The Power of Jesus’ Miracles Mark 1-5

Mark Close associate of Peter Missionary companion to Paul and Barnabas According to tradition, Mark visited Egypt, founded the Church of Alexandria, and died by martyrdom

Gospel of Mark “Testimony of St. Mark” Audience: Gentiles in Rome Fast-moving Focused more on deeds than sayings of Jesus No birth or childhood narrative

Read Mark 1:1-15 to answer the following: Where do these events take place? Why? How does Mark differentiate between Jesus and John? Exactly what does Jesus preach?

Chiasmus Beginning of the gospel (1) Description of the messenger and his message (2-3) Beginning of John’s ministry (4-6) John proclaims one stronger is coming (7-8) Axial scene: Jesus’ baptism (9-11) Jesus withstands Satan (12-13) End of John; beginning of Jesus’ ministry (14) The message of Jesus (14-15) Proclaiming of the gospel (15)

John the Baptist Priestly lineage—Aaronic Priesthood Birth announced by the angel Gabriel Lived in the desert Forerunner—fulfilled prophecy

Baptism of Jesus Mark 1:9-11

Headwaters of Jordan River

Call of the Apostles Mark 1:16-20; 2:14; 3:14-19

Miracles of Jesus Unclean spirits—1:23-28, 34, 39; 3:11-12 Legion—Mark 5:1-20 Leper—1:40-45

Paralytic 2:1-12

Withered hand 3:1-6

Calmed the sea 4:35-41

Woman with Issue of Blood Jairus’ Daughter Mark 5:22-24, 35-43 Woman with Issue of Blood Mark 5:25-34

Jesus’ Parables James C. Christensen

Matthew 13:31-32 Mark 4:30-32 Luke 13:18-19 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." Mark 4:30-32 He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." Luke 13:18-19 He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches."

Gospel of Thomas The disciples said to Jesus, “Tell us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like.” He said to them, “It is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds. But when it falls on tilled soil, it produces a great plant and becomes a shelter for birds of the sky.” (20)

Characteristics of Parables “placing beside,”—comparison, illustration Parable: an extended metaphor in narrative, fictional form Narrative form Metaphoric language Brief Double meaning (must be interpreted to make clear the second layer of meaning)

Why use parables? Comprehension Illustration/example Appeal to audience Surprise audience (disarm the listener) Conceal for political reasons Conceal for spiritual reasons

Difference between parable and allegory? An allegory consists of a string of metaphors that have individual meanings Parable essentially a single metaphor possessing a single meaning Details of parable should not be pressed for meaning, but only its basic point of comparison

What is the main point of the parable? What comes at the end? What is spoken in direct discourse? To what or whom is the most space devoted?