only theologically motivated. By showing what Mark is doing, we can begin to see what these concerns are and ask if the trial scene is only addressed to these pastoral concerns. I pursue this question because for some this is the key value of the event, namely, what it does for Mark theologically and pastorally, not historically. I argue that Mark has two major concerns. The nature of at least one of these concerns suggests a need for a historical base to his account (1) There is Marcan interest