[For me,] Mark’s gospel is overpowering…and strong. It is so much more than a “simple report” of a “Roman trial” and a “brutal atrocity.”
Mark tells us – Jesus was “handed over” by the Jewish authorities.
And we get it: Rome’s concern was to maintain the peace. The Jewish Authorities did not want the Romans to be provoked, at any cost. Nor did they want the Romans to interfere with their state. They feared further suppression of the little freedom they already enjoyed. Their goal was to maintain their Temple and their Religion at all costs.
“Unfortunately for Jesus,” his language was easily misread and misinterpreted by all kinds of folks. He was in fact seen as being a “potential threat to stability.” His words could sometimes be strong and harsh. His crowd of listeners, large…and probably somewhat unruly.
Rome considered “all life” to be cheap. It was a simple solution to “arrest and execute”- “any and all perceived threats,” real or otherwise.
It did not matter if there was “no overt military threat.” A threat was a threat. “Execute the leaders”…and the movements would die out on their own! “Popular movements” actually disappeared over night.
That’s why Jesus was hung with two others all three of them were considered to be “potential threats or risks.”
One wonders “how far” the word had already spread about Jesus’ triumphant ride into Jerusalem. One also wonders “how wide spread” was the word about his behavior in the Temple?
The word was probably “out there” that he had indeed attacked the Temple and had even predicted its downfall.
He knew how to “rile up” the crowds. He knew “how to get them all going.”
Perhaps posting the charge against him, over his head on the cross of crucifixion would be “a deterrent” to any and all future – disturbers of the peace.
Mark gives it to us – straight.
But it doesn’t take a highly advanced scholar to hear his tendency “to incriminate all of the Jerusalem crowds” and their “leaders.” He paints with a pretty wide brush.
It is an example of oriental exaggeration, at its worst. It is a bias, and a prejudice, if you will, and we must see it, for what it is. Later, it will be seen as anti-Semiticism.
You cannot blaspheme against the God of Israel and get away with it. Many considered Jesus to be just such one blasphemer.
Mark does not attempt to hide the suffering. The suffering was real. There is no glory here…only shame and degradation. The event is horrendous and horrific. The crucifixion was awful. It is a picture of death.
People either love or hate Mark’s gospel for its brevity. It does not mince words.
Mark does not attempt to mask the worst in human brutality.
Regimes come and regimes go and they degrade people and treat people like dirt.
Many times they will say it is for the “common good” but we know otherwise.
Many times, they will say it is for the furtherance of peace, but again, we know better.
Deals are made on the sidelines…and in the smoked-filled backrooms and they are not made for the common good. Deals are made and cut for the precious few.
It is amazing that people do this to people. There is no regard for “the other.” Regard is only for “the self.”
The powers that be use anger and fear to suppress love and goodness.
Mark’s gospel is “in your face” and it is about the killing of love. The hatred of love… The despising of love…
The story that is written and told is bigger than “a one-time simple account”…it is an account for all ages and for all times.
Mark tells us “what” evil can do. It also tells us “how far” evil will go. And, at the very same time, it tells us about love.
Love cannot be killed. Love cannot be squelched. Love cannot be nailed to a cross. Love cannot be buried. Mark’s gospel tells us – how far love will go – for the “other.”
Mark begins with these words: “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
After Jesus breathes his last, after his body is deflated from all the life that once occupied it, then, is when the centurion, a Roman member of the guard exclaims in wonder: “Surely this man was the Son of God.”
What starts with God, ends with God…and such is life! Talk about: “Powerful!”
Amen.