Mark: Discipleship In The Gospel Of Mark

Introduction

Many scholars have adopted a common vernacular when referring to the writers of the four gospels in the New Testament. While there remains much debate regarding the actual authors of these texts, there seems to be a semblance of uniformity in terms of portraying the writers as persuasive authors with captive audiences. Thus, many scholars refer to these writers as evangelists. These evangelists wrote with the intention of sharing a message about Jesus that would lead to their audience becoming disciples or being encouraged to be better disciples.

The Gospel of Mark provides for the reading audience a vivid portrayal of discipleship.

Though it is a fast paced narrative, a careful reading would suggest that the author of Mark employed a creative use of characters to craft a picture of discipleship. One such character who embodies the definition of discipleship is the unnamed woman who anointed Jesus at Bethany (Mark 14:3-9). While referencing the act of this women and other women in Mark, Susan Miller asserts, ?The women give away what they have, and their self-giving illustrates Jesus? teaching about discipleship.?[footnoteRef:1] In

(v. 9). Any inferences that Jesus is applauding this woman and her act are unquestionably confirmed as her act is connected to the very gospel. The conclusion of this text is then followed by the report of Judas going to the authorities to betray Jesus. Interesting to note that where the unnamed woman in essence surrendered a great sum of money to honor Jesus, while Judas would be paid a large sum of money to betray him. In terms of the narrative, this places Judas as a character justly compared to the woman. This comparison may hold the key clue in advancing the motif I alluded to in my