" Jesus, on the other hand, is overcome with compassion. Generously, Jesus performs the miracle of the loaves and the fishes so that "number of the men who had eaten was five thousand," (Mark 6:44). Mark also points out that the disciples "had not understood about the loaves," and that their "hearts were hardened," (Mark 6:52).

5. What ideas in this gospel seem more strange or surprising to you? Cite the lines (with chapters and verses) that say something odd. Speculate as best you can on why those lines are part of the gospel. With an enormous number of tales to tell, give some guesses as to why Mark included the lines you find odd.

While the Gospel of Mark is filled with miracles and marvelous moments in which Jesus displays his power and glory, there are few instances that are personally odd. For example, I find it interesting to...
[ View Full Essay]