The Messianic Secret

Question 1

What gospel is this idea primarily in?

Answer 1

The fourth gospel

Question 2

How does it portray Jesus as?

Answer 2

Commanding his followers to silence about his messianic mission

Question 3

When and who first drew attention to this idea?

Answer 3

• 1901 by Wrede
• as he noticed Jesus told demons who recognise his divine nature, as well as his followers, not to reveal to others that he is the messiah

Question 4

What did Wrede suggest?

Answer 4

This theme is as not historical but was an addition by the author of Mark

Question 5

In the New Testament Jesus commands silence in many instances give an example

Answer 5

• includes parables and secrets of the kingdom of God as in Mark 4:11
• ‘He told them, ‘the secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables.’

Question 6

What does Hooker believe?

Answer 6

There’s problems with both the main arguments
A historical reality
- what Jesus actually said and did
Or
- the idea that the secret was added in later by Mark

Question 7

What does she focus on?

Answer 7

That the Messianic secret:

• is a device actually meant to draw attention to who Jesus is
• shows who’s ready to believe that Jesus is the messiah and has faith as they understand it in the light of the resurrection
• explains why disciples were confused about who Jesus was
• explains why the Jews, such as religious authorities, rejected him