Traditional Jewish depiction of the messiah were more or less viewed to be a figure of divinity, royalty, a symbol of the Davidic dynasty. Translated as the “anointed one”, usually a king, represented “Gods adopted son” who is signified by an act of anointing to symbolize an outpouring of God’s spirit. First century apocalyptic writings include predictions of the coming messiah as a political deliver who would restore the nation of Israel. Transitioning to the creation of Mark, the gospel opens up with the story of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus which ends with a heavenly voice coming from the heavens proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God. The baptism and descent of the spirit constitute his anointing following the messianic symbolism of the David dynasty. Through the gospel of Mark Jesus is portrayed as a suffering servant that surrounds himself with common folk, women, thieves, children, and the sick performing numerous miracles. Mark 10:45 says “For the Son of Man come not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many”. This version a messiah is unlike the king-like Messiah depicted in the Old Testament and in Jewish tradition.

Going off the repetition of the Jesus message in this section of Mark, it seems as if the people of God, disciples, and others didn’t fully understand what was meant by the coming of a new age and the kingdom of God. Jesus lays down criteria to gain entrance into the kingdom of God and states “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible (Mk 10:27)”. In other words, Jesus is saying that any followers of Christ are welcome into the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:46-52 tells the miracle story of when Jesus immediately healed the blindness of a beggar on the side of the road. The meaning behind this story represents the blindness of the disciples to the good news and arrival of their messiah. Jesus is trying to convey that the kingdom of God is open to anyone who will “get up” and follow him. The disciples continue to not understand who Jesus is as never once refer to him as the “Son of God” one time in Mark. Instead they address him as teacher, as if he is a prophet, or a Son of David.