Gospel of Mark The Journey to Jerusalem

Just before starting the journey south, Jesus has completed his transfiguration, casts out the demons of a  possessed child, and once has again given council to the disciples that others  who are doing good works, are still doing good works.  Only those who cause others to stumble are in danger of being cast from the kingdom.

In Chapter 10:1 Jesus and the disciples cross the Jordan River toward Judea and begin their trip to Jerusalem. 

First, some Pharisees test Jesus by asking about divorce.  Jesus asks them in turn what was Moses’ commandment concerning divorce?  They answered that Moses said it could be accomplished by writing a certificate of divorce.   Jesus tells them that option was given because the people had cold, hard hearts.  He went on to explain that people were ment to be together, and their relationships should be taken seriously and not broken apart.  Sometimes it takes work on both parts.

Jesus discovers that people had been bringing little children for Jesus to place his hands on them but the disciples were sending them away.   Jesus accepts the children into His presence, for they have not been broken by the world.

Mark tells about a man who runs up to Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus tells him to follow the commandments as given by Moses, and finally,  “sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  And the man turns away because his wealth was more important to him than the kingdom of God.  Which leads to the quote,  “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

In 10:32, Jesus predicts his death for a third time, telling the disciples that in Jerusalem he will be handed over to the authorities, condemned to death, beaten and killed.  Three days later he will rise.  Meanwhile the disciples drift onto another subject. 

The chapter, and journey ends, with an event in Jericho.  As they are leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus calls to Jesus for mercy.  The crowd tells Bartimaeus to be quiet, but Jesus uses Bartimaeus to show us the power of faith.

Chapter 11 starts with them approaching Bethphage and Bethany.  The journey to Jerusalem has been completed.

The Gospel of Mark was the first of the gospels written.  Most biblical scholars put the date between 60 and 75CE, about 30 to 40 years after Jesus’ resurrection.  While the author of the Gospel is unknown, some scholars believe the author was a follower of the Apostle Peter, and the Gospel is based on the teaching of Peter.  Historically, the gospel has been attributed to Mark since the early 2nd Century.

There are several reasons for the writing of Mark.  The two primary reasons are:  1) Jesus did not return as quickly as many expected.  Those who had seen Jesus and witnessed his worked had begun to die and the written story was needed to carry on the traditions and evangelical work.  2) In the Jewish community, while some expected a Messiah, the Messiah was not expected to be a convicted criminal who would die on a cross, and the written document was needed to show Jesus as the Messiah.

The Gospel was written in Greek, the language of general communication in the Roman Empire, and to a Gentile/Non-Christian audience, probably in the city of Rome. 

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus in Jericho.  The last event recorded in the Gospel of Mark takes place while the group is leaving Jericho.   As they walk through the city gate, a blind man  sitting at the gate begging, hears that Jesus is walking past.  He calls out “Son of David, Have mercy upon me.”  The crowds try to silence him but he continues to call for Jesus.  When Jesus asks what he wants, he asks for sight.  Jesus tells him his faith has given him sight.   Nicholas Poussin, 1650, Musée du Louvre, Paris