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Old 01-16-2008, 11:10 AM
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Stephen Stephen is offline.
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Originally Posted by Sydnorphyn View Post
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Originally Posted by Stephen View Post
I am currently preaching through Mark's account of the gospel. I believe that Isaiah provides the key to understanding Mark. Jesus is the suffering servant who came to give His life as an atonement for the sins of many (Isaiah 53). Mark 10:45 is the key verse that identifies the purpose for which Mark wrote. In the context the apostles were arguing among themselves as to who would sit next to Christ in the new heavens and earth. We are called to follow the example of Christ in showing humility and not serving as lords but servants. The "many" is the object of that ransom. It clearly shows as does Isaiah that Christ will not redeem the entire world but many; the elect. Mark clearly shows in his account of the gospel that Jesus is the suffering servant who entered the wilderness to lead a new exodus.
Stephen:

What are the lexical connections to Isaiah 52-53? The issue of election (while I do hold to it) does not appear to be in view here; should we read Paul - or others - back into Mark?

John
I don't think you can simply ignore the word "many" in Mark 10:45. Isaiah 53 uses the word "many" twice in reference to the offering for sin on behalf of the seed. I believe that Mark had this thought in mind. When you study Mark you discover that his theme is the suffering servant who came to redeem a people. Mark 10:45 is the overarching theme of the book.
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Stephen Welch
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