Jesus as Saviour

Key Texts in Mark

• The Calming of the Storm - go
• The Feeding of the 5000 - go
• The Syro-Phoenician woman's daughter - go

The name 'Jesus' was a fairly common Jewish name at the time when the gospels were being written. It is derived from the Hebrew name 'Joshua' which means 'God is Salvation'. Jesus' name then reflects his ultimate mission - the salvation of humanity. Although the title saviour is not directly used in Mark, there are specific incidents which point to Jesus as the one who saves. These are:

• The Calming of the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
• The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6: 30-44)
• The Syro-phoenician's woman's daughter (Mark 7: 24-30)

In these incidents Jesus is shown to be the one who is able to save people from their sin and suffering.

The Calming of the Storm (Mark 4:35-41) - click for full text

There are many possible explanations for this miracle story:

Some think that it is no miracle at all. The Sea of Galilee is some 180 metres below sea level and in the hot climate the air sometimes rises very quickly, cold air comes underneath, and the water is whipped up into a 'storm'. This phenomenon still happens today in the region. As quickly as it rises it stops. However, if this were the case then the disciples would look foolish for not recognising such a storm which they must have experienced before. Jesus would have appeared as an impostor and pretender.

Some think the rebuke of Jesus, "Quiet now! Be calm!" (Lit. in Greek "Be still! Be muzzled!") was merely addressed to the terrified disciples, whose behaviour was threatening to sink the boat, and this coincided with the storm dying down.

Some see the story as more of a parable than a miracle. The disciples were content to let Jesus sleep and do without him as long as the sea was calm. They only went to him when they were in trouble. This is like the way some people treat God and religion today.

Some point to the fact that the Jews at the time of Jesus thought of the sea (or "the deep") as the home of demonic powers. Like many of the exorcisms in Mark's gospel the story is an example of Jesus' power and authority over evil in the world.

Above all this parable is about faith in Jesus. It may have had particular significance for Mark's original readers. Mark may have had in mind the persecution the Christians in Rome were experiencing. The storm may have represented the troubles the early Christians were experiencing. The boat may represent the Church in which the disciples sought refuge. Only when Jesus is awake in the Church is the Church saved. At the end of the story the disciples leave us with the question, "Who can this be?" or "What sort of man is he?" The reader is led to believe that Jesus really is the son of God; the one who saves us from all the things that can trouble and harm us.

The Syro-Phoenican's Woman's Daughter (Mark 7:24-30) - click for full text

Jesus went to a Gentile area, the coast of Phoenicia near Tyre on the Mediterranean Sea. He may have gone to this area to escape from the crowds, or to avoid being in the territory of Herod Antipas. Perhaps Jesus was having a meal when the woman arrived which might account for the conversation, which followed. Jesus, reply to the request of the woman to cure her daughter seems very harsh and even rude.

There are a number of explanations to this miracle story:

The term dog, was used by the Jews to describe the Gentiles. The term children, was often used to describe the Jew's unique relationship with God as his chosen people. It has been suggested by some that Jesus didn,t mean dog, in the sense of an insult. They point to the fact that dogs were sometimes referred to as family friends. However this seems to be a rather weak explanation.

Some claim that Jesus did no make the comment at all but had been put into his mouth by the early Christian community to show that Jesus thought his mission was primarily for the Jews and not Gentiles.

Others think that this story is an example of faith. The woman is not put off by Jesus, words. Her reply, that even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps, shows Jesus that she really does have faith in him to save her daughter and so her request is granted. Jesus was just testing her.

The miracle story was probably remembered by the early Church because of its strong emphasis on faith. The miracle portrays Jesus as being unwilling to help a Gentile. However, because her faith is so great her request is granted. The moral of the story is that of not only having faith but also being persistent.

Mark uses the story to introduce the fact that the Gospel message is not only for Jews but for Gentiles as well. In curing a Gentile, Mark is stressing the fact that Jesus, power over evil is not witnessed by Jews alone, but extends to all people. This is the only miracle recorded by Mark of Jesus healing someone from a distance.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44) - click for full text

In the story of the feeding of the five thousand Jesus is portrayed as showing concern for people,s physical needs. He felt sorry for the people because "they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus is seen then as a saviour who saves his people from hunger and suffering. The story shows that God is not only concerned for people,s spiritual needs but also their physical needs. This story then is important for Christians, understanding of giving to the poor. Jesus gives the food to the disciples who are told to give it to the people. Christians, as disciples of Jesus, have a responsibility to the poor and issues of world poverty.

There are many possible explanations for the story:

The story is about sharing. One person had food and started sharing his meal with someone else. When others saw what he did they too got out their meals and began to share with others who didn,t have food of their own.

The story is a re-enactment of Moses feeding the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:15) or the story of Elisha (2Kings 4:42)

The story fits in with the Jewish idea of a messianic banquet and therefore points to Jesus as the Messiah (Isaiah 25:6ff).

The story may demonstrate that Jesus is the "bread of life who satisfies people's deepest needs. The story may be evidence of a secret military meeting. The men are put into ranks of 50 and 100 (50 x 100 = 5000). The zealots were particularly active in Galilee. Mark may be identifying Jesus with the leader of a secret patriotic movement who was plotting to finally free Palestine from Roman rule. Perhaps Mark is portraying Jesus as a political Messiah.

The breaking of the bread may be pointing to the Last Supper.

Traditionally Christians have understood this passage as a forerunner to the Last Supper. A striking similarity can be found with Jesus, words and actions in the feeding of the five thousand and the words spoken at the Last Supper:

Feeding of the Five Thousand: "Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave it to his disciples to distribute to the people." (Mark 6:41)

The Last Supper: "Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples." (Mark 14:22)

Christians have therefore understood this passage as a direct reference to the Eucharist in which Jesus is truly present in the form of bread and wine. Jesus gives himself to people in the Eucharist just as he gave the people food in the feeding of the five thousand. The lesson of this miracle story is that Jesus is the "bread of life.

Conclusion

It is interesting to note that Jesus' saving power is exercised as a response to a request. In making a request to Jesus automatically implies that they have some kind of faith in him. In both the feeding of the five thousand and the calming of the storm the disciples turn to Jesus for help, even though they have no idea of the extent of his power. In the Syrophoenician woman's daughter Jesus at first appears to be reluctant to heal the girl until the woman makes a declaration of faith in the God of Israel. Faith, therefore, is important in understanding Jesus as saviour. Christians think of Jesus as their Saviour. They see him as the one who saves them from sin and death, giving them eternal life.