Lecture 25 Outline - Jesus and Chosenness

J. Levenson, p. 60:  "For in the narratives of Israel's origins, chosenness means having the status of the one upon whose very life, God has acquired an absolute claim."

1. Typological or figurative reading : Abraham (or Jacob/Israel) and Jesus as beloved sons
1. Gen 12:1-3 and Gen 22:1-2 and vv. 15-18
2. Mark 1:11, 8:31-33, and Philippians 2:5-9
3. All that we have is a pure gift from God.  We don't own it.  The true disciple is ready to give it all back whenever circumstances merit it.
4. In Genesis, each beloved son must learn anew what their role is; in Mark Jesus knows his role from the beginning, it’s the disciples who must learn.
2. The Christian as an adopted son or daughter:  Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 1:3-14
3.  St. Francis and Imitatio Christi, or why the Gospel of Mark ends then begins (again) in Galilee, and why the beheading of John is "sandwiched" into the story of the sending of the disciples.
4.  Is our calling merited?  Mark 14:66-72 in light 14:26-31

1. 14:53-65 and 66-72 as simultaneous events
2. Jesus honors his calling/Peter defames his (Romans 5:6-11)
3. Mark 14:54 and 1:18
4. Peter can't follow Christ of his own accord;  only the grace of God makes this possible:  see 10:26-27 and 6:16.