why his disciples do not fast while the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees do it (Mk 2: 19). Also, in chapter 7, Pharisees and scholars who came from Jerusalem interrogate Jesus why his disciples eat with defiled hands.