THE GOSPEL OF MARK
The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus: Mk 14-16
The Old Testament Background
As I explained in the overview, we will be seeing a number of quotations and allusions to the Old Testament during our reading of the Passion.
I have listed them below because it will help to see them in their Old Testament context and to be aware of them before we begin our reading.
Much the most important background passages for the Passion story are Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.
Isaiah 52,13-53,12: the 4th Song of the Servant
Read through the song and note the verses which seem to echo the passion.
Having done that, then consider the verses which seem especially important:
Is 53,6; Is53,4-5.10.12; 53,7; 53,9; 53,12; 53,9.
Psalm 22
As with Isaiah, read through the psalm and note the verses which reflect the passion.
After that, check your list against the following verses:
Ps 22,1; 22,18; 7; 6; 22,2-3; 22,24; 22,2.
The Prophet Zechariah
Noticeable but less well known is a batch of references to the prophet Zechariah:
Zech 9,11; 14,4.9; 13,7; Zech 13,8-9.
Other Old Testament references
Have a look also at the following:
- Wisdom of Solomon 2,12-20
- Psalm, 41,9
- Psalm 71,4
- Ps 38,14-16 and 39,9
- Ps 69,21
- Ps 110,1
We will be meeting all of these and others during our reading.
Having prepared in this way, go back to the main page.