Question 1

Why does Jesus tell people not to tell others about his miracles in Mark's Gospel?

Accepted Answer

This is part of the 'Messianic Secret', a key theme in Mark. Jesus wants to avoid being seen as a political or military Messiah who would overthrow Rome. He also wants people to understand his true identity through his suffering and death, not just through spectacular miracles. By commanding silence, Mark builds suspense until the cross, where the centurion finally declares Jesus as Son of God.

Question 2

How does Mark's Gospel show that Jesus is both human and divine?

Accepted Answer

Mark emphasises Jesus' humanity through emotions like anger (3:5), compassion (1:41), and sorrow (14:33-34), and through physical needs like sleep (4:38) and hunger (11:12). His divinity is shown through miracles (calming the storm, 4:35-41), authority to forgive sins (2:5-7), and divine titles like 'Son of God' (1:1, 15:39). The Transfiguration (9:2-8) reveals his divine glory, while the crucifixion shows his human suffering.

Question 3

What is the significance of Peter's confession in Mark 8:27-30?

Accepted Answer

Peter's declaration 'You are the Messiah' is a turning point in the Gospel. For the first time, a human correctly identifies Jesus, but Jesus immediately commands silence and begins teaching about his coming suffering. This shows that even correct identification must be understood in terms of suffering, not glory. It also highlights the disciples' partial understanding—they know Jesus is the Messiah but don't yet grasp what that means.

Question 4

Why does Mark's Gospel end so abruptly at 16:8?

Accepted Answer

The original Gospel of Mark ends with the women fleeing the empty tomb in fear and silence (16:8). This abrupt ending is intentional—it challenges readers to respond to the resurrection message themselves. The longer endings (16:9-20) were added later by scribes. Scholars debate whether Mark intended to end here or if the original ending was lost, but the current ending emphasises faith and the call to proclaim the gospel despite fear.

Question 5

How does Mark portray the disciples compared to other Gospels?

Accepted Answer

Mark portrays the disciples more negatively than Matthew or Luke. They are consistently slow to understand (e.g., 6:52, 8:14-21), fail to heal a boy (9:14-29), argue about greatness (9:33-34), and all abandon Jesus at his arrest (14:50). Peter's denial is especially harsh (14:66-72). This serves to highlight that even the closest followers struggled, and that true discipleship requires humility and reliance on God's grace.

Question 6

What is the 'Messianic Secret' and why is it important for understanding Mark's Gospel?

Accepted Answer

The Messianic Secret is a literary device where Jesus repeatedly commands silence about his identity and miracles. It appears in commands to demons (1:34), healed people (1:44, 5:43), and disciples (8:30, 9:9). It's important because it controls the revelation of Jesus' identity, building dramatic tension and emphasising that the cross is the true revelation of who Jesus is. It also explains why Jesus' messiahship was not immediately obvious to everyone.

Mark's Gospel: Who is Jesus?

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE Religious Studies

Area of Study 1A – Catholic Christianity (Study of Religion)

Area of Study 1B – Christianity (Study of Religion)

Area of Study 1C – Islam (Study of Religion)

Area of Study 2A – Catholic Christianity (Study of Second Religion)