The Way of the Cross: Following Jesus in the Gospel of Mark

by Joel B. Green

Jesus has always invited and challenged his disciples to follow him in the way of redemptive suffering, the way of the cross. This, according to Joel Green, is the very heart of Mark's gospel. It is also the heart of discipleship today. In six engaging chapters, Green shows how Mark unfolds the drama of Jesus's mission to suffer for others; how this mission was not initially understood by the first disciples, and how all this can transform our own understanding of the call to follow. Each chapter deepens our sense of the integrity of Mark and challenges us to follow Jesus in our own practice of discipleship and experience with suffering today. The Way of the Cross is for individuals and groups who are serious about Bible study and about the relevance of such study to their lives. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions for reflection and discussion.

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

About the author

Joel B. Green (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Prior to moving to Fuller, he taught at Asbury Theological Seminary for ten years. He is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Theological Interpretation and has authored or edited numerous books, including the Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics.

Reviews

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book serves nicely as a guide for a study of the gospel of Mark, though it’s hard to tell if it’s a commentary, a workbook, or something else. It’s either a long study guide or a brief book. In any case, the focus on suffering as central to Christian discipleship is certainly appropriate for any study of the gospels, and a needed challenge to our “don’t worry be happy” culture.

It’s perplexing to read on p.26 that Jesus did not “set out to find the cross,” with the added observation that this would make him a “masochist.” Perhaps I misunderstand the professor’s intent, but it’s pretty important to acknowledge that Jesus laid down his life by his own accord (John 10:18). He was no masochist, but he was no victim either.