family). The questions of “who is this Jesus” and “what are his intentions” thus become crystallized in the process. Only Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection clarify these two questions. Thus far, we have explored the narrative structure, outline, and plot of the Gospel. These various literary elements convey the fact that Mark is a carefully drafted account, containing a simple, straightforward outline and storyline, displaying conspicuous structural elements for emphasis and explanation. A composite