A pericope is a short dynamic story, somewhat self-contained. Much of the Gospel of Mark consists of these short events, dramatically recalled by Peter, copied down later by Mark.
Here is the second pericope in Mark's gospel.
Here is the second pericope in Mark's gospel.
Mark 1:9-13 The beginning of Jesus' ministry -- baptism and temptation
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Nazareth is some distance north of Galilee, 70-80 miles.
Why is Jesus baptized? What happens when he is baptized? Theologically, philosophically, this is an intriguing passage. If Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, as taught elsewhere in the New Testament – and in the early church – why does he need to be baptized?
Note that heaven was "torn" open! This describes a dramatic, almost violent, action.
Note that heaven was "torn" open! This describes a dramatic, almost violent, action.
What does Jesus do after the baptism? Why?
Why does Mark leave out so much? (Eg. "He was with the wild animals and angels attended him.") Couldn't he have said a little more??
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