The Gospel of Mark
Sea and Mountain: Mk 3,7-19
Following the dramatic events leading up to the climax in 3,6, a pause and a calmer moment is to be expected. Looking at Matthew and Luke shows that these verses are effectively Mark's own composition.
It is noticeable that the settings of the two scenes are "the sea" (3,7) and "the mountain" (3,13) which are not otherwise specified. We'll consider this further as we read; whether Mark intended a contrast is an open question.
The aim of Mark's editing will become clearer whe we read the final part of the chapter, 3,20-35.
Return to the main page.
Summary of Jesus' ministry: 3,7-12
The setting for this incident is the sea, and the sea is an unruly place, a place of chaos (4,35). As noted, this contrasts with the mountain in 3,13.
Crowds are also unruly. The crowd appears frequently in this Gospel but in verses 7 and 8 Mark for the only time uses a different word, best translated "multitude". In verse 9, "crowd" is found as usual. As a multitude is already a large crowd and the adjective "great" is added, Mark it seems is emphasising the vast numbers of people coming to Jesus. And coming from all over so great is the need.
No longer from Judea and Jerusalem as for John the Baptist, nor just from Galilee (1,28). Now the fame of Jesus has spread north (Tyre and Sidon) and south (Jerusalem itself) and to east (Idumea and beyond the Jordan). All over, Jews and Gentiles have now heard of Jesus and are coming to him.
This is highlighted by the need for the boat (literally a "little boat") in verse 9 which is unique to Mark.
The summary is completed with the unclean spirits in verses 11-12. What Jesus does and his forbidding the demons to name him repeats what has happened earlier in the story (1,24, 1,34). Clarity about who Jesus is and what it means for him to be Son of God will only be unveiled on the cross (15,39).
The summary highlights in a dramatic way the successful ministry of Jesus, hyperbole may an appropriate description.
Now return to the main page.
The Appointment of the Twelve: 3,13-19
Apart from the sheer solidity of the mountain in contrast to rocking in a boat on the sea, mountains have considerable importance in biblical tradition because they are the place where people meet God. What happens here will be a solemn moment as it was for Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 19,3).
That is why "hills" used in a number of translations here and elsewhere in the Gospels loses the significance of what is happening though it is an acceptable translation. Mountains though are not so important for this Gospel as they are for Matthew's. We will look at this further with the mountain of the Transfiguration (9,2)
This time and only in Mark, it is Jesus who summons a group of disciples and they go to him. Then in verse 14 he appoints (literally, "he makes..."). This is quite different to 1,16-20 where Jesus calls and the four respond. As those summoned in verse 13 are a larger group, this selection of twelve is also a public act.
In brackets may be added "whom he also called apostles". Whilst this is found in many manuscripts, the title is more typical of Luke than Mark and may have been inserted from Lk 6,13.
Again only in Mark, Jesus appointed so that they might be with him. Being companions with Jesus is the priority. From that they might be sent out to preach (as they will be in 6,7). In verse 15, they are to share Jesus's authority (1,27 and 2,10) over unclean spirits (also included in 6,7).
The calling of twelve suggests the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus is thus in a similar position to YHWH with his people.
Simon Peter is always first. His leadership of the early Church was well known.
Andrew his brother (1,16) seems to have slipped out of the inner circle which included James and John (9,2;14,33) though he is present on the Mount of Olives (13,3).
We note that the three, Simon, James and John, are given new names. (It is not clear why James and John were to be called Boanerges.)
Finally there is Judas Iscariot. "Betray" is the same word as "handed over" (14,33), a word with a key role in this Gospel.
Back now to the main page so as to move on to the final part of the chapter.