The Son of God and his Works of Creation: On the Relevance of Reading Mk 7:37 in Light of its Septuagint References

Abstract

As previous scholarship has demonstrated, the miracle story in Mark 7:31–37 is of central importance for Markʼs presentation of Jesusʼ identity and actions. An intertextual analysis of 7:37 reveals that this verse alludes to several Septuagint texts: Gen 1:31, the praise of Godʼs creation, and several passages in Isaiah, visions of Godʼs eschatological healing of his creation. Through these intertextual connections, Mark allows his readers to interpret Jesus as a figure that acts in a way that is comparable to the works of God, the creator. The article argues that certain elements of a theology of creation play a part in Markʼs presentation of
Jesus, the son of God.