Jesus in a World of Colliding Empires Volume Two: Mark 8:30-16:8 and Implications

At the time of Christ world politics was an ebb and flow of colliding empires and forces. The world knew only dynastic succession and rule by force. Israel was swept up in this world. Her expectations of deliverance while diverse but had in common the anticipation of violent liberation by an alliance of God the expected one (Theo) and Israels forces. Her vision included the subjugation of the world to Yahweh. Any messianic claimant would be expected to fulfil this hope. Marks story of Jesus must be read against such expectations of military power. Mark knows that Jesus plan of salvation differed radically from this. Rather than liberation through revolution it involved deliverance through humble loving service and cross-bearing. However the disciples follow Jesus but do not understand Jesus purpose. They constantly expect war. So the Gospel is then read from Marks full understanding and the disciples flawed perspective. In this first volume of Jesus in a World of Colliding Empires Keown backgrounds Mark and the political situations of the world at the time. He then unpacks Mark 1:1-8:29 as Jesus seeks to show the disciples he is Messiah while drawing out the deep irony of their incomprehension.