Portrayal of the Disciples in Mark's Theology
Portrayal of the Disciples in Mark's Theology
Mark's Gospel portrays the disciples as individuals who are called by Jesus to follow him and learn from him. The term "disciple" refers to those who are learners or pupils of a teacher [1]. In Mark's narrative, the disciples are depicted as being closely associated with Jesus, accompanying him throughout his ministry, and being entrusted with various tasks and responsibilities.
The disciples in Mark's Gospel are often shown to be misunderstanding or failing to grasp the true nature of Jesus' mission and teachings. For example, when parents bring their children to Jesus to be blessed, the disciples rebuke them, indicating a lack of understanding of Jesus' values [2]. Similarly, the disciples are unable to cast out a demon from a boy, highlighting their limited understanding and faith [3, 5].
Despite their limitations and failures, the disciples are also portrayed as being privileged to receive instruction and guidance from Jesus. According to Adam Clarke, Jesus "expounded all things to his disciples" so that they might be capable of instructing others [4]. This close relationship between Jesus and his disciples is a key aspect of Mark's portrayal, emphasizing the importance of discipleship and the role of the disciples as learners and followers of Jesus.
Mark's Gospel also highlights the disciples' role in the mission of Jesus. After being sent out by Jesus, the disciples return and report on their experiences, marking the conclusion of their mission [7]. This episode underscores the disciples' participation in Jesus' ministry and their role as representatives of his teachings.
The portrayal of the disciples in Mark's Gospel is complex, reflecting both their limitations and their privileged status as followers of Jesus. As Matthew Henry notes, Mark's narrative focuses on Jesus' public ministry, highlighting the disciples' role within it [8]. Through their interactions with Jesus and their experiences, the disciples are shaped by Jesus' teachings and become an integral part of his mission.
The characterization of the disciples in Mark's Gospel has implications for understanding the nature of discipleship and the relationship between Jesus and his followers. As the Tyndale House commentary on Matthew notes, the disciples' curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of obedience to his teachings [6]. This theme is also present in Mark's Gospel, where the disciples are depicted as being called to follow Jesus and learn from him.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Disciple — [APOSTLES]”
- Mark “They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. -- Mark 10:13”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 9 (introduction): The transfiguration of Christ, and the discourse occasioned by it, Mar 9:1-13. He casts out a dumb spirit which his disciples could not, vv. 14-29. He foretells his death, Mar 9:30-32. The disciples dispute about supremacy, and Christ corrects them, Mar 9:33-37. Of the person who cast out demons in Christ's name, but did not follow him, Mar 9:38-40. Every kind of office done to the disciples of Christ shall be rewarded by him, and all injuries done to them shall be punished, Mar 9:41, Mar 9:42. The necessity of mortification and self-denial, Mar 9:43-48. O”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 4:34: He expounded all things to his disciples - That they might be capable of instructing others. Outside hearers, those who do not come into close fellowship with the true disciples of Christ, have seldom more than a superficial knowledge of Divine things. In the fellowship of the saints, where Jesus the teacher is always to be found, every thing is made plain, - for the secret of the Lord is with them who fear him.”
- Mark (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Mark 9 (introduction): In this chapter, we have, I. Christ's transfiguration upon the mount (Mar 9:1-13). II. His casting the devil out of a child, when the disciples could not do it (v. 14-29). III. His prediction of his own sufferings and death (Mar 9:30-32). IV. The check he gave to his disciples for disputing who should be greatest (Mar 9:33-37); and to John for rebuking one who cast out devils in Christ's name, and did not follow with them (v. 38-41). V. Christ's discourse with his disciples of the danger of offending one of his little ones (v. 42), and of indulging that ”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:20: 28:20 Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20; 7:13-27). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23; 18:20).”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 6:30: 6:30-44 The disciples’ mission concludes (6:6-13, 30-34), followed by the account of the feeding of the 5,000 (6:35-44; see also Matt 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15). The feeding of the 4,000 is sufficiently different to indicate that these were two separate occasions (see Mark 8:1-10). 6:30 Mark calls Jesus’ disciples apostles here to indicate their new status as those who had been sent out (see study note on 3:14-15) and to avoid possible confusion between them and John the Baptist’s disciples. • The apostles reported the success of what they had done and tau”
- Mark (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Mark 1 (introduction): Mark's narrative does not take rise so early as those of Matthew and Luke do, from the birth of our Saviour, but from John's baptism, from which he soon passes to Christ's public ministry. Accordingly, in this chapter, we have, I. The office of John Baptist illustrated by the prophecy of him (Mar 1:1-3), and by the history of him (Mar 1:4-8). II. Christ's baptism, and his being owned from heaven (Mar 1:9-11). III. His temptation (Mar 1:12, Mar 1:13). IV. His preaching (Mar 1:14, Mar 1:15, Mar 1:21, Mar 1:22, Mar 1:38, Mar 1:39). V. His calling disciples ”