Session 6: Class Notes

Many thanks to Carl for leading the session on 11/10!

I am convinced that the Holy Spirit speaks and stirs within us all.  For me, this means that the work of clergy is to help others to hear and to respond to the Spirit of God.  Thus, you might say that, ultimately, a pastor is actively trying to work him/herself out of a job.

Here are the notes Carl passed on to me from the session on Mark chapter 8.

Comparing the Feeding Stories in Mark

The picture above reveals observations made about the feeding story in Mark 6 compared to the feeding story in Mark 8.  Whether these stories reflect varying interpretations of a single event or whether there were two (possibly more?) separate events is somewhat immaterial.  What's significant is that as Mark's gospel is relatively short (devoting less than 10 chapters to roughly 3 years of Jesus ministry), both stories are included and given a good amount of attention.  The details of each story highlight unique points of emphasis (was 12 baskets leftover meant to say that there was enough for all of Israel [12 tribes], was 7 baskets leftover meant to imply that there was enough for everyone [seven is the biblical number of completion]).  Yet, overall it asks us the question, what is the link between "the good news of the kingdom of God" and sustenance?

Below are Carl's notes on Mark 8 in preparation for the night's study.

Jesus' question in Mark 8 is a turning point in the gospel.  We begin to pick up speed heading towards Jerusalem.  The Messiah would have to go to Jerusalem.  Yet, here he redefines what it means to the Messiah, the anointed one.  He makes it clear that he does not go to Jerusalem to conquer the present enemies of Israel but he that goes to die.  The question Jesus will interpret and inform all of his for the remainder of the story.  His question, "Who do you say that I am?" continues to inform and interpret our choices, actions, and life today.