In this deck, we explore the later ministry of Jesus as told in St Mark's Gospel. This is a crucial section of the story, as Jesus and his disciples travel towards Jerusalem, where his mission will reach its climax. We'll cover six key events, starting with Peter's famous declaration and ending with Jesus's dramatic entry into the city. Pay close attention to how Jesus's identity is revealed, and how his teachings on discipleship become more urgent as his suffering and death draw near.

Our first event takes place at Caesarea Philippi. Here, Jesus asks his disciples two questions. First, 'Who do people say I am?'. They give various answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets. Then he asks the most important question in the whole gospel: 'But what about you? Who do you say I am?'. This is a direct challenge, forcing them to declare their own belief.

It's Simon Peter who answers Jesus's question. He declares, 'You are the Christ'. 'Christ' is the Greek word for the Hebrew 'Messiah', meaning the anointed one, the king God had promised to send. This is a massive turning point. For the first time, a disciple has correctly identified Jesus. But Jesus's reaction is strange. He strictly warns them not to tell anyone about him. For your exam, this is a key example of what scholars call the 'Messianic Secret' in Mark's Gospel.