Mark 14 Jesus 1-2 Analysis

Mark’s Jesus has an apocalyptic view of reality, meaning that the current age is under the power of Satan and his forces. In this Gospel of Mark, the forces is referring to the Romans in power, the political, social, and religious elites. In the coming of age, however, will be under God’s power and God’s rule, with the lowly being raised above the high. This point of view completely stands against the gospel of prosperity who say that one of rich and successful because God wanted it that way. In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these [children]”. Children are seen as the lowest and the least and therefore will be accepted into God’s rule. Also in Mark 10:37, James and John ask for power, status and glory; Jesus’ response exemplifies the notion of being lowest and least further. He tells them
The chief priest, scribes and elders “were seeking to arrest [Jesus], but feared the crowd” (Mk 12:12). They have their power, not because God gave it to them, but because they maintain the crowd to keep their power. They wish to serve themselves and the denunciation of the scribes eating at the widow’s houses also conveys this thought (Mk 12:40). It shows the authority taking from the least and lowly and exploiting others in order to stay on top. Another example of how Mark would reject the gospel of prosperity is the story about the high priest in Mark 14:53-65. He riles the people up to send Jesus to the cross and get rid of the “threat” that Jesus poses. Additionally, the high priest lords over people, like during the mockery of Jesus, calling him “King of Jews” sarcastically. Mark’s Pilate is also a prime example of the authority wishing to please the crowd, he hands Jesus over so that he would not have any problems in regards to his status or power because the people are pleased with