An exegetical-theological consideration of the hardening of the Jewish religious leaders� hearts in Mark 3:1-6

Abstract

The goal of this article is to look at the literary-theological function of the Jewish religious leaders hardening in Mark 3:1-6. In this text, the concept of �hardness of heart� is used in order to indicate their continued unbelief and rejection. The hardening may also be signaling their presumed end, namely divine judgment (cf. 12:1-2). Although Jesus proclaims the arrival of the kingdom in his authoritative teaching and miracles, the Jewish religious leaders refuse to Jesus�� message, as Pharaoh, whose heart is hardened, refuses to obey God� s commend. Just as his hardening and rejection allows the plagues to be multiplied as a great judgment (Ex. 7:3) and the catastrophe at the sea (Ex. 14:4, 8, 14), the Jewish religious leaders�� unbelieving rejection by their hardening will allow God� s judgment. Thus, with regard to� the Jewish religious leaders, the concept of �hardness of heart� identifies their unbelief and hostility. It is not simply innocent incomprehension, but an intended rejection.