Christ Through the Ages, 7: Mark—Lord Caesar or Lord Jesus?

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Listen to lesson 7 in the series CHRIST THROUGH THE AGES. In this podcast, Mark: Lord Caesar or Lord Jesus?, we will examine a special focus of the earliest of the four gospels, Mark. The lesson is 15 minutes long.

Introduction

Gospels were composed primarily for believers.Bioi. Ancient biography = bios.The theology lies in the differences, not just the similarities.For more on bios, please see A Quick Overview of the Bible.

Emphases of Mark

Brief gospel, swift action. (Euthus [quickly] appears 9x in Mark 1!)Roman audience, mainly Gentile—not so much biblical background.Jesus’ power and deity.Identity of Christ concealed, then revealed.Lord Caesar or Lord Jesus?

Our study: the political implication

Mark 1:1 -- gospel entails Jesus being the Son of God.But "Son of God" and other titles like Lord, God, and Savior were reserved for the Caesar!Julius (dictator, uncle of Augustus, d.44 BC)Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD)Tiberius (14-37 AD)Caligula (37-41)Claudius (41-54)Nero (54-68)Vespasian (69-79)And so forth. See Craig Evans' commentary on Mark 8:27-16:20 in The Word Biblical Commentary.1:23-24 -- The demonic world recognizes his identity.15:37-39 -- The centurion tasked with the crucifixion recognizes it.Yet often his own followers do not grasp his identity (nor do we)!Mark's gospel shows us that Jesus deserves our highest allegiance, not any human government, political leader, or other claimant to ultimate sovereignty. Are we conducting ourselves in line with such a perspective, conviction, and courage?

Next lesson:  Matthew: Jesus was Jewish.