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Greek Prep Index

Exegetical Considerations

Mark 13:1-8

23rd Sunday after Pentecost/ November 16, 2003

1. What is the literary context of this text?

a. How does that context provide an interpretive framework for this passage?

2. How do the references to lithoi and oikodomas in vv. 1-2 recall 12:10?

a. What is the theological contrast being introduced through such connections?

3. What was the theological understanding of the Temple in terms of place of prayer, forgiveness, and God’s presence in second temple Judaism?

a. In such passages as Mark 11:11-25; 12:1-11; 13:1-2; 14:56-65; 15:37-39 how is Mark’s theology subverting that theology?

b. For Mark what is the proper theological place of prayer, forgiveness, and God’s presence?

4. How does v. 3 recall either the persons or places of 1:16-20; 9:2-9; 11:1-10?

a. What is the theological significance of the Mount of Olives?

5. How does the use of semeion in v. 3 recall 8:11-12?

a. What might this reveal about the disciples theological perspective?

b. What does Jesus tell to them instead of giving them a sign?

6. What is the significance of the fivefold use of blepo in chapter 13 (cf. vv. 2,5,9,23,33)?

a. What does that tell us about the chapter’s main focus?

7. How do the two uses of planao in vv. 5-6 recall its uses in 12:24,27?

a. What is a theology of planao as a result of these uses?
8. What does the use of dei in v. 7 signify?

a. How is that related to its uses in 8:31; 9:11; 13:10,14?

9. What is Jesus envisioning in this text?

a. How does that relate to the focus of the disciples?

b. How does that relate to our focus about the end times?

c. At times of earthly cataclysms, what does Jesus want us to have as our focus and vision?