To hear and read the Story of Mark is to enter a narrative world of conflict and drama, possession and dispossession, subversive reversals of perspective, intrigue, mystery, and strange riddles, with Jesus as its central protagonist. It is far from a simple or nice story, filled with easy answers or a basic list of rules to follow. Readers, in contrast, are challenged to participate in the story and to lose their lives for Jesus’ sake in order to find them. What? Outrageous! The story is presented as a drama to be performed―acted upon―and is out to persuade the imagination and then through this to have an impact on the whole person. The world of self-serving power, fame, and possession is shattered, and readers are invited to embrace another world that will lead them to life after death.
Living Spiritual Rhythms - June 28
To hear and read the Story of Mark is to enter a narrative world of conflict and drama, possession and dispossession, subversive reversals of perspective, intrigue, mystery, and strange riddles, with Jesus as its central protagonist. It is far from a simple or nice story, filled with easy answers or a basic list of rules to follow. Readers, in contrast, are challenged to participate in the story and to lose their lives for Jesus’ sake in order to find them. What? Outrageous! The story is presented as a drama to be performed―acted upon―and is out to persuade the imagination and then through this to have an impact on the whole person. The world of self-serving power, fame, and possession is shattered, and readers are invited to embrace another world that will lead them to life after death.
