[GMark] Mark's Conflict Stories
HStaiti at aol.com
HStaiti at aol.com
Wed Feb 19 08:05:57 EST 2003
I am continuing my analysis of <A HREF="http://www.warecc.com/journey.htm">The Gospel of Mark as a Retelling of the
Israelite Epic through the Story of Jesus</A> and would like any feedback from
the following regarding the conflict stories in Mark.
In chapters two and three, the author is addressing the controversy between
the synagogue Pharisees and the Church of his day (@ 64-70 A.D.) The
Pharisees have rejected the faith and practice of the Christians, expelled
them from the synagogue, and placed the Christians in grave danger in the
Roman Empire (new religions were not permitted). Mark responds to this danger
by arguing for the supremacy of Jesus. He argues that this same conflict
existed between Jesus and the Pharisees during Jesus' ministry on the earth.
1. The conflict regarding the church and forgiveness revolves around the
supremacy of Jesus (2.1-12)
2. The controversy regarding the church and fellowship revolves around the
supremacy of Jesus (2.13-17)
3. The conflict regarding the church and fasting revolves around the
supremacy of Jesus (2.18-22)
4. The final controversy story regarding the church and freedom on the
Sabbath revolves around the supremacy of Jesus (2.23-28).
By contrasting the faith and practice of the church with the faith and
practice of the synagogue, and because he based the crux of the conflict on
the supremacy of Jesus, Mark offers a conclusion why the Pharisees of his day
plot against the Christians: The Church faces the same controversies that led
the Pharisees to be in conflict with Jesus. Those who rejected the supremacy
of Jesus before and plotted against his life continue to reject his
supremacy, and continue to plot against the life of the Church of Jesus
Christ.
Your thoughts?
Peace to you,
Harry Staiti
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ware Community Church
"A Life-giving Congregation"
8 South Street
Ware, MA 01082
413 967 5191
<A HREF="www.warecc.com">www.warecc.com</A> (UPDATED February 7)
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