Our readings this week are from chapter 12 in Mark’s Gospel. From Galilee where he was initially welcomed by the people and where so much of his ministry and so many of his miracles occurred, Jesus travels to Jerusalem from Jericho. In Jerusalem he faces harsh questioning from the Jerusalem authorities. Eventually they put him to death; then he will rise. (Mk 11:1–16:8)
Mark sees Jesus in our readings as the “beloved Son” sent into the vineyard, where he is seized and killed. ( Mark 12:1-11) In Mark’s Gospel Jesus works only one miracle in Jerusalem, a puzzling miracle: the cursing of the fig tree. (Mark 11: 12-14,20-21) So different from John’s Gospel where Jesus performs important miracles in Jerusalem, like the raising of Lazarus and the cure of the man born blind.
Mark’s portrayal of Jesus shows his humanity. He’s provoked by the hypocrisy of the scribes and their questions. He’s annoyed at their efforts to entrap him. “In human likeness” he will suffer and die. Still, he enters Jerusalem, seemingly powerless, yet powerful.
Fra Angelico’s painting of Peter preaching and Mark sitting among his listeners taking notes comes from a long held belief that Mark’s Gospel was influenced by Peter. Mark’s mother lived in Jerusalem, so he must have known the city well. He tells us it did not receive Jesus well.
Even disciples, like Peter, did not fully understand Jesus as he made his way into Jerusalem. One disciple will betray him, Judas. Peter will deny him. All the eleven will leave him. Yet, Jesus eats his Last Supper with them. After this resurrection he calls them to Galilee where he will reveal himself to them, risen from the dead.We are reading from chapter 12 in Mark’s Gospel this week. From Galilee where Jesus was welcomed by the people and where so much of his ministry and miracles occurred, Mark presents Jesus traveling to Jericho and then up to Jerusalem where he faces harsh questioning from the Jerusalem authorities. Eventually they put him to death; then he will rise. (Mk 11:1–16:8)
“Mark’s portrayal of Jesus shows us his humanity. He’s provoked by the hypocrisy of the scribes and their questions. He’s annoyed at their efforts to entrap him. “In human likeness” he will suffer and die.”
I liked this reflection very much, Fr. Victor, especially where you point to Jesus’s humanity (quoted above). A good reminder that He often felt the way we feel.