by Amelia Wagoner

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

The good news or gospel of Mark was written as an account that focuses on portraying who Jesus was and what he taught. This book though is more than a historical account of Jesus. It also provides an insight to Jesus and how he was received during his life. Throughout the book several themes and ideas of are introduced, such as the Jewish aspect of Jesus, his perplexing parables, and unexpected teachings. The passage in Mark 10:17-31 represents a little of all of these themes, yet it is focusing not on the teachings of Jesus but his unique character and what it would mean to his followers. It focuses on the Jesus who redefined the meaning of the Messiah as one who will bring salvation though his sufferings not only to the Jews, but to all who will follow him. It is the idea of a Jewish Jesus redefining the meaning of the Messiah that Mark is trying to convey.

Mark incorporates Judaism repeatedly in the gospel. In Mark 10:19 Jesus quotes some of the 10 commandments to the rich man. When Jesus heals the leper he tells the man to "go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded" (1:44) Mark is using Moses and the Jewish law he brings in to show that Judaism was still a very important and relevant aspect of Jesus. The act of including Judaism and connecting it to Jesus was important to Mark and his audience. It was important to show the readers Jesus was a Jew, through both his background and his beliefs. He even refers back to Moses in response to a Pharisee's questioning. Jesus askes "What did Moses command you?" (10:3) Showing Jesus' Jewish side represented how even Jesus the Son of Man kept the covenant, he too obeyed Jewish law. He was not an exception to the law. He was not trying to bring in a new religion to replace Judaism. Jesus was bringing in additional teachings for the Jewish faith, additional parables to teach and learn from.
Mark also conveys his idea that Jesus was not only for the Jews. His teachings were also meant for the gentiles. "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (8:34). Mark includes this saying of Jesus to show the inclusiveness of Jesus and his teachings. This inclusiveness is important for him and his readers because they themselves probably were not Jews. So this Jewish Messiah must be meant for all who are willing to follow him, he is one who welcomes everyone.
The original audience reading this gospel most likely was not Jewish. This

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