The Temptations of Jesus in Mark's Gospel
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Published: 1998
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Publisher's Description
The first Christians remembered Jesus as one who had faced and endured temptation, and could therefore identify with their own trials and temptations. Far from signifying sin or failure, life's inevitable trials are in many ancient writings viewed as opportunities for people to prove the genuineness of their faith and obedience to God. This engaging study by Susan Garrett examines the considerable attention Mark's Gospel gives to Jesus' confrontation with temptation, not only during his time in the wilderness but throughout the whole course of his earthly life and ministry. Built on solid biblical exegesis and practical exposition, this study provides both a deeper understanding of the meaning of Jesus' earthly ministry and needed encouragement for staying faithful as we walk "the way of the Lord" today. By employing "testing" as an interpreting model, Garrett clearly shows that Mark's Jesus was "tried and true," the "proven" son of God whose perfect obedience in time of trial made him an acceptable sacrifice before God, and who now can give guidance and fortitude to those who wish to follow.
Endorsements (5)
“Susan Garrett continues to mine a rich vein of scholarship by her reading of Mark's Gospel in terms of the theme of testing/temptation. She succeeds in placing Mark's narrative in the context of Jewish and Christian reflection on redemptive suffering and enriches our understanding of Mark's depiction of Jesus and the disciples. In the process, she shows how Mark's story continues to address those who seek to follow Jesus on `the way of the Lord.' Her exegetical work is precise, her pastoral applications pertinent.”
“An excellent work, adding fresh new insights to the well-plowed terrain of Mark's Gospel. Garrett is attentive equally to the interpretive options of first-century readers and to the theological interests of twentieth-century readers. At once scholarly and accessible, this book has much to offer.”
“This major contribution to Markan studies impressively recaptures a neglected theme in the Gospel. It shows that Mark presents Jesus as one who was tested throughout his whole life and whose single-minded perseverance opened up the way for disciples to follow. An engaging, carefully nuanced study chock-full of exegetical insights.”
“Garrett has identified an important strand in the tapestry of Mark's narrative and has traced its appearances and its influence on the total pattern with her usual artistry and theological insight. This book will be instructive for scholars and helpful for Christian communities struggling to be faithful to the gospel.”
“Garrett offers a probing and subtle reading of Mark's narrative informed by her extensive and knowledge of Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions relating to suffering and temptation, and enriched by judicious use of anthropological models. For its lucid interpretation of Mark's Gospel and its perceptive analysis of the portrayals of Jesus, the disciples, and the religious authorities in Mark, this study is to be highly recommended. But readers will also find here a stimulus to serious theological reflection on the source, meaning, and purposes of temptation and suffering.”
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