The lion of St Mark

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Around the Lake: Mk 6,45-56

Walking on the Water: 6,45-52

In these verses there is both geographical and chronological confusion. The boat sets out for Bethsaida (6,45) but arrives in Gennesaret (6,53) on the opposite shore of the lake. Indications of time begin in verse 35 ("very late"), continue in verses 47 ("evening") and verse 48 ("early in the morning"). A great deal seems packed into one night. Commentators spend much time trying to reconcile these differences, we need not be too concerned about them. What matters for us is the message of Mark which arises from our reading. That we will find to be clear enough.

We begin by noting the strong language of verse 45. Verse 31 looks like a clue as does 1,35.

In verse 46, what is the significance of Jesus going up the mountain to pray. Once again, note 1,35.

In verse 47, there may be some symbolic significance in the contrast between the disciples at sea and Jesus on land. Look at Psalm 107,23-32, which is also background to the following verses. See also Jonah 1,4-16 or Job 9,8.

What time is it in verse 48? Compare with Mt 14,24. How did Jesus see them and why therefore did he intend to pass them by? See 1 Kings 19,10-12.

Verses 49 to 50 describe the encounter between the disciples and Jesus. Can you pick up any particular significance in Jesus' greeting? (See Exodus 3,14).

In verse 51 Jesus joins the disciples yet the conclusion in verse 52 is harsh. See 3,5 (whose hearts there?) and 8,17. Look too at Ps 95,8.

Now have a look at my response.

Jesus and the Crowd: 6,53-56

See how these verses reflect earlier comments: 1,32-34; 3,7-11. What is being stressed? Compare with Mt 14,34-36.

What makes its first appeance in 3,9 and then mentioned frequently from 4,1.36...? What point is made this time? See also 8,10.13.

Look at a map to see where they have arrived (6,53) and where they were supposed to arrived (6,45, see 8,22).

Touching tassles has been mentioned before (5,28). See Numbers 15,37-39 or Dt 22,12. The significance of this may be brought out if you can think of another possible word for "healed". How do the disciples in the preceeding episode compare with the crowd in this one?

Now have another look at my response.

Now with a change of audience we begin our reading of chapter 7.