Many Christians, including Christian leaders, are spiritually blind. They do not
understand the purpose and implication of Jesus' Coming for each of His followers. So
often Christians seek self-interest and their own honour and are not in the least
concerned about their fellow believers and fellow man. They do not live up to God's
purpose with them. The main research problem of this study is: "What is the implication
of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The
main objective of this study is to determine what the implication is of the ? of
Jesus in word- and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark.
The specific question posed. in Chapter 2 is the following: "What research has been
done with reference to the implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed
proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" Research has shown that the disciples are
portrayed negatively in the Gospel of Mark. Researchers offer different explanations for
this negative portrayal of the disciples. There is concensus among researchers that this
specific portrayal of the disciples should be explained from the angle of Christology and
discipleship. This study examines the negative portrayal of the disciples focusing on the
? of Jesus and the discipleship of His followers. The intention is to propose an
answer to the calling of each follower in the missionary church. Research has further
shown that discipleship is not limited to the twelve disciples only, but includes all
followers of Jesus.
The specific question posed in Chapter 3 is the following: "What is the relevance of the
socio-historic and literary context of the Gospel of Mark for this study regarding the
implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of
Mark?" The socio-historic context indicates that the adressees of the Gospel of Mark
probably suffered persecution. The relevance of the socio-historic context can be read
from the fact that the author of the Gospel of Mark encourages the adressees in their
unique situation(s) en guides them on their response as followers. This corresponds
with Jesus' discipleship calling to bear one's own cross. From the literary context it
becomes clear that the central discipleship section in Mark 8:27-10:52 forms a structural
unit in the Gospel of Mark. Christology and discipleship are central themes in Mark 8:27-
10:52. These two themes are directly related to the implication of the ? of Jesus
in word- and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" The literary context also shows
that the Gospel of Mark is a dramatic, apocalyptic, eschatologic narrative that is also a
biography. As a biography of Jesus, the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus as Subject
who serves, but also on his disciples who must deny themselves and serve God.
The specific question posed in Chapter 4 is the following: "What is the relevance of the
revelation-historic context of the "Son of man" enunciations in Mark 8:27-10:52 for the
implication of the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of
Mark? In Chapter 4 it is shown that the "Son of man" enunciations should be understood
within the revelation-historical relation between the Old and the New Testament. Jesus
proclaims Himself, amongst other titles in the Gospel of Mark as the Son of man. The
Son of man is a glorious and kingly figure (cf Dan 7:13 & 14), .but also a humble figure
who suffers (cf Isaiah Jes 40-55; Sagaria; the Psalms). It is further more important to
realize that there is a relationship between the Messiah and His servants in the Old
Testament and the Son of man and his followers in the Gospel of Mark.
The specific question, posed in Chapter 5 is the following: "What is the implication of the
? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation in the Gospel of Mark?" It is shown
from Mark 8:27-9:1 that the ? of Jesus has redemptive, discipleship, as well as
judgemental implication. Following Jesus means to serve Him as believer and saved
person. Following Jesus is to serve Jesus and God with the same attitude as Jesus
served His Father and people. It is shown from Mark 9:30-37 that humble and loving
service is necessary between leaders and all followers. This service should be
specifically aimed at the least ones in the community of faith. Humble service towards
one another and the least ones is not degraded. It is extremely important work because
it is at the same time service towards Jesus and God. At the feet of the least in church
and society we receive the most humble Servant and our Supreme God, the most
important of all. It is shown from Mark 10:32-45 that selfish behaviour and pride among
leaders must be replaced with a humble attitude and submission to God, fellow believers
and fellow man." This discipleship has its origin in the reconciliatory work of Jesus. It is
shown from Mark 10:46-52 that Jesus sent people to the outsiders and sufferers along
the road to call them to Him. His aim is to save them that they may join and serve Him
and others.
In Chapter 6 this study reaches its conclusion. God had according to the Gospel of Mark
a specific purpose with the ? of Jesus in word and deed proclamation. Through
His word proclamation Jesus reveals the will of His Father who sent Him to earth. This
message of the Kingdom of God is a message of hope. Through His deed proclamation
Jesus brings salvation to many people. The life of Jesus was a life of humble, sacrificing
and loving service. His service makes their service possible. He calls all His followers to
serve God until! He comes again. Every believer is a follower of Jesus and part of the
missionary church as fishers of men. Each believer is sent out in the world with the
sacrificing love of Jesus to serve God, fellow believers, his fellow man especially the
least ones and those who suffer. Leaders and followers should live according to the
same principle: Follow Jesus by serving God and your fellow man. Every follower is a
servant not only at the feet of the least ones and those who suffer, but also at the feet of
the greatest Servant and our Supreme God. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/10433 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Van Wyk, Gert Jacobus |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | other |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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