Revisiting Mark

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So does this apparent opening up of things represent a change in Jesus' approach and attitude, or did he just keep it to the 12 for practical reasons and they misunderstood?

And what about today's world? Does the fact that Muslims acknowledge Jesus as a great prophet, second only to Muhammad himself, mean the are "not against us" and therefore are "for us"?
 
paradox3 said:
* cough * Were you not quoting Mark? * cough *
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Oh, that's weird. My brain saw Mark instead of Matthew. Late on a Friday I guess. Given that Matthew follows Mark pretty closely in a lot of things, not surprising that his is similar. Wonder why Luke wrote what he did? Did he have some intel the others lacked? Didn't think 12 was enough?
 
Mendalla said:
So does this apparent opening up of things represent a change in Jesus' approach and attitude, or did he just keep it to the 12 for practical reasons and they misunderstood?
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I think it is significant that Jesus has been predicting his death and resurrection. He must realize that his followers will need to carry on without him soon.
 
Mark 9 finishes off in a fairly weird way, with its talk about plucking out an eye if it causes you to sin, etc. The salt comments are almost as strange.

But I like the final instruction to the disciples to be at peace with each other.
 
In Leviticus 21:18-21, the blind or lame or less-than-physically-normal are prevented from entering the Temple. Is that a possible factor in those last few verses? It may be that Jesus is saying that being somewhat differently able may be preferable to immorality. Still, it is a weird way of stating it.

BTW, I hope you're both coughing into your elbow or sleeve.... :eek:
 
Of course. I've been thinking about 'shopping a mask on to my ape, but I'm not that handy with these things.
 
Mark 9:38-41 said:
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone[j] casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.


My View ----this is a perfect example of True Faith in action -- no doubting -----this someone was had to be a follower of Jesus and so moved and influenced by Jesus preaching that they went ahead and tried to do what the Disciples were given permission to do-----or he could have been one of the 72 and had fulfilled his commission --casting out demons was a sign of apostleship and so this person was moved by overwhelming Faith into action -----The Disciples show their frustration of someone who was not one of their center group casting out demons ----

But Jesus gives then a dire warning in verse 39 to 42 Amp Bible

39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.

40 For he who is not against us is for us.

41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will not lose his reward.

42 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe and trust in Me to stumble [that is, to sin or lose faith], it would be better for him if a heavy millstone [one requiring a donkey’s strength to turn it] were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.


I say ----This person was acting in good faith and with good conscience and he held fast to his Faith in Christ ------so for me he had to have been associated with Jesus in some way and had been given the power to cast out demons -maybe he was one of the 72 who retired from the group ? In any event Jesus defends his action and gives a warning to the others ----
 
Mark 9 ----Starts off with The Transfiguration This is such a powerful piece of Scripture and is evidence of His Divinity and shows the manifestation of His Glory ----

Jesus only takes 3 Disciples with him to witness this event ----Peter --James and John ----I wonder Why He chose these 3

-And Elijah and Moses appear on the mountain with Jesus ----I wonder why they appeared ------
 
unsafe said:
Jesus only takes 3 Disciples with him to witness this event ----Peter --James and John ----I wonder Why He chose these 3
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They were three of the first four disciples chosen by Jesus and they seem to function like his "executive committee". :unsure:
unsafe said:
-And Elijah and Moses appear on the mountain with Jesus ----I wonder why they appeared ------
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I have been told they represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).
 
unsafe said:
paradox3 ----you said ----Wouldn't you say that the doubt led to the questioning which led to the seeing and touching? Or not?

No ---Jesus was the one who told Thomas to come and touch Him and look at His wounds ---Jesus said --blessed are the ones who don't need to see to believe -----
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Blessed are the gullible for they shall believeth in anything. My paraphrasing.
 
No need for extraneous commentary on the study thread. We respectfully ask all comments deal with the Gospel of Mark. As this is a book study thread, moderating will be more strictly enforced. S'il vous plait et merci.
 
paradox3 ----you are so right ----so impressed ----and many --many Scholars believe the 2 witnesses in Revelations are Elijah and Moses --

Revelation 11 (GW)
God’s Two Witnesses
 
Mark 10

The Pharisees question Jesus about divorce. He responds that the law allows a man to write a certificate of dismissal and divorce his wife, but this commandment was written because of their hard hearts. When two have become one (man and wife) no one should separate them. Jesus later tells the disciples that whoever divorces a spouse and remarries commits adultery.

Jesus blesses the little children. The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

When asked about eternal life, Jesus indicates it is not enough to follow the commandments. Selling all one's possessions and giving the money to the poor will result in treasure in heaven. Anyone who has left home and family for His sake will receive eternal life. Many who are first will be last, and the last first.

For the third time, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection.

James and John request to sit on either side of Jesus. But Jesus explains that whoever wants to be great among the disciples must be their servant.

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus who starts to follow on the road.

For reflection:

Jesus said to him, "Go, your faith has healed you. Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the road. (Mark 10: 52 NET)
 
The teaching on divorce brings to mind Jesus' earlier comments about God's law. Again, he seems to feel that the people's religious laws have strayed too far from God's original commandments.

There is a continued focus on servant leadership. Again, the first will be last and the last, first. Children & those like them will be included in God's kingdom.

Mark 10 carries on with the themes of Jesus as inspired teacher and miraculous healer. Mark 11 will bring us to Palm Sunday.

Interesting that no touch from Jesus or use of spittle is involved in the healing of Bartimaeus.
 
Jesus said to him, "Go, your faith has healed you. Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the road.

Another story to add to the many narratives about following Jesus.
A few days ago we discussed the concept of "disciple" as "learner".

I wonder why Bartimaeus followed Jesus so quickly. The gospel writer tells us it was "immediately".

Did Bartimaeus want to learn from Jesus? Did he perhaps want to serve Jesus in gratitude for receiving his sight?
 
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