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 hear Jesus's teachings come across as being essentially anarchist and subversive as when He says, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath," (Mark 3:27). Similarly, it seems strange to me that Jesus would be so bold as to teach...
On the one hand, I understand that Jesus is deliberately sending a message that the old law is outmoded and a new interpretation of the covenant is required for the salvation of humanity. Yet I also believe that Jesus was playing with fire at this stage and preparing Himself for the inevitable. I also find it curious that in Mark 4 Jesus repeats twice "If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear." The repetition of this phrase in the Gospel of Mark draws attention to it. Mark obviously wants his readers to have ears, and to hear.
Finally, I find Mark 6:52 curious. At this point, the disciples have traveled around, gone "out and preached that people should repent," and "drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them," (Mark 6:12-13). They follow Jesus, believe in Jesus, and spread the Word, the gospel, the Good News. Yet the disciples did not "understood about the loaves," and "their hearts were hardened," (Mark 6:52). How is this possible, and why? Perhaps Mark is suggesting that even the most fervent believer has the…
