7.8

Three Prominent Rhetorical Devices in Mark’s Gospel

Two-Step Progression

Purpose: guides the reader to take a second look, which clarifies and emphasizes (cf. 8:22–26).

“Jesus the Christ, the Son of God” (1:1).

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near” (1:15).

“The leprosy left him, and he was made clean” (1:42).

“What is this? A new teaching—with authority!” (1:27).

“Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (4:40).

“Do not fear, only believe.” (5:36).

“Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial” (14:38).

Threefold Patterns

Purpose: creates suspense for the reader, who comes to anticipate a buildup to a dramatic climax.

There are three episodes of conflict in a boat (4:35–41; 6:45–52; 8:14–21).

There are three bread stories (6:35–44; 8:1–10, 14–21).

Jesus predicts his death three times (8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34).

Jesus enters the temple three times (11:11, 15, 27).

Disciples fall asleep three times (14:37, 40, 41).

Peter denies Jesus three times (14:66–72).

Pilate asks three questions (15:9, 12, 14).

Crucifixion narrated in three three-hour intervals (15:25, 33, 34).

Framing

Purpose: creates suspense and adds commentary (the related stories interpret and illuminate each other).

Jairus’s daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage (5:21–43).

Mission of disciples and death of John the Baptist (6:7–30).

Cursing of fig tree and cleansing of temple (11:12–20).

Jesus’s confession and Peter’s denial (14:15–15:5).