Foreshadowing, Echoes and Blasphemy at the Cross (Mark 15:29)

Darrell Bock has proposed that Mark\u27s Gospel includes an alternating pattern of accusations concerning blasphemy, with the final step in this pattern taking place when Markcharacterizes the mocking at the cross as blasphemy (15:29-32). This final accusation, typically obscured by translators and commentators alike, is the subject of this article. The contention that Mark considered the mocking at the cross to be an expression of blasphemy and that this accusation of blasphemy reflects back on earlier accusations in the narrative can be supported by carefully examining Mark\u27s narrative rhetoric, especially his use of foreshadowing and echoes. Mark\u27s passion narrative often uses verbal links to the preceding narrative to communicate Mark\u27s perspective on the events surrounding Jesus\u27 death and resurrection. Therefore, this article examines the pervasive, patterned, and concentrated use of echoes in Mark\u27s passion narrative to demonstrate that Mark used his reference to blasphemy in 15:29 to reflect back on earlier accusations of blasphemy in the narrative. Through this final reference to blasphemy, Mark communicates that it is ultimately dishonoring to God and God\u27s work in the world to suggest that God would send a messiah who would choose to save himself rather than others