The Son-of-God Christology in Mark

Abstract

T IS apparent that Christological titles applied to Jesus in second Gospel have become, in spite of their somewhat latent distinctions, synonymous. Mark sees in Jesus fulfillment of them all: he is Messiah, of Man, of God. But although these appellatives have been realized in a single person, each bears in Mark its peculiar sense, so that an understanding of special meaning behind any one title will shed light on Christology of Gospel as a whole. The conspicuously favored position which Mark affords title of God has been noted by New Testament scholars for many years. The term appears in title line of Gospel (1:1);' it is pronounced from heaven at baptism and transfiguration (1:11 and 9:7); it is confessed by demons whose power is breaking (3:11 and 5:7); it is claimed by himself before High Priest (14:61-62); it is uttered by centurion at foot of cross (15:39). Moreover, Jesus appears as son in parable of vineyard (12:1-12), and designates himself as the Son who does not share Father's knowledge of time of end (13:32). That Mark has a high regard for title is not seriously questioned, but precise meaning of title for evangelist is a matter of sharp debate.