Gospel Of Mark

The Gospel of Mark was the first written gospel in 70 CE and the “shortest of the four canonical Gospels” (Coogan 1791). The ancient tradition believes that the author of this gospel furnishes his account on the life of Jesus by drawing upon his experience of being Peter’s interpreter (Kalin 1). Additionally, the author utilizes, “written documents or literary fragments as well as oral material (to enhance the account)” (Harold 70). Being the first written gospel, it serves as the framework for the other gospels, but contains noticeable differences. The gospel stands out as the only gospel to be tragic and ironic. For example, the Gospel of Mark contains, “Jesus only overt miracle in Jerusalem and only destructive miracle in the Gospels” (Boring

As Jesus comes within Jerusalem’s city limits, Jesus searches for fruit on the fig tree and comes away empty-handed (Mark 11:13). Mark lets the reader know that Jesus was hungry, and the distant fig tree was in leaf and that it was not the season for figs (Mark 11:12-13). Jesus knew the fig tree wouldn’t be able to bear fruit, but utilizes the fig tree as a teaching point to the disciples. Jesus’s teaching point encompasses previous lectures from the Old Testament such passages as Jeremiah 8:13: "When I wanted to gather them, says the LORD, there are no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree; even the leaves are withered, and what I gave them has passed away from them." The fact that Jesus was hungry and approached the fig tree looking for fruit indicates his identity and authority as the Judge of Israel who finds that the nation, despite its "leafy" appearance, has not produced the fruit God desired. We also must consider that "it was not the season for figs" (Mark 11:13). Jesus uses the fig tree as an example to express his displeasure with the Jewish contingent in Jerusalem. Furthermore, the fig tree is a symbol, not the object itself, of the judgement. His intention was to condemn and forward judgment against the faithful barrenness of the nation. Jesus takes issues with the nation of Israel and how they have rejected him, their Messiah. Jesus judgement

This means that as a community, we cannot forget about the marginalized and be solely focused on economic gain like the merchants in the Temple. And unlike the Sanhedrin, we cannot exploit and oppress those who are less fortunate and also forget our identity as God’s people. As a community, we have to tend to those who are marginalized and build them up just like Jesus does throughout the bible. Most importantly, we have to come together as a unified community that believes in God and act upon the “Good News” (Takayanagi 118). The practice of prayer brings the community together and strengthens it as well. The concept of forgiveness allows people to settle their differences and stay unified. Furthermore, the faith of the community must never waver as God watches over us and summons miracles when we pray to him. Through prayer and forgiveness, the Christian world will build a lasting strength that will allow it to survive even the most challenging