In Mark's gospel the trial and passion narratives dominate it to such an extent that the gospel has been referred to as a "passion narrative with a long introduction". Although this is somewhat of an exaggeration it still illustrates the fact that the theme of a crucified Messiah is central to Mark's gospel, possibly due to the fact that it posed a doctrinal problem to many of his readers.

I think  it was Morna Hooker who referred to it like this.  I would have explained WHY she said this - predicted as early as Ch 2, continual references to it.  A substantial proportion of the whole gospel etc.

Summary of important features of Mark's passion narrative:

Messianic secret; Old testament references; Simon of Cyrene carrying Jesus' cross; Centurion at foot of cross; Apocalyptic language and eschatological images e.g. prophecy from Daniel and predictions of the destruction of the temple; The inevitability of Jesus' suffering; The anointing at Bethany (possibly added from the original source by Mark); Interweaving themes of kingship and suffering; Jesus' final words "my god my God why hast thou forsaken me" (also in Mt. ); Similarities with Isaiah 53; Rejection by 5 different groups of people: Abandoned by disciples; Betrayed by Judas; Denied by Peter; Rejected by the crowd; Mocked by all who came to the cross; Seemingly "Forsaken" by God.

Style note:  This technique of 'chunking' is fine for notes but don't do it in the exam.  The rubric specifies continuous prose.

Another aspect I would mention is the frequency of references to the inevitability of the Passion throughout the Gospel.  Have a quick look and see

The influence of the Old Testament can be seen in the division of Jesus' garments which echoes psalm 22:18 "They divide my clothes among themselves and for my clothing they cast lots" Again the mocking of Jesus evokes the images of psalm 22 "All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads." This mockery added to the number of different people who reject Jesus (as previously mentioned) emphasises the Marcan theme of abandonment and betrayal - and also fulfils Jesus' passion prediction. It can therefore be concluded that Mark sees suffering to be an inevitable and essential part of Jesus ministry. However a seemingly paradoxical ideas of kinship and suffering run side by side through Marks passion account. This can be illustrated when Jesus is brought before Pilate and asks "are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus is subsequently clothed in purple and given a crown of thorns. The inscription above his cross reads "The king of the Jews." Therefore Jesus dies as a king. It is not that Mark wishes to emphasis that Jesus dies in spite of being Messiah but rather that Jesus died in order to be enthroned as a Messiah. humanity and suffering of Jesus, on the cross and in Gethsemane

This demonstrates the way in which Mark shows his readers that in order to be the Messiah, Jesus HAD to suffer.  The suffering of Jesus has been prophesied in literal detai

The themes of death and kingship are also linked in the anointing of Jesus, by the woman at Bethany. Mark clearly regards the woman's actions as pointing foreword to Jesus' imminent death, as the attempts to anoint his corpse are frustrated by the resurrection. It is also likely that Mark interpreted the anointing for burial a symbol of Jesus' messianic anointing. Therefore as M. Hooker summarises "It is in being anointed for burial that Jesus is anointed as Messiah" In marks account Simon of Cyrene is made to take up Jesus' cross, the words "carry his cross" are the same words used when Jesus first taught his disciples about the way of suffering that being a disciple would entail. "Whosoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me " (8:34) Scholars such as S. J. Binz suggest that mark records this action of Simon as a reminder to his community that to be a disciple often involves hardship. It may be that the Markan community was undergoing a time of persecution and this gives this pericopae a plausible sitz im Kirche.

Good

Nice Quote

I'd want to go further in the link of kingship and suffering and say that the predictions earlier in the Gospel demonstrate Mark's desire to emphasise that Jesus suffering was the proof that He was the Messiah.  This is the point of the references to the prophecies.  They HAD to be fulfilled, and are being fulfilled in God's Servant.

Suffering therefore becomes the function of the Messiah.

For Mark Jesus death is one of despair and agony, after he has been deserted by everyone he cries out in misery "My Lord My Lord why have you forsaken me". Initially this cry of despair does not seem to fit in the Mark's previous portrayal of Jesus going steadfastly towards and inevitable death/. However when considered in the context that crucifixion was one of the most excruciating and humiliating form of punishments possible Jesus' words ring true. They also serve to link Jesus' death with the old testament as these words are the opening verse of Isaiah Ch, 22. V. Taylor explains Jesus' words by his burden of sin saying "Jesus so closely identified himself with sinners and experienced the horror of sin to such a degree that his face was obscured and he seemed to be forsaken by him". This explanation draws attention to the purpose of Jesus' death being in order to relieve the sins of humanity.

Abandonment, especially by God is a key theme of Isaiah 53, which links the suffering of the Servant to the removal of sin from Israel.  Again, Mark is saying that Jesus HAD to suffer in order to be the Messiah.  The theme of the scapegoat, with all its 'Day of Atonement' theology is vital here, and should be explored more.

Beware!  Psalm 22 is the passage Rachel is thinking of here.  An easy slip to make under pressure

The prophecy from Daniel and prophecies about the destruction of the temple give Jesus' death eschatological significance in Mark's gospel. This eschatological context is heightened by the hostile forces combing against Jesus (the large number of groups of people who reject him) and the whole tone of the narrative. After Jesus "breathes his last" the centurion proclaims Jesus' divine kingship saying "truly this man was the son of God". This is the first time that Jesus' identity is fully expressed in Marks gospel and demonstrates his theological message that Jesus identity can only be revealed through suffering. R. E. Brown comments on the significance of the centurion by saying that: "people can believe and become true disciples only through suffering symbolised by a cross which strips away human support and makes one totally dependant on God".

Which prophecy where?  Rachel means (I think) the response of Jesus to the question 'Are you the Christ?'  But you MUST be specific with references.

And, of course, the centurion is a gentile - possibly signifying the availability of salvation to the gentiles as prophesied in Isaiah 25 and Genesis 12 now that Jesus has complete his work on the cross.

Summary of The work and purpose of Jesus (according to Mark)

Jesus ministry is seen in terms of the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 Jesus dies in order that his true identity can be realised Suffering and rejection are an inevitable part of Jesus' ministry and death Jesus' death is inevitable because it is as God wills Jesus' death is a ransom "The son of man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many" (MK 10:45) Jesus' death is a cosmic event and has eschatological significance, meaning some of the traditional Jewish signs of the end time have been fulfilled by his death. Jesus bears the burden of sinners on the cross

Good summary until the sinners bit.

I would have like to see Rachel explore the expiation/substitutionary atonement theology implicit in the references to Isaiah 53 in more detail earlier in the essay.

A solid effort, though, and probably a 'B'