(i)   The great challenge presented by Jesus is brought out by a number of conflict stories and controversies.

(ii) The real humanity of Jesus is shown with vivid touches. He gave a deep groan (7 :34), he was greatly surprised (6 :6), he was angry (10:14), distress and anguish came over him (14:33-34), he was not understood by his family (3 :20-21), he showed loving affection (10 :21), he showed great compassion for those who were ill (1 :41) and for the people who were like 'sheep without a shepherd' (6 :34).

(iii)        Equally, the divine power of Jesus is shown dramatically. The opening words of the gospel are, 'This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God,' and it is the Son of God that we meet on every page of the gospel. The divine voice proclaims him as such at his Baptism and Transfiguration and he refers to himself in this way (12:6, 13:32, 14:62). He has powers which amaze and even terrify those around him (2: 12, 4 :41, 6 :50). He heals all kinds of diseases (1 :34 and 6 :56) and has power over natural forces (5:39, 6:45-51). The demons recognize him as their destroyer (1 :23 -24 and 34, 5 :6-8). His extraordinary authority is obvious (1 :27). The recognition by a Phoenician woman (7 :26) and a Roman army officer (15 :39) of the power of God in Jesus foreshadows the faith of the future Gentile Church

(iv)        Jesus is the suffering Messiah, which was a contradiction to the Jews. The unwillingness of Jesus to be identified with the Messiah of popular expectation is shown in various ways (7 :24). Jesus commanded some of those he healed and his disciples not to say [he was the Messiah (1:34, 1:44, 5.:43, 7:36, 8:30, 9:9) and this has led to Mark's gospel being described as the gospel of the 'Messianic secret'. The word 'Messiah' (Christ) is used seven times in the gospel but Jesus does not use the title of himself. Jesus is shown as arousing controversy (2 :6-7), facing hostility because of what he did, said and was, and accepting the way of suffering as God's will for him (8 :31, 9 :31, 10 :32) as he prophesied his final agony and death. The followers of Jesus also have to be prepared to face suffering (8:31-38,10:28-31,13:9-31).

(v) Jesus is mentioned by his personal name eighty-one times in the gospel. Jesus Christ is used only in the opening words, 1: 1. Mark often speaks of Jesus just as 'he' or 'him'. Jesus is called 'teacher' eleven times and Rabbi (the title given to a teacher of the Law), three times. You are asked to refer to chapter 1 of this book for a discussion of the very important title 'Son of Man' which is given to Jesus in Mark's gospel and is used fourteen times. Jesus clearly refers to himself in his use of this title. The Son of Man has God's authority to forgive sins (2: 10), is Lord of the Sabbath (2 :28), will suffer (9:31) but will then return in power and glory (9:38, 14:61) to gather God's people together at the end of the present evil age (13 :26-27).

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