Mark 14 Jesus 1-2 Analysis

Mark’s Jesus has an apocalyptic view of reality, meaning that the current age is under the power of Satan and his forces. In this Gospel of Mark, the forces is referring to the Romans in power, the political, social, and religious elites. In the coming of age, however, will be under God’s power and God’s rule, with the lowly being raised above the high. This point of view completely stands against the gospel of prosperity who say that one of rich and successful because God wanted it that way. In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these [children]”. Children are seen as the lowest and the least and therefore will be accepted into God’s rule. Also in Mark 10:37, James and John ask for power, status and glory; Jesus’ response exemplifies the notion of being lowest and least further. He tells them
no to search or expect power, strength and lording over people but to serve and give life to all. He adds that he himself, Son of Man, has come to serve, not be served. Furthermore, the rich man in Mark 10:17 opposes the prosperity gospel because this man is told to give up his riches and he will be welcomed into the kingdom of God. This man kept the commandments and Jesus loved him, but without giving up his socio-economic status he could not enter. Overall, the idea that Mark’s gospel gives on this matter is to give up worldly pursuits, serve, and keep faith and entrust in God. Moreover, the people in power in Mark’s gospel plot against Jesus, the son of God, just to keep their status; therefore, they are negatively portrayed.
The chief priest, scribes and elders “were seeking to arrest [Jesus], but feared the crowd” (Mk 12:12). They have their power, not because God gave it to them, but because they maintain the crowd to keep their power. They wish to serve themselves and the denunciation of the scribes eating at the widow’s houses also conveys this thought (Mk 12:40). It shows the authority taking from the least and lowly and exploiting others in order to stay on top. Another example of how Mark would reject the gospel of prosperity is the story about the high priest in Mark 14:53-65. He riles the people up to send Jesus to the cross and get rid of the “threat” that Jesus poses. Additionally, the high priest lords over people, like during the mockery of Jesus, calling him “King of Jews” sarcastically. Mark’s Pilate is also a prime example of the authority wishing to please the crowd, he hands Jesus over so that he would not have any problems in regards to his status or power because the people are pleased with
action.
I believe that one should seek to do well for oneself and do good for others. In a materialistic, individualistic society, it is difficult to say someone should do good for other without looking out for him or herself. Mark’s Jesus is extraordinary that he is able to give up worldly pursuits and serve others before himself, he is definitely a model; however, not everyone is able to have that mindset. I think it is prominent that while pursuing good for oneself, one should also be looking out for the good of others with no exploitation whatsoever. For example, a career in the medical field, or any job that relates to helping people like education, while making a future for oneself. While I find that important, I realize that some people aren’t too passionate about those fields and they should do what is good for their own wellbeing. Whatever choices one makes, good exists everywhere, one just have to be willing to participate in it.