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Document Details : Title: Biblical Concern for the Marginalized Subtitle: Mark's Stories about Welcoming the Little Ones (Mk 9,33-11,11) Author(s): SPITALER, Peter Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses Volume: 87 Issue: 1 Date: 2011 Pages: 89-126 DOI: 10.2143/ETL.87.1.2122231 Abstract : In this article, I analyze the ways in which Mk 9,33–11,11 contributes to our understanding of biblical concern for society’s marginalized members. Underneath this section of the gospel narrative lies a criticism of firstcentury social values. Specifically, Mark records Jesus’ critique of his disciples’ deference to social status, describing it as skandalon (a trap, 9,42) that prevents them and others from participating in the kingdom of God. According to Jesus, the proper response to the kingdom is to negate this skandalon in theory and action by welcoming the marginalized, in 9,33–11,11 symbolized by children, strangers, wives, the poor, the sick, and Jesus himself. |
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