Christological rereading of the Shema (Deut 6.4) in Mark's Gospel

By John J. R. Lee

Book Description

In this scholarly exploration, John J.R. Lee examines how the Gospel of Mark transforms one of Judaism's most fundamental declarations of faith. The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, proclaims the absolute oneness of God and stands as a cornerstone of Jewish monotheistic belief. Yet Mark's Gospel presents this ancient confession in ways that radically reshape its meaning.

Lee demonstrates how Mark doesn't simply repeat traditional interpretations of the Shema but instead weaves its language throughout his narrative to reveal something unprecedented about Jesus' identity. Through careful analysis of three key passages where monotheistic themes emerge, the author shows how Mark creates an intricate portrait of Jesus that challenges conventional boundaries between the human and divine.

This investigation reveals Mark's sophisticated theological approach, where Jesus emerges not merely as a faithful Jewish teacher who honors the one God of Israel, but as someone whose very being corresponds to the unique status of that deity. The Gospel writer achieves this through subtle literary techniques and contextual positioning that invite readers to reconsider fundamental questions about divine identity.

For those seeking to understand how early Christian writers navigated the complex relationship between Jewish monotheism and emerging Christological beliefs, this work offers valuable insights into the theological creativity that shaped foundational Christian texts. Lee's analysis illuminates how ancient scriptural interpretation could simultaneously honor tradition while opening new pathways of understanding.