Jesus and Materialism in the Gospel of Mark: Traveling Light on the Way

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus' ministry and mission as a journey on "the way," a journey to Jerusalem that results in his suffering and crucifixion. Robert Ewusie Moses argues that this invitation to discipleship is a call for believers to reassess their relationship with material possessions and their desire for wealth and power. To embrace those in society who are least, vulnerable, and destitute is to embrace Jesus himself and the God who sent him. Traveling light on the way requires believers to place their trust in God and depend on God to provide their needs. Moses demonstrates that the journey is a rejection of the status quo and demands followers of Jesus to shun greed and the amassing of superfluous possessions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus' ministry and mission as a profound journey on "the way," leading him ultimately to the cross. Throughout this journey, Jesus embodies the epitome of humility, vulnerability, and destitution within society, inviting his followers to join him on this transformative path. Robert Ewusie Moses emphasizes that this invitation to discipleship calls upon believers to reevaluate their relationship with material possessions and their pursuit of wealth and power. Like Jesus, followers are encouraged to travel light, recognizing that clinging too tightly to possessions can hinder their journey. Embracing those who are least, vulnerable, and destitute is a direct expression of embracing Jesus himself and the divine nature that sent him. Traveling light on the way necessitates a deep trust in God, relying on his provision for one's needs. Moses reveals that this journey inherently challenges the status quo, urging followers of Jesus to renounce greed and the accumulation of superfluous possessions that the world perpetuates. The book serves as a powerful testament that being on this journey entails committing to the establishment of communities of care, where individuals like Jesus, who are impoverished, vulnerable, and marginalized, are welcomed, supported, and cared for.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 227 x 161 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978700932