Lectionary Year B
February 9, 2003
Mark 1:29-39

Step II: Disposition
A. Genre

(JFC) This pericope reports some 12-20 hours in Jesus' life. It is a full half-day +. The account tells in characteristically straightforward terms the actions, the movements and the dialogue of the several persons concerned. It ignores some of the details of the happenings, to be sure. Yet, it does state the important events, conversations and results. Its sentences are, as usual in Mark, right brief, to the point and as complete as they are ready for the next scene. Several historical present verb tenses describe the actions, especially of the speaking. The discussions are expressed in short sentences, as if paper/papyrus and/or pens/quills were about to run out.

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) Did the fever leave her at a touch only? Did the crowd appear that night? Did Jesus really make no response to Simon's announcing that the many were still looking for Him? Did Simon seemingly refuse to respect Jesus' privacy to pray in a deserted place? How much/many times does Jesus preach in Mark's Gospel?

C. Organization

(JFC) The fever left Simon's mother-in-law in verse 31b, the crowd appeared in the 33rd verse and Simon announced the many still seeking Him at the end of verse 37 where, also, Peter interrupts His quiet prayer time. Jesus is reported to have preached broadly in the last (39th) verse of this passage.



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