A Fitting End? Self-Denial and a Slave's Death in Mark'sLife of Jesus

Abstract

The present article argues that rather than look for a traditional Jewish model behind Mark's passion narrative (such as an account of the Suffering Righteous One), we would do better to understand the composition of the whole gospel – both the central body of teaching in 8.22–10.45 and the passion narrative – as influenced by the genre of ancient philosophical lives. After considering ways in which biographies tended to present the deaths of philosophers, the article examines the death of the Markan Jesus as an example of a shameful, humiliating end. What redeems it for Mark is the fact that Jesus dies in perfect conformity with his teaching. The carefully composed central section of teaching material (8.22–10.52), it is argued, was put together by the evangelist with the specific intention of showing that Jesus died in accordance with his teaching. Thus the crucifixion could become the perfect embodiment of Jesus’ counter-cultural message of self-denial and servanthood, and therefore a powerful symbol of its truth.

Food and Gift: On the ‘Words of Institution’ in the Gospel of Mark

“…In a recent contribution on Jesus’ death, Helen Bond makes a strong case for the coherence of Jesus’ teaching and the manner of his death in the Gospel of Mark (Bond 2019; for a review of tradition-historical backgrounds, see Breytenbach 2014: 154-59). She emphasizes Jesus’ own agency and the exercise of his own will when it comes to his approaching end and his embrace of it: As Mark moves towards the Passion Narrative, it becomes apparent that Jesus has a choice over his own death.…”

“…Our author stresses Jesus’ courage and fortitude as he makes his way to Jerusalem in obedience to the will of God, even though he knows how things will end. (Bond 2019: 437)…”

“…The Gethsemane scene also bears witness to this when Jesus submits himself to the father’s will ‘not what I want but what you want’ (Mk 14.36) (Bond 2019: 437). Bond also notes a close connection with Jesus’ instructions concerning greatness and service in Mk 10: ‘For Mark, then, Jesus’ free choice to submit to the will of the Father, even though he has done nothing deserving death, is the ultimate expression of what it means to be a “slave of all”’ (Bond 2019: 438). Thus, Jesus dies in accordance with his own teaching, thereby proving himself to be a reliable teacher (or at least as Mark presents him).…”

“… 7. Bond 2019: 438: ‘His artful composition shows that there is no mismatch between what Jesus teaches and his death; he remains true to his teaching to the very end. And, just as significantly, what he demands of others is no more than he is prepared to undergo himself.’ …”