According to mark why did various different groups want Jesus dead?

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To enable the question ‘According to mark why did various different groups want Jesus dead’ to be answered comprehensively, it is important that every aspect of Jesus’ life is looked upon in whole. Starting with his aim and actions on earth to his death.

 Jesus was placed upon this earth to save people from their sins and to spread the word of God. God felt it would be compliant if people could identify and relate with him, as a result he sent Jesus. Jesus understood that he would endure inhumane suffering and pain but he continued his assignment regardless.

The Sadducees, Zealots and Pharisees were the three dominant Jewish groups at the time. All three acted for what they believed was best for themselves and the Jewish population. There actions varied the majority of the epoch but they were all united in their abhor for Jesus Christ.

Jesus was an indubitable contrast to how people believed him to be. Many believed he would be a powerful almighty being who would relieve them from their oppression. Therefore it was a big shock when the Jewish population observed Jesus someone who appeared to be a feeble civilian, who claimed he was the Son of God.

Could it have been the vicious disbelief of Jesus in contrast with of the will power of Jesus, which led to people, wanting him dead? Marks gospel indicated various situations, which could have fired this apparent hatred of Jesus by others. It seems there are various reasons to why Jesus was so despised but I believe it resolves around Jesus’ way of thinking. It was new and completely honest, it challenged the old fundamental views and actions and it allowed people to open their eyes and truly see. This made leaders of the prevalent groups in the Sadducees, Zealots and Pharisees feel and possibly appear vulnerable and insecure.

There were a number of times when Jesus did what he postulated was required. Which defied or upset the religious authority’s wishes and caused friction. For example

  • When he eat with sinners (2:1-12)
  • Eating with sinners (2:13-17)
  • Working on the Sabbath (3:1-6)
  • Healing on the Sabbath (3:1-6)
  • Healing by the power of the devil (3:22-30)

Jesus outraged the scribes and Pharisees when he ate with them at Levi’s house. Many supposedly reputable people inquired ‘Why does he eat with such people’. They believed that Jesus was soling God’s name by socialising with indecent, antisocial people. Which in turn was imposing disgraced upon them all.

 Jesus heard and answered ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call righteous, but sinners.’ I believe that Jesus was trying to express that there is little point preaching to people who are righteous and have faith, but to people who need him to rebuild his faith.

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        The teachers of the law were infuriated when Jesus healed a man with a paralysed hand on the Sabbath. They had been watching closely to attest if he would heal on the Sabbath. Jesus knew this but healed the man’s hand regardless. Jesus tried to explain to the reality of the matter to the Jewish Leaders. ‘What does the law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save a life or destroy It.’ nevertheless they were caught up in their pompousness and did not rely. Jesus merely pitied them. Soon after the Pharisees ...

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