Summary Of Mark: Apocalyptic Literary Work

Some scholars regard the book of Mark as a modified apocalyptic literary work. Apocalyptic literary work is literature that reveals unseen realities and discloses events destined soon to climax in God’s final intervention in human affairs (Harris, 2014). Mark’s use of apocalyptic devices is particularly evident at the beginning and ending of his Gospel. At the most important event in his Gospel, Jesus’ crucifixion, Mark repeats his image of the heavens being torn asunder when he states that at the instant of Jesus death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Harris, 2014). In describing this incident, Mark assumes that his audience will understand the symbolism of the Temple curtain. In Mark’s view, Jesus’ redemptive death tore apart the curtain, opening the way to heavenly reality that the earthly Temple had symbolized. This rending of the sacred veil …show more content…
At the Last Supper, Jesus’ emphasizes that the eschatological Son of Man is going the way appointed for him. At his trial, Jesus confesses that he is the Messiah and that the High Priest will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of God (Harris, 2014). This disclosure associates Jesus suffering and death with his ultimate revelation as the eschatological Son of Man. In this book, the Son of Man is the author’s favorite expression to denote Jesus three essential roles. These roles include an earthly figure who teaches with authority, a servant who embraces suffering, and a future eschatological judge (Harris, 2014). Although many scholars question whether the historical Jesus ever used this title, others regard it as Jesus preferred means of self identification. In addition, other scholars believe that Jesus may have used the title Son of Man to designate another future coming figure who would vindicate Jesus ministry and the later church (Harris,