OCTOBER 15 MARK 14-16

October 15, 2014

Mark 14-16

With today’s reading, the briefest of the gospels is completed.

We begin in Bethany just outside of Jerusalem, where Jesus and the disciples lodged when in the big city. John tells us that the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume was Mary, Martha and Lazarus’ sister. This sacrificial act of worship is a sharp contrast to the suspicion and hatred of the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem, but may have been what pushed Judas into his betrayal.

Mark then takes us through the Lord’s Supper, the betrayal, the prediction of Peter’s denial and the walk to Gethsemane. Jesus’ agony and prayer of submission to the Father’s will are interrupted by Judas and the armed mob. At the scene of the arrest, Mark adds one detail not mentioned by any of the other gospel writers: A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving the garment behind (Mark 14:51-52). John Mark, Peter’s younger cousin, lived in Jerusalem with his mother. Their home may have been the site of the “upper room” and the Last Supper. Mark’s reference to this young man may be his only reference to himself, as if saying: “I was there, too.”

Mark moves us quickly through Jesus’ trial before the Jewish leaders, Peter’s denial, and his presentation to Pilate. Very quickly, the crowds choose Barabbas over Jesus, and the Lord is turned over to be crucified. Like Matthew, Mark records only one of Jesus’ statement’s from the cross: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus is buried and the women watch where Jesus’ body is placed, so that they may come back after the Sabbath.

All the most ancient copies of Mark agree; that Mark should end with Mark 16:8, without any appearance, as yet, from Jesus; only the word of the angel, “He is risen!” This does not mean that we should throw Mark 16:9-20 away, for it reflects a very early oral tradition of the church. What it does mean is that Mark actually ends literally waiting for the next shoe to drop. “They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid!” 

We readers say, “Wait a minute! The greatest moment in the history of the world has just taken place, and the disciples are speechless? Absolutely; they would need to see the risen Jesus for themselves. They would need the power of the Holy Spirit, as well. Are we too afraid to tell people about Jesus? Fill us with your Spirit, Jesus!

Tomorrow, we begin Luke!

Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary