On Tuesday of passion week, Jesus again is at the temple. The religious leaders come to Jesus and challenge him on the source of his authority. Jesus first diverts their question by asking them about he authority of John the Baptist. He then tells them the parable of the wicked tenents. The religious leaders then ask Jesus three questions and Jesus follows with a question for them. This engagement concludes with Jesus rebuking the religious leaders and then offering the widow's offering as an example of sacrificial giving which prioritized God over self. Throughout this passage, the authority of Jesus and the truths he offers demand a response.
The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.
