Tuesday, June 04, 2019

He saved others?

During the crucifixion narrative, in Mark 15v31 it says: 
"In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!"
This seems a bit like an anachronism to me, because at this point in the story, Jesus hasn't 'saved' others. He has healed a lot of people, sure. And the Greek word for heal appears to be the same word as for rescue or save; σῴζω (or 'sōzō'). But it makes no sense for people observing the crucifixion to make any connection between someone healing people of diseases and having the ability to rescue themselves from the cross. Its like they are saying 'oh, he was a doctor, he must be a good escapologist as well...'; it makes no sense, in the context.

Where it does make sense is later, after Jesus gained a reputation for being a saviour - one able to save others from going to hell. Once there are Christians who believed in Jesus as saviour, it would make sense to look back on the cross and wonder why he couldn't save himself.

For these reasons I think this detail in the crucifixion story is not historically accurate, but was probably a literary construct, written by a Christian some time after the fact, putting words into the mouths of his imagined characters. I can't see how anyone would have really said that, when watching a real crucifixion.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

When are you going to admit that you're an atheist?

Anonymous said...

When are you going to admit that you're an atheist?

Unknown said...

Ricky,

Some time ago we discussed the issue of Lazarus and the book The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved (at JesusLoved.com). You were very open to considering the question the book raised and today I came your page in the search results that came up when I was searching the topic. So, I wanted to offer you a copy of the next book in the series.

It is online at RightLord.com but if you would prefer to check it out in paperback, submit your address at the web site and I will get a copy out to you for your consideration.

Thank you.

Jim