Introduction

Perhaps because of the explicit and weighty discipleship instructions affixed to its three passion predictions, the second gospel's central section (Mk. 8:27–10:45) has often been deemed the appropriate starting point for grasping Mark's view of what it means to follow Jesus. From this widely held perspective, Mark's “way of the cross” teachings (Mk. 8:34–9:1; 9:35–7; 10:42–5) provide interpretive keys to the evangelist's claims about the nature and calling of discipleship within his community. In turn, the gospel's defining trait of true discipleship has come to be seen in terms of a follower's willingness to suffer, and even to lose life, for the sake of the gospel (Mk. 8:35), a willingness derived from a correct Christological understanding of Jesus' own passion.

The preceding discussion has examined this approach in detail, assessed its limitations, and proposed a more synthetic reading of Mark's gospel as a whole, as well as Mark's portrait of discipleship in particular. If Mark's theological innovation is to cast the gospel kerygma within a historical framework – if indeed the gospel presents a “passion narrative with extended introduction” – we draw closer to its original thrust by taking seriously that introductory framework. In other words, this study of discipleship in the gospel of Mark begins not with the gospel's central section but instead where Mark begins, that is, with his portrait of discipleship as it appears prior to the cross in both narrative and history.