The question of whether the author of the Gospel of Mark believed that Jesus was God has been a topic of significant debate among biblical scholars. One of the leading voices in this discussion is James D. Tabor, a historian of early Christianity and ancient Judaism. Tabor’s work focuses on the historical Jesus, and he has contributed valuable insights into how early Christian texts should be read in their historical context. His analysis of the Gospel of Mark reveals a more nuanced and complex picture than traditional Christian doctrine might suggest.
This article explores James D. Tabor’s views on the Gospel of Mark, particularly his argument that Mark’s portrayal of Jesus does not align with the later Christian belief that Jesus was fully divine. By examining Mark’s narrative, key passages, and the theological developments of early Christianity, we can better understand Tabor’s position on this fascinating question.
Understanding the Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Mark is widely believed to be the earliest of the four canonical gospels, written around 65–70 CE. It is also the shortest and most straightforward of the gospels, lacking many of the theological embellishments found in later texts such as Matthew, Luke, and John. For this reason, many scholars regard Mark as the most historically reliable source for understanding the life of Jesus.
James D. Tabor argues that Mark’s Gospel presents Jesus not as a pre-existent divine being but rather as a human figure chosen by God for a special mission. According to Tabor, the author of Mark did not conceive of Jesus as God in the same sense that later Christian theology—particularly the doctrine of the Trinity—would claim. Instead, Mark’s portrayal of Jesus is much closer to the Jewish concept of a messianic prophet or anointed servant of God.
Key Themes in Mark’s Gospel
To understand Tabor’s argument, it is essential to focus on some of the key themes and passages in Mark’s Gospel that highlight the author’s view of Jesus:
1. The Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9–11)
The Gospel of Mark begins with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. In this scene, the heavens open, and a voice declares, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11).
Tabor points out that this moment marks the "adoption" of Jesus as God’s chosen one. There is no indication in Mark that Jesus existed as a divine being before this event. Instead, the baptism serves as the point at which Jesus is anointed and empowered by God’s spirit. This contrasts sharply with later gospels, such as John, which present Jesus as the pre-existent Word of God (John 1:1).
For Tabor, this scene reinforces the idea that Mark viewed Jesus as a human being who was specially chosen and empowered by God, rather than as an eternal divine being.
2. The Messianic Secret
A recurring theme in Mark’s Gospel is what scholars refer to as the "Messianic Secret." Throughout the narrative, Jesus frequently tells his disciples and those he heals to keep his identity a secret (Mark 1:34, 8:30).
Tabor interprets this as evidence that the author of Mark was less concerned with proclaiming Jesus as a divine figure and more focused on presenting him as a misunderstood messianic figure whose true identity would only be revealed at the right time. The secrecy motif highlights the tension between Jesus’ mission and the public’s expectations of what the Messiah would be.
3. The Passion Narrative (Mark 15:34)
One of the most striking moments in Mark’s Gospel is Jesus’ cry from the cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). This expression of anguish stands in stark contrast to the triumphant and confident Jesus depicted in the Gospel of John.
Tabor emphasizes that this cry reflects a deeply human experience of suffering and abandonment. For him, this moment underscores the humanity of Jesus in Mark’s portrayal. There is no hint in Mark’s account that Jesus is consciously fulfilling a divine plan as a pre-existent deity. Instead, Jesus appears as a suffering servant who fully experiences the pain and isolation of death.
Mark’s Christology: A High or Low View of Jesus?
James D. Tabor categorizes Mark’s Christology as what scholars refer to as a "low Christology" or "adoptionist Christology." This means that Mark portrays Jesus as a human figure who is exalted by God rather than a divine figure who becomes incarnate.
Tabor contrasts this with the "high Christology" found in later Christian texts, particularly the Gospel of John and the writings of Paul. While John’s Gospel proclaims Jesus as the eternal Word of God who existed "in the beginning" (John 1:1), Mark’s Gospel offers no such theological assertions.
According to Tabor, Mark’s Christology is more in line with early Jewish-Christian beliefs, which saw Jesus as a prophet, teacher, and messianic figure but not as God incarnate. This perspective aligns with the earliest followers of Jesus, who were primarily Jewish and viewed him as a human agent of God rather than a divine being.
Theological Developments and Later Interpretations
Tabor argues that the idea of Jesus as God developed gradually over the first few centuries of Christianity. The doctrine of the Trinity, which defines Jesus as co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, was not fully articulated until the fourth century at the Council of Nicaea (325 CE).
In Tabor’s view, the Gospel of Mark represents an earlier stage of Christian belief, one that predates the later theological developments found in the other gospels and the writings of the Church Fathers. By examining Mark’s Gospel in its historical context, we can see how early Christian beliefs about Jesus were more diverse and fluid than later orthodoxy suggests.
Conclusion
James D. Tabor’s analysis of the Gospel of Mark challenges traditional Christian interpretations by arguing that its author did not think of Jesus as God in the later Trinitarian sense. Instead, Mark portrays Jesus as a human being chosen and empowered by God for a special mission.
For Tabor, this distinction is crucial for understanding the development of early Christian thought. The Gospel of Mark offers a glimpse into a time when beliefs about Jesus were still evolving, before the emergence of the high Christology that would dominate later Christian theology.
Ultimately, Tabor’s work invites readers to approach the Gospel of Mark with fresh eyes, considering the text not as a reflection of later doctrinal beliefs but as an early and distinct voice in the complex and fascinating story of early Christianity.
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