Christological Mark of Jesus as Son of God.
The Gospels have been described as “biographical sermons” of Jesus. They are biographies in that they aim to inform the audience (whether reading or hearing) about the life and legacy of the protagonist – Jesus of Nazareth. They are sermons in that they aim not merely to inform, but to inspire, persuade, and elicit a response. Where multiple sources of the same presentation exist, inevitably those presentations are both alike and different. Think “remake.” For example, the movie, True Grit, was originally released in 1969 with John Wayne as “Rooster” Cogburn. It was remade in 2010 with Jeff Bridges as “Rooster” Cogburn.” The story is essentially the same in both movies, but the way the story is interpreted in the two movies, and the way the central character, “Rooster” Cogburn, is portrayed, is different. That is because the directors of the two movies paint a portrait of the central character, “Rooster” Cogburn,” so that the audiences see him through the directors’, or storytellers’, eyes. In much the same way, the four Gospel writers tell the same story of the central character of their biography, Jesus of Nazareth; but because we see Jesus through each Gospel writer’s eyes, we see a unique portrait of him in each of the four Gospels. In scholarly parlance, we call this “portrait” of Jesus the Gospel’s Christology; that is, its understanding, and presentation, of Jesus the Christ.
Contents
Mark’s Christology according to Scholars
Introduction
According to the Bible in the New Testament, Jesus has many names indicating his numerous responsibilities and prowess through the divine power conferred from God the Father. The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as an important being while highlighting his limited roles to humans across the world. According to Mark, the Gospel points to the diverse nature of Jesus as the Son of Man, God’s son, and a Teacher. Through his understanding and perception of Jesus, Mark recounts the aspects of his numerous responsibilities during his encounters with his disciples, Pharisees, and congregations. Mark expresses and continuously reminds his audience of God’s religious message brought to human beings by Jesus Christ. Besides, Mark portrays Jesus as an important figure in human beings’ lives and to the world carrying the righteous message from our creator, God. For instance, in Mark 1:8, the message points to his role in undertaking baptism through the Holy Spirit[1]. Throughout the Gospel of Mark, the nature of Jesus is portrayed as part of the overarching message and explanation of his role and nature to human beings. In general, Mark tends to provide a critical perspective of Jesus as the Messiah and his crucifixion despite being the God’s son.
Additionally, Mark’s Christological assertions of Jesus provide a broader approach to the underlying role of Jesus Christ in the world. Through the introduction, Mark’s Gospel provides an in-depth assessment of the ministry of Jesus while setting the overview of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Mark points to John’s message regarding the repentance message, baptism, and temptation. Mark’s messages set the stage for expressing Jesus as the God’s son while reaffirming his role as part of the trinity with divine power bestowed to him from God the Father. The chronological timeline in the affirmation of Jesus’ role provides the basis for determining his relationship with God, the creator. Jesus’ teachings, parables, healings, and miracles illustrate the direct relationship with God. Besides, the affirmation through God’s words and Jesus’ pronouncement through the Old and New Testaments provides the basis for enhancing an understanding of Jesus as God’s son. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus through his works provides a basis for endorsing Jesus as God’s son. Moreover, throughout his writings of the Gospel, Mark ensures that his actors and speakers utilize specific words that exemplify the Christological representation of Jesus. While highlighting the unwritten events and dimensions of Jesus, Mark displays critical accounts that emphasize the direct association of Jesus as the God’s son.
Thesis statement
The Christological aspects outlined the Gospel of Mark convey Jesus as the Messiah and as the God’s son in his works, teachings, and life history. The interconnection between Jesus as a God’s chosen son reaffirms the Christian knowledge in deriving his power and authority. While Mark utilizes different situations to heighten the role of Jesus in salvation, teacher, healer, and sufferer, his role as the son of God provides Mar’s introduction. The Bible, through different contexts, also supports Mark’s declaration of Jesus as God’s son. There is authoritative proof in Jesus as God’s son and Him as the Father by determining diverse literary evidence from various scholars. The paper highlights the Christological perspective of Gospel of Mark relating to Jesus, the God’s son. Besides, the paper expresses the assertions from different authors regarding Mark’s Christological image of Jesus as God’s son. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis and insight into the nature of Jesus and God with their direct relationship involving Son and Father, respectively, in their nature.
Context of Mark’s Gospel
Mark was one of Jesus’ disciples and evangelists who were considered to have witnessed Jesus’ actions during his existence during the early days. Besides, it is presumed that Mark’s Gospel was written in Rome due to its relationship and proximity to Christ’s teaching, with Mark traveling from Rome to Jerusalem, impacting the early Christians’ faith during the past. According to Mark, in the last chapters in the Gospel, the mention of different cities and towns across the region close to Rome illustrates his theological work’s critical role and nature in the early days[2]. The Gospel, according to Mark, is considered to highlight the authority bestowed on Jesus from God. In most instances, Mark refers to Jesus as the God’s rightful son while he refers himself to the Man’s son. Compared to other gospels, Mark’s Christology is considered low on God’s divine being while only asserting the power in undertaking various miracles and accomplishing the mission according to the heavenly requirements. Peter may have inspired Mark due to their close relationship and interaction. For instance, Peter highlights his greetings from Babylon and Mark, whom he considers his son (1Pet. 5:13)[3]. In this context, Peter refers to Mark as his son, which evidences their association in learning and exploring the Gospel of the Messiah and God according to the divine nature. Besides, early Christians suppose Peter’s role in Mark’s life by influencing his Christology in affirming the role of Jesus in human beings’ lives while witnessing his actions in the world.
Moreover, while considered the earliest crafted Christ’s teaching, the Gospel according to Mark is considered to emphasize Jesus’s actions, the aspects of the irony and theological discourses that provide a basis for developing an understanding of Jesus’ nature relating to his relationship with God. The Gospel is written in the form of a story with the first chapters denoting Jesus’ ministry on earth while reaffirming the Messiah’s diverse perspectives and God’s son. Mark’s Gospel encompasses the past and future, providing critical teachings to the Christian life with the direct connection asserting the role of Jesus as God’s son. For instance, Mark is quoted highlighting his role in preparing for us a place in heaven. Within the context, Mark considers Jesus as the doer of God’s work while assuring human beings in his role in the second coming as the great Messiah. Mark’s Gospel portrays the role of Jesus as God’s servant, who came to the world to accomplish His desire for the human race’s salvation. As such, Mark provides critical insight into the ascension of Jesus Christ as the Son of God by pointing his role as God’s servant, thereby reassuring God’s presence to the world through his only son, Jesus Christ. Despite different gospels expressing the genealogy of Jesus, Mark’s Gospel focuses on developing a critical understanding of his relationship with God. Thus, Mark’s context expresses the role of Jesus in the world as God’s son and messenger, heightening the close call for abiding by his teachings for Christians.
Jesus as Son of God
The Gospel, as pointed out by Mark, highlights different contexts and themes that enhance the understanding of the role of Christ. Nonetheless, the assertion of Jesus as the Son of God is predominantly evident across different chapters and verses in Mark’s book. In the first verse, Mark begins by highlighting the foundation of the good news brought to the world through the God’s son (Mark 1:1)[4]. The context of Mark’s beginning emphasizes the direct connection to God, reciting Him as the Father and Jesus as His workman in spreading the true Gospel of God. While in different instances, Jesus is referred to as a prophet, Mark describes Jesus as God’s rightful son who had the authority bestowed to him in bringing the good news and Gospel to the world.
Additionally, the verse affirms the anointing of Jesus is representing God in highlighting the Gospel critical for the salvation of humanity. Mark refers to Jesus as the Christ while also illustrating his role as the Son of God. Mark considers Jesus to have come from the Father, thereby heightening their relationship. As such, Mark’s Gospel affirms that Jesus was the special Messiah and God’s chosen son with the divine authority from God the Father[5].
Again, Mark features Jesus as God’s son during his baptism, in which he noted a voice pointing to the voice of God. Mark notes that the voice affirmed Jesus as God’s son with who God was pleased with relating to his actions (Mark 1:11)[6]. The baptism of Jesus represented a unique event that was marred by heavenly surprise. Christ’s baptism represented his first-ever appearance which denoted the special perspective to the ever-known aspects of Jesus. The baptism involved a noteworthy course in which God confirmed to the world and Christian believers of His relationship to Jesus whom he had sent to rescue a part of the course of salvation. God attempted to manifest Himself through the great power he possessed regarding His relationship to Jesus as His son[7]. In the verse, Mark notes that God testifies to the greatness of Jesus as his son and his actions during his stay on earth. The affiliation of God enhances a critical understanding of his association with Jesus Christ[8]. He constantly endeavored to remain affiliated during his course of salvation for the human race. As such, God’s direct words to those present during Jesus’ baptism endeavored to confirm their previous knowledge and awareness of Jesus as God’s son, possessing might, power and authority in his actions.
Additionally, Jesus, as God’s son, is manifested through Mark’s insights into Jesus’ exorcism. The incidence in which Jesus drives away the evil spirits points to the eschatological exorcism and nature of Jesus through the perspectives of the evil spirits (Mark 1:24)[9]. From the scripture, the evil spirits respond by asking what Jesus of Nazareth had to do with their stay while further referring to Jesus as the Holy One of God. The devil and spirits act contrary to the requirements of the Holy Spirit. The Bible, throughout many scriptures, refers to Jesus as God’s son. In the scripture, the evil spirits reiterate Jesus as the Holy One from God. In this instance, Jesus’ relationship with God is evident as there is no other being that has a direct relationship and engagement to that of either God or Jesus Christ. The messianic application of the words, Holy One, denotes that Jesus was the preferred individual whom God had sent to the world to bring upon his message (Mark 5:1-20)[10]. Also, only Jesus had the capacity and authority to undertake God’s intended actions as part of his approach to accomplishing his desired redemption and deliverance to humankind. Through exorcism, the evil spirits manifest their knowledge and appreciation as the Son of God, further echoing their innate relationship.
The evangelical aspects and summary in which Jesus came in contact with the evil spirits further amplify his Christological affiliation as the Son of God. Chapter three of Mark points to the diverse reactions from the individuals with Jesus over various instances. For instance, the evangelical perspective points to the unclean spirits referring to Jesus as the Son of God. The appreciation of the unclean spirits and their conviction of Jesus’ mighty power enhance the realization of the connotation of Jesus as the only true Son of God. The evil spirits are compelled to refer to Jesus as Son of God while affirming his control and influence over the earth and its creatures. Through the scripture, Mark highlights God’s focus in reigniting the Christological emphasis on God’s Son. Jesus is noted to possess supreme power similar to God’s power that the unclean spirits and devils appreciate as they emanate from God, the creator. In the same manner that Jesus discerns the evil spirits, they also discern him as the true son of God with the appropriate reverence to his authority over their demonic powers. Therefore, Mark’s concept provides reassurance to Jesus in his relationship as the Son of God.
Further, during Jesus’ trial, Mark points to Jesus’ affirmation as the Son to God. When the High Priest asks Jesus if he has anything to answer, and later the son of God, Jesus accepts connotation. Jesus espouses his responsibility during the end of the world as the only person who will sits on the right-hand side of God on His throne (Mark 14:60-62)[11]. The assertions illustrate Mark’s Christological affirmation of Jesus as God’s son. Besides, as highlighted by Mark, the transfiguration of Jesus upholds the Christological perspective of Jesus as God’s son. During the period in which the cloud overshadows the period, a voice says, “This is my Son, my beloved, listen to Him” (Mark 9:7)[12]. The voice exemplifies God’s protection and continuous pride in affiliating with Jesus as His treasured son despite all the humiliations and suffering he experienced on earth. Throughout the incidences, Mark provides a vivid illustration of the various relationships between Jesus and God. God upholds Jesus as his son throughout his suffering while providing reassurance of His presence during all the circumstances Jesus faces despite the challenges he experiences. Thus, through Mark’s perception, the Gospel enhances the understanding of Jesus as the Son of God, whose role was divine throughout his ministry and life on earth.
Mark’s Christology according to Scholars
Many scholars have expressed Mark’s Gospel while associating it with Paul’s influence in expressing the reaffirmation of Jesus as God’s son. According to Igbari, the exorcist aspects of Jesus have provided a rationale for recognizing Jesus’ importance in Christianity today[13]. The author points to Mark’s experience during Jesus’ exorcist in promoting Christian practice and approach towards enhancing prayer and rebuking the devil’s power and unclean spirits in the current society. Through the author, Mark’s Christology integrates different concepts in evaluating the relationship between Jesus and God as the Father and Son, respectively. Thus, the scholar explores an elaborate experience according to Mark and the Gospel, heightening his Christological nature of Jesus’ teachings.
Additionally, Johansson points to Mark’s view of Jesus through the divine form asserting to Jesus supernatural and metaphysical sense[14]. While criticizing the theocratic sense enhanced by previous authors on the position of Jesus, the author points to Jesus as the Son of God while proclaiming his experiences to generate a direct link and understand their inseparable relationship. The author expresses the role of Jesus as an eschatological preacher whose message was from God his Father. As such, the authors relate to Mark’s Christological perspectives on Jesus as God’s son.
Elsewhere, Yencich provides a critical commentary and insight into Mark’s Christological perspective of God as the Father and Jesus as His son[15]. The authors point to the instance where the devils still give reverence to Jesus as the son of God despite his suffering and humiliation. Mark provides an imperative aspect of Jesus’ experience and encounters while pointing to God’s reassertion of His control over His son Jesus Christ. The confessions enhance a critical insight into the association between Jesus and God in the fatherly relationship. Bauckham also confirms Mark’s exposition of Jesus as the son of God through his divine response that continues to give God devotion as the Father[16]. For instance, the story of Jesus Trial and crucifixion provides an elaborate aspect of Jesus responding as the son of God by claiming that I am (Mark 14:60-63)[17]. The author, concerning other writers’ works back Mark’s Christological viewpoint on Jesus as God’s son. While confirming Jesus through distinct perspective, Bauckham enhances the understanding of the divine nature and relationship with God following Mark’s Gospel in the Bible[18].
Besides, Wiryadinata endorses Mark’s Christological perspective on Jesus as the Son of God[19]. The author makes a critical comparison to the role of Jesus on earth through the Son of Man and Son of God’s lens. Despite the naming differences, Wiryadinata supports the Christology of Jesus as the son of God who came in the human form. The evidence enhances the underlying notion of Jesus’ role sent to humans from God the Father. The assertion of Jesus narrative outcome points to his power and authority over the entire universe with the legions
begging him to spare them in the name of Jesus (Mark 5:13-14).[20]
More, Mark’s Gospel initiates the Messianic Gospel with the good news to the world through Jesus, the son of God. In the commentary about Mark’s Gospel, Schnabel provides an intuitive description of Jesus as the son of God through his chronological aspects of events that result in his crucifixion and death on the cross for the human race. Through Schnabel’s commentary, it is evident the authors confirm the true identity of Jesus the savior as the only Beloved Son of God, evident from different scriptures in Mark’s Gospel. While pointing to the crucifixion of Jesus, the author enhances a clear description of God’s Son, Jesus, who offered salvation as sent from the Father. The context is similar to that in Mark’s Gospel in which a voice is heard, distinguishing Jesus as truly the son of God (Mark 15:39)[21].
Conclusion
The Gospel of Mark provides a clear illustration of his experiences and attribution to the influence of Paul in writing his works. Throughout the Gospel, Mark elucidates the identity of Jesus through his experiences and diverse contexts relatable to other gospel writings in the Bible. While Mark’s inspiration highlights different titles of Jesus including Teacher, Healer, Christ, the Anointed One, Son of Man, Son of David, and Jesus of Nazareth, the Christology of the Son of God is a prominent ideological underpinning of his teachings. Mark’s Christological illustration of Jesus indeed approves of his identity as the true son of God. The numerous instances in which a voice is heard from heaven and Jesus confirms his identity indicate his Father, God’s direct link. With the numerous scholars attributing the identity of Jesus to the son of God in their literary works, their declarations support Mark’s perspective and approach to highlighting the concept of Jesus the Son and God the Father in a hierarchical relationship. While the term son of man contrasts his identity resulting in his suffering and afflictions, the works heighten his eschatological teachings regarding his unique personality and origin as God’s son. Throughout his miracles, the enthronement of Jesus, teachings, and healing works ascertain his distinctiveness and role in spreading the gospel works. Therefore, Mark provides a chronological nature of events that express and verify Jesus’ true identity across the human race.
Bibliography
Bauckham, Richard. “Markan Christology according to Richard Hays: Some Addenda.” Journal of Theological Interpretation 11, no. 1 (2017): 21-36.
Igbari, O. “Exorcism in Mark’s gospel: Implications of Jesus’ perspective for today.” Studies in Asian Social Science 5, no. 1 (2018), 40.
Johansson, Daniel. The Identity of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark: Past and Present Proposals”. Currents in Biblical Research 9, no. 3 *2010): 364–393
Schnabel, Eckhard J. Mark. InterVarsity Press, 2017.
The New King James Version (NKJV). Retrieved from: https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
Wiryadinata, Halim. “The son of man: “Is it constructive theology and history of Jesus for the New Testament writing?”.” PASCA: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen 16, no. 2 (2020): 94-102.
Yencich, Danny. “The Centurion, Son of God, and Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles: Contesting narrative and commemoration with Mark.” Horizons in biblical theology 39, no. 1 (2017): 1-15.
Botner, Max. Jesus Christ as the Son of David in the Gospel of Mark. Vol. 174. Cambridge University Press, 2019.
[1] The New King James Version (NKJV).
[2] Botner. Jesus Christ as the Son of David in the Gospel of Mark.
[3] The New King James Version (NKJV).
[4] The New King James Version (NKJV).
[5] Wiryadinata, Halim. “The son of man: “Is it constructive theology and history of Jesus for the New Testament writing?”.” PASCA: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen 16, no. 2 (2020): 94-102.
[6] The New King James Version (NKJV).
[7] Yencich, Danny. “The Centurion, Son of God, and Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles: Contesting narrative and commemoration with Mark.” Horizons in biblical theology 39, no. 1 (2017): 1-15.
[8] Johansson, Daniel. The Identity of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark: Past and Present Proposals”. Currents in Biblical Research 9, no. 3 *2010): 364–393
[9] The New King James Version (NKJV).
[10] Ibid
[11] The New King James Version (NKJV). Retrieved from: https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
[12] Igbari, O. “Exorcism in Mark’s gospel: Implications of Jesus’ perspective for today.” Studies in Asian Social Science 5, no. 1 (2018), 40
[13] Igbari, O. “Exorcism in Mark’s gospel: Implications of Jesus’ perspective for today.” Studies in Asian Social Science 5, no. 1 (2018), 40.
[14] Johansson. The Identity of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark: Past and Present Proposals
[15] Yencich. “The Centurion, Son of God, and Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles
[16] Bauckham. “Markan Christology according to Richard Hays
[17] The New King James Version (NKJV)
[18] Bauckham. “Markan Christology according to Richard Hays
[19] Wiryadinata. “The son of man: “Is it constructive theology and history of Jesus for the New Testament writing?
[20] The New King James Version (NKJV)
[21] The New King James Version (NKJV)
