GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Jewish Hearing: Mk 14,53-72
We saw in the overview how Mark's sandwich form is being used in this episode. We have the questioning of Peter as the outer story (14,53-54 and 14,66-72) while the questioning of Jesus is the inner story (14,55-66). The contrast between Jesus and Peter will be remarkable so it is best to read the whole episode before considering my response.
Setting: 14,53-54
Verses 53 and 54 form the first part of the sandwich with the setting of the scene. To whom is Jesus taken in verse 53? What do we know about this group from earlier in the story (3,6, for example, or 11,18) and already in this chapter, 14,1.43?
How does Peter follow in verse 54? Where does he go? Note a distinctive touch provided by Mark in this verse.
Interrogation: 14,55-65
Traditionally this is called the Jewish trial. Whether it really is a trial is already clear from verse 55. Note how the group in 14,53 becomes more specific in this verse.
It is useful at this point to compare Mark's account here with that of Matthew (Mt 26,59-68). Hopefully, you will be able to pick up a distinct emphasis by Mark in this episode. Look too at his editing and arranging.
We can also explore the Old Testament background which gives this interrogation its setting. See Ps 27,12 and Ps 35,11 for example and consider too what Ex 20,16 and Dt 5,20 have to say in this situation. Look also Numbers 35,30 as well as Dt 17,6 and 19,15.
Verse 58 as you may have spotted is framed by the two comments on false witnesses. Did Jesus say this in the Gospel, see 13,2? Note the reference to three days and look forward to 15,29 to suggest the deeper meaning of this verse. Is the verse true as well as false?
In verse 60 there is a dramatic intervention, note how it is signalled in Mark (but not Matthew, as a clue.) For the lack of response by Jesus, look at Is 53,7.
A direct question follows to which Jesus gives a direct reply (again, compare with Mt 26,64). Note how everything comes together in question and answer. The background as we have seen before is Psalm 2,7, 89,26 and Ps 110,1 as well as 2 Samuel 7,14 and Daniel 7,13-14. How does Jesus begin his answer - see Ex 3,14.
Tearing garments is a gesture - see, for example, 2 Kings 18,37..
Verse 64 then brings out the irony in the condemnation. For the penalty for blasphemy see Leviticus 24,10-16.
We can note how mockery follows condemnation, here and again in 15,15-20.
Interrogation of Peter: 14,66-72
Verse 66 brings us back to Peter, we can see echoes of verse 54 in verses 66 and 67 . In the question and answer of verses 67 and 68, we can note how repetition provides emphasis. Where does Peter go in verse 68? What is the effect of the end of the verse?
There's another echo of verse 54 in verse 69 as those present there are now involved by the maid. Compare this encounter with Mt 26,73.
Verses 70 and 71 are much stronger in terms of action and reaction. Mt 26,73 gives the obvious reason why Peter is recognised as a Galilean.
The NRSV provides a good translation of verse 71. Who is cursed? Look back to 14,29.
In verse 72 we see Peter coming to terms with what he has done.
Note an emphasis in these verses which is not present in Matthew (Mt 26,69-75).
Finally, the sandwich means we need to compare Peter with Jesus, a contrast which is clear enough.
We are ready now for a look at my response.
We continue our reading of the Passion into the next chapter when Jesus is handed over to the Romans for crucifixion.