Further thoughts “on the way”

Abstract

The preceding study of discipleship in the gospel of Mark has been deliberately limited in scope. Not only has the inquiry been confined to passages occurring within the gospel's first six chapters, but it has also concluded at the precise point where Mark's portrait of discipleship takes a turn for the worse, as the evangelist for the first time overtly ascribes incomprehension to Jesus' followers: “For they did not understand concerning the loaves, for their hearts were hardened” (Mk. 6:52). Thus the interpretive aims of this project have been modest; rather than an exhaustive treatment of discipleship in Mark, I have attempted primarily to delineate the contours of discipleship as set forth from the gospel's outset , a pattern that in turn provides a platform against which we might assess the disciples' impending failures as the story progresses. Perhaps the most striking outcome of this study has been this: at least in the gospel's opening chapters, faithful discipleship can best be understood not as the correct appraisal of Jesus' Christological identity, but as the disciples' collective participation in Jesus' Christological mission. As a way of concluding this study, I shall review its results before noting their implications for the interpretation of Mark. Summary of findings After setting the terms of the ensuing exegetical study in Part I, Part IIhas explored in great detail two passages that are foundational for understanding Mark's portrait of discipleship. In chapter 2, I have examined Jesus' initial call to follow, extended to four fishers (Mk. 1:16–20).