Welcome to Heroes, part 2

SEASON 4SEASON 4THE GOSPELSTHE GOSPELS

episode 18

the four faces of

the gospel

We do not have four gospels. We have only one gospel. That gospel is given in the person of Jesus Christ.

In the four gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we are given four different perspectives on Jesus.

Mathew, Mark , Luke and John wrote the gospels presenting their view of Jesus for a people who were in particular need.

Ez 1:4-11

Ez. 10: 14-15 Rev. 4:7

Every number has a meaning and significance in Hebrew culture and we can see this employed all through the Bible..

is the number for God

is the number of the earth

is always connected with earth.

There are four points to earth's compass –

north, east, south, and west.

There are four seasons to earth's year - spring, summer, autumn, and winter

There are four elements connected with our world - earth, air, fire, and water.

Episode 19

MMarkark and the

LLionion

Definitely, most scholars agree, the Definitely, most scholars agree, the most original of the Gospel versions most original of the Gospel versions

ever writtenever written

The Synoptic ProblemThe Synoptic Problem

concerns regarding the literary relationship of the first three Gospel versions

a relationship called a relationship called “synopsis”“synopsis”

Synoptic Gospel

Matthew Mark Luke

Color Blue Red Green

English Example (NRSV

9:17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.

2:22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.

5:37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins

no clear & final solutions,only theories & hypotheses

no clear & final solutions,only theories & hypotheses

plus about 25 more !plus about 25 more !

the present arrangementthe present arrangement in the New Testament is based on in the New Testament is based on

the traditional Augustinian hypothesisthe traditional Augustinian hypothesis

According to tradition, the author, Mark is not an apostle himself.

Not one of the original disciples, but rather the follower of one of them.

Traditionally, he's supposed to be the disciple of Peter

We don't know exactly where this Mark was or where he actually wrote. However, tradition places him at Rome, but one more tradition also has him located at Alexandria.

It may be the case that the story that we call Mark's gospel, which supposedly derived from Peter, is also an example of this passing on of an oral tradition. It owes its history to Mark, whether Mark is the person who actually wrote it down or not.

Why is the Gospel of Mark Why is the Gospel of Mark important,important,

in early Christianity?in early Christianity?

Mark's is the first of the written gospels.It's really the one that establishes the

life of Jesus as a story form. It develops a narrative from his early career, throughthe main points of his life and culminates in his death. And, as such, it sets the pattern for all the later gospel

traditions. So, Mark is really the one

that sets the stage for all the later Christian gospel writings.

AudienceAudience

Post-revolt Jewish Christians

-a suffering Messiah destined to die on the Cross and is almost in a hurry to have it fulfilled

Gentile converts to the Way, in areas under the Roman empire

- a servant Messiah, not a conquering master

FeaturesFeaturesIt reports nothing concerning

Jesus’ birth, his childhood, or his activities prior to the time when he

was baptized by John.

For Mark, the real significance of Jesus’ career

began at the timeof Jesus’ baptism and his

decision to devote his life to the work of God’s kingdom.

FeaturesFeaturesMark particularly

emphasizes Jesus’ humanity.

Jesus never claims to have any special power that was not available

to others. The miracles that he performs are not meant to display any

power of his own but ratherto show how the power of God could be used in and through human lives.

FeaturesFeaturesJesus does not reveal his

Messiahship to his disciples until

they reach Caesarea Philippi.

To Mark, nothing less thanblindness and deafness could have caused people to reject

Jesus’ mission, which wasso obviously in harmony with

the divine will..

FeaturesFeaturesMark gives a rather full account of

Jesus’ teachings and activities during the days preceding Jesus’ trial and

crucifixion. He tells about the women’s visit to the tomb and their surprise at finding Jesus risen from

the dead.

We do not know what else Markmay have said concerning the appearances of Jesus after the

resurrection, for the original ending of his gospel has been lost.

in the meantime . . .in the meantime . . .

Go through the Gospel according to Markand check out where the

“Messianic secret” is revealed.

Then answer Jesus’ question:Who do you say that I am?