Historical Jesus?

[Dedicated Mind]

I'm just now reading a book on the "historical Jesus" as opposed to the "Christ of faith" by Marcus Borg. In his intro, he explains that in the gospel of Mark, the fact that Jesus was Messiah was to be kept a secret. Jesus would tell his disciples not to reveal his identity. Yet in the gospel of John, Jesus would proclaim the "I Ams". I am the way, the door, the light of the world, the great shepherd, etc. For this reason scholars choose to believe Mark and discredit John. So which is it? did Jesus proclaim his messiahship like john or keep it a secret like in Mark? how does one answer this apparent contradiction?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

I'm just now reading a book on the "historical Jesus" as opposed to the "Christ of faith" by Marcus Borg. In his intro, he explains that in the gospel of Mark, the fact that Jesus was Messiah was to be kept a secret. Jesus would tell his disciples not to reveal his identity. Yet in the gospel of John, Jesus would proclaim the "I Ams". I am the way, the door, the light of the world, the great shepherd, etc. For this reason scholars choose to believe Mark and discredit John. So which is it? did Jesus proclaim his messiahship like john or keep it a secret like in Mark? how does one answer this apparent contradiction?

I'm curious about the audience in each circumstance. For example, did Jesus commonly tell the people to keep his identity low key, yet openly issue the "I Ams" to the Pharisees and closer associates?

The truth is most likely a combination of both. The author might be presenting a false dichotomy.