The Gospels as Improving Literature

Professor Larry Hurtado has another excellent blog entry on the Gospel of Mark.

Here’s a key quote:

“Indeed, it is striking that many of the most notable Markan ‘omissions’ involve matters which are not susceptible of imitation, including the virginal conception and the pre-eschatological resurrection. Mark’s whole story of Jesus can be read as a blueprint for the Christian life: It begins with baptism, proceeds with the vigorous pursuit of ministry in the face of temptation and opposition, and culminates in suffering and death oriented towards an as-yet unseen vindication.”

The whole story was crafted as a blueprint for the Christian life.

Presumably in the same what that the whole story of the Good Samaritan can be read as a blueprint for morality.