[DOWNLOAD] "Solus Christus: The Markan Contrast Between Jesus and His Disciples (Essay)" by Currents in Theology and Mission # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Solus Christus: The Markan Contrast Between Jesus and His Disciples (Essay)
- Author : Currents in Theology and Mission
- Release Date : January 01, 2008
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 357 KB
Description
Of all the portrayals of the disciples in the Gospels, Mark's is the most severe. Indeed, Mark's story presents an ever increasing contrast between the fidelity of Jesus on one hand and the faithlessness and frailty of his chosen disciples on the other. (1) Time and time again the disciples display dullness, fear and pride, while Jesus calls for and exemplifies understanding, faith and sacrificial service. One may understand this contrast in two ways. On one hand, the portrayal of the disciples may function to present them as negative examples. Mark would be suggesting to his readers that they can and should be faithful, unlike the disciples. On the other hand, the disciples may function as narrative reminders that all human striving comes to naught, that only One has ever been truly faithful, Christ alone. Avoiding mere moralism, this second option is theologically and pastoral ly fruitful and also enjoys the advantage of refraining from suggesting that later readers or hearers of Mark can prove faithful when the very apostles chosen by Christ himself did not. In short, Mark does not finally call us to emulate Jesus instead of the disciples. Rather, the Gospel of Mark is indeed Gospel, proclaiming Gods mercy and grace to those of us who, like the Markan disciples, suffer fear, incomprehension and faithlessness and are nevertheless kept in the circle of God's chosen.