The Crucified & Risen ChristThe Crucified & Risen Christ

A Lenten JourneyA Lenten Journey

The Passion According to The Passion According to MarkMark

Session 1 of Lenten SeriesSession 1 of Lenten Series

Opening PrayerOpening Prayer

““In the name of the bruised one”In the name of the bruised one”byby

Walter BrueggemannWalter Brueggemann

IntroductionIntroduction

Notes About the SettingNotes About the Setting• Rome took over Judea in 63 BCRome took over Judea in 63 BC

– Judean kings & high priests served at the pleasure of RomeJudean kings & high priests served at the pleasure of Rome– Keep things calm – or else – Rome willKeep things calm – or else – Rome will

• Judean religion given certain unique dispensations by RomeJudean religion given certain unique dispensations by Rome– No military service demanded of JudeansNo military service demanded of Judeans– Money without emperor’s image allowed in TempleMoney without emperor’s image allowed in Temple– Yearly sacrifice on behalf of emperor made in TempleYearly sacrifice on behalf of emperor made in Temple

• Judea was a troubled province for RomeJudea was a troubled province for Rome• Roman Empire’s widespread influenceRoman Empire’s widespread influence

– Rome spread “good news” about the emperor, the son of god, the saviorRome spread “good news” about the emperor, the son of god, the savior– Images & symbols of the empire were widespreadImages & symbols of the empire were widespread

• Important datesImportant dates– 70 AD – Jerusalem destroyed70 AD – Jerusalem destroyed– 135 AD 135 AD

• Jerusalem renamed Aelia CapitolinaJerusalem renamed Aelia Capitolina• Judea renamed Syria PalestineJudea renamed Syria Palestine

• Mark written between 50 & 70 AD, with most scholars leaning Mark written between 50 & 70 AD, with most scholars leaning toward the later date toward the later date

Notes About the SettingNotes About the Setting

• Events of Passion occur during PassoverEvents of Passion occur during Passover• Passover the definitive Jewish holidayPassover the definitive Jewish holiday

– Celebrates the liberation of a nation from slaveryCelebrates the liberation of a nation from slavery– Collapses present into the pastCollapses present into the past

• ““I was a slave in Egypt…”I was a slave in Egypt…”• Jewish rabbis in 200 AD will tell the story so that it Jewish rabbis in 200 AD will tell the story so that it

specifically equates Rome with Egyptspecifically equates Rome with Egypt

• Passover was time for the Roman Passover was time for the Roman soldiers stationed at Caesarea Maritima soldiers stationed at Caesarea Maritima to march to Jerusalem to keep orderto march to Jerusalem to keep order

• Word used for the Jews in the gospels is Word used for the Jews in the gospels is the same as the Judeansthe same as the Judeans

Pre-Gospel Accounts of the Pre-Gospel Accounts of the Passion & ResurrectionPassion & Resurrection

• Paul the first to give written Paul the first to give written account of gospelaccount of gospel– Romans 1:1-4Romans 1:1-4– Galatians 4:4-7Galatians 4:4-7– I Corinthians 15:3-8I Corinthians 15:3-8

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Events preceding GethsemaneEvents preceding Gethsemane

• At beginning of Mark 14At beginning of Mark 14– Passover is approachingPassover is approaching– Jewish leaders plot the death of JesusJewish leaders plot the death of Jesus– Leaders are afraid of the crowd Leaders are afraid of the crowd

• Unknown woman anoints Jesus’ feetUnknown woman anoints Jesus’ feet• Jesus celebrates the Last Supper, a Jesus celebrates the Last Supper, a

Passover Seder, with his disciplesPassover Seder, with his disciples– The Twelve discover a betrayer in their midstThe Twelve discover a betrayer in their midst– Took bread, blessed, broke and gave itTook bread, blessed, broke and gave it

• This has happened twice before in Mark (at feeding of This has happened twice before in Mark (at feeding of five thousand and at feeding of four thousand)five thousand and at feeding of four thousand)

Gethsemane: Prayer & ArrestGethsemane: Prayer & Arrest

• Discerning the coming deathDiscerning the coming death– Jesus understandsJesus understands– Disciples don’t get itDisciples don’t get it

• Jesus will die aloneJesus will die alone– Disciples will scatterDisciples will scatter– One will betray himOne will betray him– One will deny himOne will deny him

Gethsemane: Prayer & ArrestGethsemane: Prayer & Arrest

• Jesus’ prayer to “have this cup pass” “have this cup pass” contrasts with his teaching, contrasts with his teaching, “Whoever would save his life will lose “Whoever would save his life will lose it”it”

• Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane is very Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane is very humanhuman– Contrasts with the death of SocratesContrasts with the death of Socrates– Jesus’ last temptationJesus’ last temptation– Highlights Jesus’ obedience to God despite the Highlights Jesus’ obedience to God despite the

necessity of going through deathnecessity of going through death

Gethsemane: Prayer & ArrestGethsemane: Prayer & Arrest

• Violence erupts early on when someone Violence erupts early on when someone cuts off the ear of the high priest’s slavecuts off the ear of the high priest’s slave

• Jesus asks “Have you come …to arrest me Jesus asks “Have you come …to arrest me as though I were a bandit?”as though I were a bandit?”– Bandit is the term used of insurrectionists who threaten Bandit is the term used of insurrectionists who threaten

the Roman empirethe Roman empire• ““All of them deserted him and fled”All of them deserted him and fled”

– Last time the disciples appear in Mark’s Gospel (Juel)Last time the disciples appear in Mark’s Gospel (Juel)• Puzzle of the young man who flees nakedPuzzle of the young man who flees naked• Scholars have offered a variety of Scholars have offered a variety of

explanationsexplanations– ““Autograph” of the author Autograph” of the author – Link to the young man in white at Jesus’ tombLink to the young man in white at Jesus’ tomb– Symbolic presence of the newly baptized ChristianSymbolic presence of the newly baptized Christian

Sanhedrin Trial & Peter’s DenialSanhedrin Trial & Peter’s Denial• Jesus will be questioned before the Sanhedrin while Jesus will be questioned before the Sanhedrin while

Peter is questioned by the servants in the courtyardPeter is questioned by the servants in the courtyard• Trial testimony begins with false statements about Trial testimony begins with false statements about

Jesus’ intent to destroy the TempleJesus’ intent to destroy the Temple• Jesus keeps silent until high priest asks, “Are you Jesus keeps silent until high priest asks, “Are you

the Christ the Son of the Blessed One?”the Christ the Son of the Blessed One?”• Jesus responds, “I Am”Jesus responds, “I Am”

– Then elaborates, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at Then elaborates, “and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven”heaven”

• High priest tears his robes in response to blasphemy High priest tears his robes in response to blasphemy as required by law (Juel)as required by law (Juel)– Questionable whether Jesus could be charged with blasphemyQuestionable whether Jesus could be charged with blasphemy– Stoning is the death required by Jewish law for blasphemyStoning is the death required by Jewish law for blasphemy

• Some spit on Jesus in response (Isaiah 50:6)Some spit on Jesus in response (Isaiah 50:6)

Sanhedrin Trial & Peter’s DenialSanhedrin Trial & Peter’s Denial

• Peter takes the evasive route in response to Peter takes the evasive route in response to his questioninghis questioning– First, pretends not to understandFirst, pretends not to understand– Then, flat denialThen, flat denial– Finally, he curses (Jesus)Finally, he curses (Jesus)

• Cock crows a second timeCock crows a second time• Peter collapses in tears, remembering Peter collapses in tears, remembering

Jesus’ prophecyJesus’ prophecy• Inside, Jesus is tormented & berated to Inside, Jesus is tormented & berated to

prophesyprophesy• In the courtyard, his prophetic status is In the courtyard, his prophetic status is

being validatedbeing validated

Roman TrialRoman Trial• Focus of trial shifts from religious crimes to political crimesFocus of trial shifts from religious crimes to political crimes• Juel suggests the charge is the sameJuel suggests the charge is the same

– Jewish leaders are concerned with the Christ (Messiah) – a claim to be Jewish leaders are concerned with the Christ (Messiah) – a claim to be king of Israelking of Israel

– Pilate is concerned with a man who claims to be King of Israel, who has Pilate is concerned with a man who claims to be King of Israel, who has not received that designation from Romenot received that designation from Rome

• Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?”Pilate asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?”• Jesus responds, “It is as Jesus responds, “It is as you you say.”say.”

– Juel suggests this translation corresponds to the role of Jesus’ enemies Juel suggests this translation corresponds to the role of Jesus’ enemies in Mark as those who unknowingly speak the truthin Mark as those who unknowingly speak the truth

• Crowd incited by the religious leaders demands the Crowd incited by the religious leaders demands the execution of Jesus and release of Barabbas (son of the execution of Jesus and release of Barabbas (son of the father)father)

• Pilate acquiescesPilate acquiesces• This trial ends with the mockery of the man who would be This trial ends with the mockery of the man who would be

kingking– Sanhedrin trial ends with the mockery of the man who would speak for Sanhedrin trial ends with the mockery of the man who would speak for

God (a prophet)God (a prophet)• Jesus is a man utterly alone and without supportJesus is a man utterly alone and without support

Crucifixion, Death & BurialCrucifixion, Death & Burial

• Within a short account, Mark gives us Within a short account, Mark gives us tantalizing detailstantalizing details– Simon of Cyrene is remembered as the father Simon of Cyrene is remembered as the father

of Alexander & Rufusof Alexander & Rufus– Jesus is offered wine mixed with myrrhJesus is offered wine mixed with myrrh– Jesus’ clothing is divided echoing Ps. 69:22 & Jesus’ clothing is divided echoing Ps. 69:22 &

22:1922:19

• Inscription on the cross: “The King of Inscription on the cross: “The King of the Jews” is the capitol offense Jesus the Jews” is the capitol offense Jesus has been found guilty of violatinghas been found guilty of violating– A political crime A political crime

Crucifixion, Death & BurialCrucifixion, Death & Burial

• Mark uses patterns of 3’sMark uses patterns of 3’s– Jesus prays 3 times in the gardenJesus prays 3 times in the garden– Peter denies Jesus 3 timesPeter denies Jesus 3 times– Time is divided into 3 periodsTime is divided into 3 periods

• Third hour (9 a.m.)Third hour (9 a.m.)• Sixth hour (Noon)Sixth hour (Noon)• Ninth hour (3 p.m.)Ninth hour (3 p.m.)

– 3 groups mock Jesus between the 33 groups mock Jesus between the 3rdrd & 6 & 6thth hour hour• Passersby use the accusation that Jesus sought to Passersby use the accusation that Jesus sought to

destroy the Temple to destroy the Temple to blasphemeblaspheme Jesus on the cross Jesus on the cross• Chief priests & scribes mock Jesus as the Messiah & Chief priests & scribes mock Jesus as the Messiah &

King of IsraelKing of Israel• Both criminals crucified with Jesus add their own Both criminals crucified with Jesus add their own

insultsinsults

Crucifixion, Death & BurialCrucifixion, Death & Burial• At beginning of sixth hour, darkness covers the landAt beginning of sixth hour, darkness covers the land

– Reminiscent of Amos 8:9Reminiscent of Amos 8:9• Ninth hour is only time Jesus speaks on cross in MarkNinth hour is only time Jesus speaks on cross in Mark

– Jesus quotes the initial words of Psalm 22Jesus quotes the initial words of Psalm 22– First time in Mark that Jesus speaks to God instead FatherFirst time in Mark that Jesus speaks to God instead Father– Stimulates both compassionate & mocking responsesStimulates both compassionate & mocking responses

• Offer of wineOffer of wine• Mock Jesus for calling on ElijahMock Jesus for calling on Elijah

– Elijah has already come as John the Baptist and he was executedElijah has already come as John the Baptist and he was executed– In Jesus’ ministry the outcast demons cry out as they departIn Jesus’ ministry the outcast demons cry out as they depart

• Now Jesus cries out at the height of the struggle with Satan and Now Jesus cries out at the height of the struggle with Satan and deathdeath

– Recalls Joel 2:10-11 & 4:16Recalls Joel 2:10-11 & 4:16

Crucifixion, Death & BurialCrucifixion, Death & Burial• When Jesus dies, God responds by tearing the veil of the Temple When Jesus dies, God responds by tearing the veil of the Temple

from top to bottomfrom top to bottom– 2 veils in the Temple and unclear which veil intended2 veils in the Temple and unclear which veil intended– Symbolized God’s displeasure and departure from the TempleSymbolized God’s displeasure and departure from the Temple

• Or opening of Holy of HoliesOr opening of Holy of Holies– Echoes the actions of the high priest in tearing his garments at Jesus’ trialEchoes the actions of the high priest in tearing his garments at Jesus’ trial– For Brown, this initiates the destruction of the TempleFor Brown, this initiates the destruction of the Temple

• Both the tearing of the veil and the centurion’s declaration that Both the tearing of the veil and the centurion’s declaration that “This man was Son of God.” now validate Jesus’ acceptance of the “This man was Son of God.” now validate Jesus’ acceptance of the designation of Messiah, Son of the Blessed Onedesignation of Messiah, Son of the Blessed One

• Then we hear of the presence of women who had ministered to Then we hear of the presence of women who had ministered to Jesus in Galilee Jesus in Galilee

• Joseph of Arimathea boldly asks for the body of JesusJoseph of Arimathea boldly asks for the body of Jesus– A member of the Sanhedrin, the same group that has deemed Jesus worthy of A member of the Sanhedrin, the same group that has deemed Jesus worthy of

deathdeath• ““People can believe and become true disciples only through the People can believe and become true disciples only through the

suffering symbolized by a cross which strips away human supports suffering symbolized by a cross which strips away human supports and makes one totally dependent on God.” (Crucified Christ, p. 33)and makes one totally dependent on God.” (Crucified Christ, p. 33)

• This emphasis suggests a Christian community under persecutionThis emphasis suggests a Christian community under persecution• Detail that Pilate verified Jesus’ death may be an apologetic pointDetail that Pilate verified Jesus’ death may be an apologetic point

The Resurrection in MarkThe Resurrection in Mark

Notes on Mark’s EndingNotes on Mark’s Ending

• Mark originally ends with verse 8 Mark originally ends with verse 8 of chapter 16of chapter 16

• Contrast this ending with the Contrast this ending with the beginning of the gospelbeginning of the gospel– ““The good news of Jesus Christ…” (Mark The good news of Jesus Christ…” (Mark

1:1)1:1)– ““So they went out and fled from the So they went out and fled from the

tomb, for terror and amazement had tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:8)anyone, for they were afraid.” (Mark 16:8)

The Women at the TombThe Women at the Tomb• For Brown, the presence of the women at the cross, For Brown, the presence of the women at the cross,

gives Jesus no consolation, but an example of the gives Jesus no consolation, but an example of the untested discipleuntested disciple– Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalene– Mary, the mother of James the younger & JosesMary, the mother of James the younger & Joses– SalomeSalome

• Mary Magdalene & the other Mary follow Joseph of Mary Magdalene & the other Mary follow Joseph of Arimathea to see where Jesus is buriedArimathea to see where Jesus is buried

• Earlier in chapter 14, Jesus is anointed for his burial Earlier in chapter 14, Jesus is anointed for his burial by a woman whose name we do not knowby a woman whose name we do not know

• Now the group of women at the cross go to the tomb Now the group of women at the cross go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body after his deathto anoint Jesus’ body after his death– Issue of the heavy stone comes upIssue of the heavy stone comes up– But the stone “had already been rolled back”But the stone “had already been rolled back”– Use of the passive voice indicates that God is responsible for Use of the passive voice indicates that God is responsible for

this actionthis action

The Women at the TombThe Women at the Tomb

• On entering the tomb, the women On entering the tomb, the women express amazement at the presence of express amazement at the presence of the “young man, dressed in a white the “young man, dressed in a white robe”robe”– Reaction suggests an angelic presenceReaction suggests an angelic presence– Young man’s words, “Do not be alarmed…” is Young man’s words, “Do not be alarmed…” is

formulaic for the appearance of an angel in formulaic for the appearance of an angel in scripturesscriptures

• Young manYoung man– Knows the women are looking for Jesus of Knows the women are looking for Jesus of

Nazareth, the crucified oneNazareth, the crucified one– States the obvious with a twistStates the obvious with a twist

• ““He has been raised; he is not here.”He has been raised; he is not here.”– Note the passive voice, indicating the action of GodNote the passive voice, indicating the action of God

The Women at the TombThe Women at the Tomb

• God has demonstrated his power through God has demonstrated his power through JesusJesus– Over evil during Jesus’ ministry by healings and Over evil during Jesus’ ministry by healings and

exorcismsexorcisms– Over death through Jesus’ death & resurrectionOver death through Jesus’ death & resurrection

• Jesus has unfinished businessJesus has unfinished business– Jesus is preceding the disciples to GalileeJesus is preceding the disciples to Galilee– The women are to tell the disciples to meet Jesus thereThe women are to tell the disciples to meet Jesus there– Women are presumably included since the young man Women are presumably included since the young man

tells them “there you will see him”tells them “there you will see him”

• The women flee in fear and amazementThe women flee in fear and amazement• The Gospel of Mark endsThe Gospel of Mark ends

The Women at the TombThe Women at the Tomb

• Failures of the disciples not the end Failures of the disciples not the end of the story; Jesus is not finished with of the story; Jesus is not finished with them yetthem yet

• Brown sees the task as the first Brown sees the task as the first failure of the womenfailure of the women

• This failure serves as encouragement This failure serves as encouragement for the Christians reading Markfor the Christians reading Mark– May also be afraidMay also be afraid– May also have failed May also have failed

Three Appearances of JesusThree Appearances of Jesus

• Appearance 1 – Mary MagdaleneAppearance 1 – Mary Magdalene– Literally Jesus becomes visible to MaryLiterally Jesus becomes visible to Mary– Now Mary is empowered to tell the disciples Now Mary is empowered to tell the disciples

that Jesus is risenthat Jesus is risen– But – they don’t believe herBut – they don’t believe her

• Redactor here shares the pessimism of the original Redactor here shares the pessimism of the original author regarding humanityauthor regarding humanity

• Appearance 2 – Two of the DisciplesAppearance 2 – Two of the Disciples– Disbelief is overcome by the appearance of Disbelief is overcome by the appearance of

JesusJesus– These return to tell the other disciplesThese return to tell the other disciples– But – the other disciples do not believeBut – the other disciples do not believe

Three Appearances of JesusThree Appearances of Jesus

• Appearance 3 – The ElevenAppearance 3 – The Eleven– This appearance as the eleven are seated at the table This appearance as the eleven are seated at the table

suggests ties to the Lord’s Suppersuggests ties to the Lord’s Supper– Focus is on the CommissionFocus is on the Commission– Prior lack of belief does not deter Jesus from entrusting Prior lack of belief does not deter Jesus from entrusting

the future of the Church to these disciplesthe future of the Church to these disciples– Following Jesus’ commission to preach the Gospel will Following Jesus’ commission to preach the Gospel will

serve to strengthen the faith of the disciplesserve to strengthen the faith of the disciples• This good news is identified in Mark 1:1 as “The gospel of This good news is identified in Mark 1:1 as “The gospel of

Jesus Christ, the Son of God”Jesus Christ, the Son of God”– As in the Gospel of John, proclamation of the gospel As in the Gospel of John, proclamation of the gospel

carries with it a time of crisis, or judgementcarries with it a time of crisis, or judgement– Now the disciples believe, & are obedient to Jesus’ Now the disciples believe, & are obedient to Jesus’

command to preach the gospelcommand to preach the gospel– And “the Lord worked with them and confirmed the And “the Lord worked with them and confirmed the

message by the signs that accompanied it”message by the signs that accompanied it”

BibliographyBibliography• Background Clipart. Microsoft Office Online. Background Clipart. Microsoft Office Online.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/results.aspxhttp://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/results.aspx?qu=religious&sc=20?qu=religious&sc=20 (30 Jan. 2007) (30 Jan. 2007)

• Brown, Raymond E. Brown, Raymond E. A Crucified Christ in Holy Week.A Crucified Christ in Holy Week. Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1986.Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1986.

• Brueggemann, Walter. Brueggemann, Walter. Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Awed to Heaven, Rooted in EarthEarth. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2003.. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2003.

• Brown, Raymond E. Brown, Raymond E. A Risen Christ in Eastertime.A Risen Christ in Eastertime. Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1991.Collegeville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1991.

• Juel, Donald H. Juel, Donald H. Augsburg Commentary on the New Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament: Mark.Testament: Mark. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1990. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1990.

• Malbon, Elizabeth Struthers. Malbon, Elizabeth Struthers. Hearing Mark: A Hearing Mark: A Listener’s Guide.Listener’s Guide. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Trinity Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Trinity Press International, 2002.Press International, 2002.