Jesus’ Depiction in the Gospels of Mark and Luke

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Table of Contents

Introduction
On His Ministry
How He Dealt with People
The Overall Message
Conclusion

Introduction

It is difficult to compare the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Luke because of one major reason – Mark’s gospel is shorter than Luke. This means that it is hard to find out if Mark omitted a great deal of information just so he can present a clear and yet concise version of who Jesus was or is it because he focused on the most important aspects of Jesus life and ministry, providing the clue on how Mark wanted the world to know his Lord and Master. The proponent of this study would like to follow this assumption that Mark purposely omitted other parts of Jesus biographical information because he wanted his readers to know the most important aspects of Jesus life and ministry and not necessarily to show that Jesus is all about doing God’s work without regard to the people that he will save through his death on the cross.

On His Ministry

There is urgency in Mark’s gospel. The author wanted to go straight into the highlights of Jesus’ life and ministry and he did not want to waste time with introductions and genealogies. (Mark 1). Mark began with the forerunner John the Baptist while Luke did not only discuss the event surrounding the virgin birth he also went into the nitty-gritty aspect of the background story – that is John the Baptist and the drama that occurred within the family of Levi because they could not bear a child. Elizabeth, the mother of John was able to conceive at a later time. It is interesting to note that Luke really wanted to depict Jesus as an extraordinary human being while Mark wanted to describe him as a prophet, a man who has the power to do wonderful acts just like the great men of old.

By Luke’s depiction that whole world came to know Jesus as one of them and not an alien that came from afar. Mark did not focus on the humanity of Jesus Christ but he wanted his readers to know of his awesome capabilities. It can be argued that by going straight to the ministry of John the Baptist Mark was saying that Jesus Christ is like John the Baptist, Elijah and other strong-willed characters that can be found in the Old Testament. Luke on the other hand wanted to show the lighter side of Christ. By describing the details of the extraordinary circumstances that surrounded his birth in Bethlehem the world can see that Jesus is approachable (Luke 2). He is a King indeed as evidenced by the worship of the wise men from the east but he is not a high and mighty royalty that could not be approached by an ordinary human being.

How He Dealt with People

Due to the brevity of the passages in Mark one is forced to conclude that Jesus is stern and does not have time to talk with people. This was not the case in Luke. The gospel of Luke provided a more balanced view of the character and personality of Jesus Christ. Mark’s display of power and supernatural works made Jesus an extraordinary human being that possesses capabilities beyond the reach of ordinary people. Luke made his readers realize that even if Jesus is the Son of God he is compassionate and slow to anger. More importantly Luke made it clear that the worst of sinners can approach him and fellowship with him (Luke 7:36). Mark’s shorter version made it harder to see Jesus as a man who so loved the world that he was willing to die for all its inhabitants.

This view was strengthened when going through the passage when Mary and Jesus’ brothers came to visit him and Jesus’ reply seemed to indicate that he does not know his family (Mk: 3:33). There is another explanation as to why Jesus asked who are my mother and brothers but it immediately created the effect that he is so serious with his work and so focused with the ultimate goal that he does not have time for family. The contrast can be seen in Luke when Jesus spent time in the house of his friends and the house of his disciples.

The short gospel of Mark did not provide enough information regarding how Jesus felt when it comes to the people of God. This means that Jesus was depicted as a very serious worker making him look as if he was distant. Luke made his readers aware that although Jesus was sent to show people the way and to turn their hearts back to God he was a very compassionate man. Luke’s version can help the readers realize that Jesus does not abhor people and in fact he wanted to be with them. Jesus is not simply a people-person but he even wanted to be with sinners whom society has rejected like prostitutes and unscrupulous tax collectors.

The Overall Message

Mark wanted the world to know that Jesus is a man that came from God but he is no ordinary man and he demonstrated this unique quality by doing things that even great prophets of old could not duplicate. Luke also illustrated that Jesus is no ordinary man but unlike the depiction of Mark, Luke’s gospel portrays Jesus as part of the community. He was a Jew and that he is a descendant of Abraham and David. Luke provided the information that would support the claim that Jesus came to save his people. Just like Moses, the savior of Israel is a fellow Israelite. Mark on the other hand highlighted the fact that Jesus will save Israel because he is a man who came from God.

By showing the great works of Jesus Christ Mark was actually saying that there is nothing difficult for Jesus Christ. And that every facet of this planet is under his dominion. By healing the lame and the sick Jesus demonstrated that he is lord over human flesh. By going against the man-made stipulations regarding the Sabbath Jesus was saying that he is greater than Moses and Judaism. By multiplying loaves of bread and by cursing a fig tree so that it withers is proof that he is lord over all the earth.

Mark was able to describe all of these without having to comment on the reaction of the crowds and how Jesus interacted with his disciples and apostles. The detailed description of Luke regarding Jesus’ dealings with the people and his disciples goes to show that Jesus was not just a special person but someone who is willing to go through life with his friends, his family and with his disciples. For Luke Jesus was part human and part divine but he is someone that even a child will not hesitate to approach.

Conclusion

The brevity of the Gospel of Mark can easily pose a challenge when it comes to a character study of Jesus Christ. The short statements and the fast pace seemed to indicate that Jesus is all about business and will not take time to address the needs of those who are less significant. The reader of Mark’s gospel can easily fall into the trap that Jesus was all about demonstrating his power and his lordship and that he did not have the time to address the needs of the people. Mark did not intend to show Jesus as a very serious man but the brevity of his writing did not give enough information to make accurate conclusions regarding Jesus’ personality. Luke’s account is more thorough and as a result we can see a clearer depiction of the Son of God. He is King of kings but he is unlike other members of royalty that require special access. Everyone can come and fellowship with him.

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Jesus’ Depiction in the Gospels of Mark and Luke

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