Preparing a study on Mark 1:1-13.
Helpful stuff from the Revd Matthew Mason on John's dress and diet.
In vv. 9-13 it looks like we have a sandwich, one of Mark's favourite items of food.
In v. 9, Jesus is baptised. Strange! This is a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v. 4), so Jesus doesn't need that. Perhaps he is identifying with Israel from the off. He is becoming Israel, and in bearing Israel's sin, he needs this baptism.
In v. 12 he is driven out into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by Satan. Sounds familiar! Jesus is again Israel, but whereas they succumbed to temptation in 40 years of wilderness, Jesus is faithful in 40 days.
In the middle, the Father announces, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." A parallel and contrast to Ex 4:22, Israel God's firstborn son, who turns out not to be terribly pleasing.
This goes with the quotes from Mal 3 and Isa 40 in Mark 1:2 to portray Jesus as the faithful Israel restored from exile.
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3 comments:
Good stuff, Neil. I think Son of God is more immediately Messianic (cf. v. 1); but, of course, teh Messiah represents and sums up Israel (hence he's son of God)
Is there a chiasm?
A Jesus as Israel's representative Messiah (9)
B Spirit descends on Jesus (anointing as Messiah, cf David and Saul's anointings and reception of Spirit)
C Jesus is Son - Israel/Messiah
B' Spirit drives Jesus into wilderness
A Jesus as Israel/Messiah (links with David's conflict with Saul?) tempted in wilderness
Could there also be a redemptive history pattern going on?
1. exodus/red sea crossing (baptism)
2. kingdom/ davidic covenant (anointing/you r my son)
3. exile (driven into wilderness to be with beasts) pattern going on?
Highly speculative I know, but it's interesting. especially since Christ emerges from his 'exile' proclaiming the news that the exile is over in 14-15 (Isa 52:7).
Pete, I like it!
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