Typology and Characterization: Reading Portraits of Identity in Mk. 1:35 and 6:46

Abstract

The discovery of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah is often understood to be the central driving force of the first half of Mark’s narrative (1:14–8:30). However, from the perspective of narrative continuity, it is not always clear how each of the micro-narratives within the larger narrative unit support this purpose. Particularly puzzling in this regard is the two instances where the author briefly describes Jesus going away to pray privately by himself (1:35; 6:46). While these two verses have often been overlooked by scholars when considering Mark’s narrative purpose, this essay considers these two micro-narratives as important instances of indirect characterization, arguing that they develop layers of narrative typology in order to characterize Jesus as a key figure within Israel’s prophetic tradition.