Internarrativity and ecce homo: A Masterplot Underlying Zechariah 6.9-15 and 1 Samuel 9.1–11.15 and its Function in John 19.1-16

Abstract

Whereas scholars’ methodological assumptions about NT texts’ evocation of Israel’s scripture vary, the plausibility and significance of multivalent allusions need to be examined. The ecce homo statement in the Pilate trial (Jn 19.5) is an apt case for this examination. This study exercises a literary analysis of both proposed allusions – to Zech. 6.12 and 1 Sam. 9.17 – and shows that they are based on a common deeper structure despite the difference in phraseological conformity and historical and literary settings. This deeper structure, functioning like a masterplot, has a simple story form of God’s kingship that consists of his contention with dishonoring hostility and the subsequent building of his temple/dwelling place. This story form, captured in the Song of Moses (Exod. 15) and undergirding the Zechariah sign-act (6.9-15) and Saul’s kingship establishment story (1 Sam. 9), reveals that even in the trial scene Jesus is paradoxically enthroned and building the eschatological temple.