Journal: Emmaus Journal
Volume: EMJ 08:2 (Winter 1999)
Article: A Structural Synthesis of Mark 9-16
Author: James A. Townsend

EmJ 8:2 (Win 99) p. 205

A Structural Synthesis of Mark 9-16

James A. Townsend1

Preface

In the previous issue of this journal we attempted a sort of airplane trip above the landscape of Mark 1–8.2 This article continues that survey of Mark’s Gospel.

The Son of God’s Mission in the North: Mark 1:16-10:52 (Cont.)

The Gentile Mission Mostly Outside of Galilee: 7:24-10:52 (Cont.)

The Confession of Who He is (8:27-9:13)

Our trip over the terrain of the first eight chapters took us up to the first summit in Mark’s Gospel (8:27–30). Because Mark’s message to his Roman readers — by marshaling Jesus’ miracles and message — was to showcase for them the supernatural “Son of God” (1:1), two clarion confessions in this document crystallize and confirm His character:

1. A Jew (Peter) tells us that Jesus is the Messiah (8:29).

2. A Roman (centurion) tells us that He is the Son of God (15:39).

A week (9:2) after Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ (8:29), God (again) endorsed Jesus as His Son (9:7). Therefore, the human confession of chapter 8 is confirmed by heaven’s confession of chapter 9.

EmJ 8:2 (Win 99) p. 206

We may chart the two classic confessions that proceed with a parallel pattern (as shown below).

God’s proclamation: “This is my…Son” (9:7, NKJV) buttresses the theme and thesis of Mark 1:1 — that Jesus is “the Son of God.”