16. Mark 7-8

In chapter 7 we read another telling of this story which we read in Matthew however here there is a lengthy explanation not in that gospel but here in parentheses in verses 2-4. This gospel is clearly written for people who do not know these Jewish ritual cleansing practices. Also Mark has another explanation in the end of verse 19 that is omitted in Matthew which states clearly for Mark's readers, "By saying this, Jesus declared that no food could contaminate a person in God's sight." This may be true in Mark's day as we will read of Peter's vision in the book of Acts, but if Jesus had said and practiced this then I expect that there would have been more controversy over it with the Pharisees and elders than there was over his and his disciples' Sabbath rules infractions.

The sub title for the section starting in verse 24 jumped out at me especially with all the controversies around immigrants in this country.  And looking back at the title in Matthew's gospel it is different -  Canaanite woman! The story is virtually the same. And the chapter ends with a longer version of the healing of the deaf man.  Jesus quote and the charge to not tell anyone were omitted by Matthew.

Chapter 8 begins with the feeding of the 4000 similar to what we read in Matthew but it will not be in Luke or John. But all four gospels will tell about the Pharisees looking for some sign from Jesus. As with Matthew Mark ties the request for a sign with a warning about the yeast of the Pharisees which is mistaken by the disciples to refer to the fact they have no bread which leads Jesus to talk to them about the 2 feeding stories and something they were to have learned but still don't.  Was it like a little yeast raising a loaf of bread a little fish and loaves can raise a feast?  Or maybe it is a little faith can perform a miracle.  Or what do you think?

Then starting in verse 22 is a healing story only found in Mark, why Matthew and Luke left it out is left to the imagination.  It is one of my favorites because it shows a more hands on Jesus in a healing process that takes 2 doses rather than the all at once miraculous kind.  Maybe that is why it is omitted it shows a slightly less than a perfect one touch Jesus. 

In verse 27 we read of Jesus asking who people say he is which is similar in the other gospels, though after Peter's affirmation of his being the Christ there is no praise from Jesus about how Peter is the rock on which the church is built like we read in Matthew's rendition.  Then here in chapters 8, 9 and 10 around verse 30 we will read of three predictions of Jesus' death and resurrection.