In Mark's Christology, Jesus shares the human situation as a fellow human being even as he is the Son of God exercising divine power, evoking awe in all, and challenging mortal understanding.
#1 - Introduction
In the gospel of Mark, the identity of the Jesus is revealed gradually and partially in five occasions;
In the beginning (1:1)
In baptism (1: 9-11)
To the disciple (8: 27-30)
In the transfiguration (9: 1-7)
Finally on the cross (15: 39). The final revelation comes from a Roman centurion.
#2 - Christological Titles of Jesus
The second Gospel is an Christological Gospel. There are many titles, which
expresses the Christology of Mark.
1. Jesus of Nazareth
2. Mark brings out the human aspects of Jesus with emphasis (1: 9, 24, 14: 67). Ex. Jesus is called “a carpenter” (6:3). In Matthew he is “carpenter’s son.”
3. Mark emphasises human sentiments of Jesus. Ex. Jesus’ mercy and pity
(1: 41; 6: 34) and etc.
4. Mark narrates the tragic human situation of Jesus. Rejected by his own (6:
1-6a); he was misunderstood by his family, friends, relatives and disciples
(3: 21-35), he was opposed by authorities both religious and civil and etc.
#3 - MESSIAH
Mark uses this title to Jesus seven times in the gospel.
The word “messiah” literally means “anointed one” one sent by God to save others.
The first appearance of the title is just to introduce the plot of the story.
The second one is a private confession in the circle of the disciples and they were prohibited to say it out.
The third occurrence is a public and juridical confession by Jesus himself.
Thus mark uses this typical Christian title in the beginning, at the middle and at the end of his Gospe
#4 - SON OF MAN
Mark uses this title fourteen times. This is the title with which Jesus introduced himself mostly.
This title is found only on the lips of Jesus. This is his self-designation. It is
used with various occasions with various connotations.
a. Earthly mission of the Son of Man to forgive sins (2: 10), and to be the Lord over Sabbath (2: 28).
b. Suffering Son of Man: the mission of suffering and rising (8: 31; 9: 31; 10:33).
c. Service of the Son of Man (10: 45).
d. Glorious Son of Man (14: 62).
The “Son of Man” in Mark’s gospel refers to the figure named in Dan. 7: 13 combined with the Servant of YHWH of Isaiah.
The “Son of Man” is described in Hellenistic Jewish apocalyptic as the God’s
designated appointee who will come down upon the clouds to inaugurate the
Age-to-come, raise the dead, exercise the judgment over all, and establish
God’s reign upon the earth.
#5 - SON OF GOD
This is a title that expresses intimate nature and dignity of Jesus in relation to God.
He has a very unique relationship with God the father.
We can see this title in the very superscription of the Gospel (1: 1).
In baptism, the voice from the cloud said, “You are my son, my beloved.”(1: 10). Demons also confessed that he is the son of God (3: 11; 5: 7).
In the transfiguration (9: 7, 9), the heavenly voice revealed to three disciples that he is Son of God.
In 15: 39, the centurion made a public confession that really he is the Son of God.
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