JESUS ATTITUDE TOWARDS PURITY AND SERVICE

1. THE IDEA OF PURITY IN JUDAISM

The Jewish principle of purity is this: Be holy, for I, Yahweh your God, am holy (Leviticus 19:2). God, in his holiness, created the world pure and clean; there was no place for pollution or impurity. After Adams original sin, the world was filled with impurity and dirt, so it was impossible for human beings to find the way back to holiness and purity. God, by choosing Israel as his holy nation and people, offered them the chance to become pure and holy again, just as it was at the beginning of the creation. For this reason God gave them the rules of purity which must be observed especially by the priests. Years later, these rules were imposed to the people of Israel so that they could be holy as well, just like the priests and the Temple. These rules of purity were applied to persons, places, things, activities, and times. Holy places: The land of Israel, especially the Temple (the Holy of Holies). The gentiles territory is impure land. Holy persons: 1) Priests; 2) Levites; 3) Israelites; 4) Converts; 5) Freed slaves This division was very practical when getting married. They married people from the same level or higher, never below. Holy times: The Sabbath is the holiest day, given by God at the creation of the world; the feast of the Passover is the second holiest day because it celebrates the Israels liberation from the slavery in Egypt and their creation as holy nation by God.

How can we distinguish a Jew from a gentile? The Jews have three observances that the gentiles did not have: 1) Special food: the kosher diet; 2) Special time: the Sabbath; 3) special body marks: the circumcision. These practices strengthened their national identity and distinguished them from the gentiles. In fact, they normally never mixed with the gentiles because they were impure. Within Israel, some people or animals were excluded or marginalized for considering them unclean:

2. THE IDEA OF PURITY IN MARKS GOSPEL

Sick people: lepers, paralytics, blind, deaf, dead They are not holy or pure because their bodies are not healthy (see Leviticus 21:16-20) The unclean animals or fish: a) animals: camels, pigs, hares. They either do not have cloven hooves or do not chew the cud; b) fish: the shellfish are considered unclean because they do not have scales.

According to the Jewish religion and culture, Jesus should be a defensive person and avoid all contact with uncleanness. If he really wants to be holy, he needs to stay away from things or people who are impure, unclean, or have defects. However, we often see him breaking their code of purity. Lets now see the texts in Marks gospel which deal with purity and see what Jesus says about purity as a value for Christian life: 2.1. Jesus exorcism at Capernaum (1:21-28) The exorcism emphasizes several ideas: - The demons associate Jesus with God, not Satan: The Holy One of God (v. 24). - Jesus teaches and acts with Gods authority (v. 22.27). - They emphasize that his is the most holy and pure. - Jesus begins the final war against the unclean spirits. JESUS 1. God's Servant 2. Messenger of God's kingdom. kingdom 3. Jesus: holy & pure THE DEMON 1. Servant of Satan 2. Messenger of Satan's 3. The Demon: unclean

Why is it important to emphasize Jesus purity in his first public action? The idea of purity was the most important value in Jewish religion and culture. It divided people, animals, things, times, and places into pure or impure; clean or unclean; holy or unholy: Be holy as I am holy (Lev 11:44). Therefore, Jesus by exorcising the demoniac person shows everyone that he respects the code of purity: he is in the right place (synagogue), at the right time (Sabbath), and with the right people (observant Jews). In conclusion, Jesus is holy, close to God, and the enemy of impurity. 2.2. Conflict over Jesus purity Pure and holy Jews would keep their distance from everything that is unclean. In fact, in Marks gospel Jesus worst enemies are those who 2

consider themselves pure and clean. They accused him of breaking many rules of purity: He mixed and touched unclean people: a) lepers and dead people; b) he was touched by a woman with a hemorrhage; c) he chose a tax collector to be his follower; d) he traveled to gentile lands; e) he cured gentiles; f) he cured those possessed by demons, the blind, the lame, the deafmute He broke the rules about the purity of the body: a) he declared all foods clean (7:19); b) he shared meals with sinners; c) He and his disciples did not wash their hands before eating; d) he put his saliva on the eyes of a blind man and on the tongue of a deaf-mute; e) he fed the crowds without indications about washing their hands. He did not observe the holy times: a) the disciples plucked grain during the Sabbath; b) he cured sick people on the Sabbath. He did not show respect for holy places: a) he expelled the merchants and money changers from the Temple.

Jesus enemies, especially in Galilee, often saw him breaking the rules of purity. They saw that he had a close relationship with unclean spirits and unclean people. Therefore, they concluded that Jesus could not be the Holy One of God (1:24). On the contrary, they believe Jesus is possessed by Beelbezul and makes his miracles with the devils power (3:22). Even his own family came to take him home because they thought he was out of his mind, crazy (3:21). 2.3. The true meaning of Jesus exorcisms (3:23-27) Jesus is going to prove that he is the Holy One of God. He made a statement that is irrefutable: How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last (3:24). The exorcisms prove that he is the enemy of Satan, not his servant or ally, and he has come to destroy him. Therefore Jesus holiness or purity is defended: He is Gods servant and Satans enemy; He belongs to Gods kingdom and liberates those imprisoned by Satan; He has complete power of Satan; he cannot oppose any resistance.

2.4. Jesus makes everything clean

When Jesus touches or mixes with those who are impure, he does not become unclean; on the contrary, he brings purity and cleanness to their lives: a) he cleaned the leper; b) he forgave the paralytics sins; c) he healed many sick people; d) he ate with sinners; e) he liberated the people from the evil powers; f) he brought the dead back to life; g) he broke the Sabbaths rules in order to help people in need. Furthermore, Jesus not only has the authority to break the code of purity, but also the power to establish a new purity system. Where does his authority come from? This is what Mark says: a) God gave him the Holy Spirit; b) God gave him the power to forgive sins; c) God gave him authority over the Sabbath. In Mark 7, the Pharisees are only concern about external purity (washing of hands, pots, cups), but Jesus is concern about interior purity (the heart). The Pharisees were the guardians of the Law and of the tradition of the elders with all the rules about external purity; Jesus is concern about the heart of the Law, the Ten Commandments, and declares that their purity system is wrong. In Jesus view, purity is not on the hands or lips, but in the heart; purity is measured by keeping the Ten Commandments. Therefore, sin only comes from the heart. In other words, Jesus is not abolishing the idea of purity, but is declaring useless all the rules of purity invented by the religious leaders.

3. THE NEW PURITY SYSTEM OF JESUS

Jesus offered a reform of the purity system of his culture. From the gospel we can summarize the disagreements between the religious leaders and Jesus over the purity system: Religious leaders 1. The tradition of the elders: 613 purity laws added to the Law 2. External purity: washing hands, cups, pots 3. Purity rules prevent uncleanness from entering the person 4. Purity rules are exclusive: separate Jewish from gentiles Jesus and his followers The purity laws are concentrated in the Ten Commandments Internal purity: keep the heart clean from sins Purity rules prevent uncleanness that is within from coming out Purity rules are inclusive: allow the gentiles and unclean to enter the kingdom of God

4. MARK 7:1-23: THE TRADITION OF THE ELDERS

A. Structure of the text: The episode is divided in three parts: 1) First part (vv. 1-13): a) The Pharisees accusation; b) Jesus response. 2) Second part (vv. 14-16): Jesus teaches a parable to the crowd; 3) Third part (vv. 17-23): Jesus explains the parable to the disciples. B. Theological explanation 1) First part (vv. 1-13): Jesus adversaries: The Pharisees and some scribes from Jerusalem (v. 1). The reason of the conflict: Jesus disciples eat without washing their hands (v. 2). Marks explanation of the Jewish code of purity: washing of hands before meals; shower after being in the market place; washing of cups, pots, plates (vv. 3-4). These rules of purity are included in the tradition of the elders: the interpretation of the Law (practical behavior in daily life) made by the scribes that after some time became as important as the Law itself. Jesus response: a) text from Isaiah; b) the tradition of Korban. a) Text of Isaiah 29:13: The Pharisees and scribes are hypocrites: they pretend to love God by following the commandments, but in truth they only follow human commandments that they have invented themselves (they honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far away from him). b) The tradition of Korban: They forget Gods commandment: honor your father and your mother; who does not keep it should die. They apply instead their tradition called Korban: they offer to God whatever they should give to their parents (food, house); in that way they keep it until they die and they are not obliged to share with their parents. 2) Second part (vv. 14-16): Jesus calls the crowd and asks them to listen and comprehend his parable: Nothing that enters a person from the outside can make him/her impure; what comes from the inside makes a person impure. With this symbolism, Jesus eliminates the code of purity of the Jewish based on external cleanness. The true impurity comes from peoples thoughts, words, and actions. 3. Third part (vv. 17-23): Jesus entered a house with his disciples and explained to them the meaning of the parable or symbolism. They are like the outsiders who 5

do not comprehend his words, but they get a private explanation from Jesus. Jesus explanation: he declares all kinds of food clean because they only enter the stomach and later go to the sewer. Food cannot make a person impure because it does not touch the heart. However, what comes from within the heart (the place of our will, effort, and affection) makes a person clean or unclean. Jesus gives a list of 13 vices that make the heart impure: evil intentions; fornication; theft; murder; adultery; avarice; malice; deceit; indecency; envy; slander; pride; folly. This is not the list of all vices, but just a short selection of them, maybe the most common in peoples lives at that time. However, Jesus emphasizes that impurity is evil and it should be eliminated from peoples heart.

5. THE IDEA OF SERVICE IN JUDAISM

The power pyramid in Israel: 1) The ruling class: Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate, and the High Priest: they had the power, controlled the country, owned most of the land, and forced farmers and fishermen to pay high rents and taxes. 2) The retainer class: those who worked for the ruling class: Scribes, Pharisees, Herodians, Chief priests, and the High Council. They use their power and position to keep their privileges and benefits, instead of serving the lower classes. 3) The agrarian class: It was the largest and included farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen. They were forced to pay high rents and taxes for cultivating the lands of the rich and powerful. 4) The lower class: the unskilled laborers who were considered unclean or impure because of their work: prostitutes, shepherds, porters, tanners 5) The outcasts: beggars, sick people, the possessed by unclean spirits, the lepers, thieves, vagrants In Judaism, the Hebrew word for servant (ebed) is very ambiguous and some times includes the slaves. The term has two key ingredients: a) action (the servant is a worker); b) obedience to their masters. Servants belonged to other people and performed a variety of work. They did not have freedom or pay; they had to live with their masters and work really hard. They were often mistreated by their masters and punished severely. The people of Israel were also called the Gods servants: it was an honor for them to serve God because he saved them from the slavery in Egypt, made a covenant at Sinai desert, and brought them to the Promised Land. However, God is a jealous God who wants his people to 6

be faithful to him and punishes them when they worship other gods. The Israelites serve God in two different ways: 1) Praying, offering sacrifices, and caring for the Temple; 2) Obedience to his commandments: love for God and love for their neighbor.

6. THE IDEA OF SERVICE IN MARKS GOSPEL

Marks gospel employs three Greek terms to highlight the idea of service: diakonia (service: 1:31; 10:43); diakonos (servant: 9:35; 10:44; 12:2-4); diakonein (to serve: 10:45). Lets study these texts and see what they mean: 6.1. The healing of Simons mother in law (1:29-31): He went in to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to serve them (v. 31). This is the first healing of Jesus in Marks gospel: Simons mother in law was in bed with fever and Jesus cured her. The demonstration of the healing is shown in her attitude of service towards them. This is the expected behavior of those who have been saved by Jesus. Jesus healing action was a sign of his service to mankind: he shows Gods love and forgiveness for his people. The human response to Gods love is serving others because of love.

6.2. Servant of all (9:33-37): So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said: If anyone wants to be the first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all (v.35). In Peters house (Capernaum), Jesus asks his disciples about their discussion during the way: who is the greatest among them. Jesus new teaching: whoever wants to be the first must be the last and the servant of all. True greatness is shown in serving to others. This service comes from true love and is visible through loving actions. Jesus puts a child as a practical example of service. Children, together with the widows and the orphans, were considered the last in society. Therefore, if the disciples want to be the first in the community, they not only need to take care of the poor, but also need to become the servant of all. The disciples must be innocent, humble, forget about themselves, and committed to service in order to feel Gods love.

6.3. Who is the greatest? (10:35-45): Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (vv. 43.44.45). James and Johns request: to sit at Jesus right and left side in his glory. They want power and authority; great and more important than the others. They refuse to accept Jesus teaching about suffering, death, and resurrection even though he is on his way to the cross. Jesus gives them a new teaching: a) the example of the leaders of the nations: they rule over them and oppress them; b) the example of the disciples: the greatest must the servant; the first must be the slave of all. What is the reason for doing so? Jesus example: he came to the world to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (v. 45). Gods kingdom is made of love, justice, and peace not like the kingdoms of this world that only look for dominion and power. The disciples of Jesus must follow the way of Jesus with their unconditional service and self-giving to one another as the only way to be great in Gods kingdom.

6.4. The parable of the wicked tenants (12:1-12): When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized the man, thrashed him and sent him away empty handed. Next he sent another servant to them; him they beat about the head and treated shamefully (vv. 2-4). This passage emphasizes the service provided by Gods messengers and especially the service of his beloved son. In order to obey and serve God, they put their lives at risk and some of them died. All the experts agree the servants are the prophets and the son is Jesus. This parable highlights Gods patience, kindness, generosity, and mercy with his people through the sending of many prophets who announce his love and salvation for Jews and gentiles. Moreover, Jesus gives his life in order to follow Gods will: he offers his life for love of God and humanity.

7. JESUS: THE TRUE MODEL OF SERVICE

Although in Marks gospel there are not many terms connected with service, still we can see that service is a key topic for Jesus: he came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (10:45). Jesus is the authentic servant who serves through his teachings and powerful actions. Furthermore, he serves to the point of offering his life on the cross for our salvation. He did all this because of his love for God and humanity. Let us look at Jesus service in Marks gospel: a) Jesus serves by acting according to Gods will: Since the beginning of the gospel the relationship between God and Jesus is really close. Jesus is Gods beloved Son, the messenger of Gods good news to the people and acting with the power of the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:9-13: Jesus baptism and temptations). b) Jesus serves by proclaiming the kingdom of God: Jesus is not the powerful king (Messiah) the Jews were expecting, but a servant king: he was born from a simple family in a small village and chose to serve those excluded from society (poor, sick, sinners, etc.). He invites everyone to join Gods kingdom by repenting from their sins and believing in him and the word he preaches. He puts the children as the models of those who wish to enter the kingdom: they must put all their trust in God. c) Jesus serves by liberating people from the devil: Jesus showed he was prepared defeat the devil after overcoming the temptations in the desert (1:12-13). He is filled with the Holy Spirit and the evil forces cannot resist his power and authority. Therefore, wherever Jesus is, there is not place for the devil; it will always be defeated. The exorcisms are the signs of Jesus power over the evil forces. Through them, Jesus liberates people from the devil, gives them back their human dignity, and offers them Gods love and salvation. d) Jesus serves by healing the sick: Jesus brings physical healing to the sick (blind men, lepers, paralytics) with the hope of healing their hearts and spirit. He expects them to live according to Gods will and enter the kingdom prepared for them. e) Jesus serves by forgiving the sinners: The sick and the sinners were excluded from society and religious celebrations. In this situation, Jesus offers them Gods forgiveness and compassion. Due to Gods love and mercy, they are given another chance to transform their lives and become a better person. Salvation or condemnation depends on their reaction or response to Gods invitation. 9

f) Jesus serves by accepting the cross: Jesus, after arriving to Jerusalem, knew perfectly that his life was about to end; the only way possible to save his life was to stop preaching the kingdom of God. Jesus, even though he did not want to die, preferred to put his trust in Gods hands; to abandon himself in Gods providence; to follow his will. Gods plan will succeed, but asks Jesus to sacrifice his life on the cross. In this way, Jesus becomes the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) who offers his life for the salvation of humanity, with the confidence that God is with him and has the power to resurrect him from the dead. If Jesus could bring back to life Jairus daughter, God will do the same for his beloved Son.

8. SERVICE: MARKS TEACHINGS FOR HIS COMMUNITY

1. Keep the faith in Jesus, despite the circumstances, just as Jesus was faithful to God in a similar situation. 2. Mark encourages them to respond to persecution and abuse from the powerful leaders with servanthood and humility, just as Jesus did to the point of giving his life as a ransom for many (10:45). 3. They show authority and power when they offer forgiveness to those who may have betrayed some members of the community, just as Jesus taught and showed forgiveness (2:5; Peters denial in 14:66-72). 4. Mark discouraged them to rebel against the religious and political powers, but to submit to Gods will, just as Jesus did (14:36). 5. They need to follow the example of Jesus and learn to serve even in times of persecution.

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