1. (a) Discuss different aspects of the portrait of Jesus which Mark presents in his gospel.

(b) What aspects of this portrait are particularly important and helpful to Christians today?

2. (a) Explain why Mark's gospel is called the gospel of the 'Messianic secret' .

(b)What was Mark's' reason for this particular presentation?

3. What understanding about the death of Jesus do we gain from Mark's gospel and how is this significant for Christians today?

4. 'The gospel of Mark helps us to be realistic about evil in our modern world.' Discuss this statement.

5. How can Mark's gospel guide modern Christians about?

(i) Marriage and divorce,

(ii) Hindrances to following Christ,

(iii) Leadership and its responsibilities?

6. Discuss the portrait of the disciples, which we are given in Mark's gospel and comment on how Christians today may be helped by what we learn about them.

7. Discuss the value of the discourse on the last things (Mark 13) for Christians today. .

8. (a) Explain what caused hostility towards Jesus from the Jewish religious leaders.

(b) Does the picture which Mark gives us of these religious leaders have any message for the Church today?

9. (a) Explain the importance of Peter's declaration at Caesarea Philippi and the Transfiguration which followed.

(b) Comment on why the idea of a suffering Messiah was so difficult for the disciples to understand.

10. Explain the significance of (i) the Messianic entry into Jerusalem, (ii) the cleansing of the Temple, (iii) anointing of Jesus at Bethany, in the whole context of Mark's gospel.

11. Discuss the significance of the Passover in the Passion narrative, relating it to the whole background of the gospel.

12. (a) In what ways might people today who are not Christians answer the question asked at Caesarea Philippi, 'Who do you say I am?'? (b) How might a Christian today answer this question in terms relevant to the modern situation?

13. How might a Christian today interpret the command of Jesus that his follower must 'forget self and carry his cross'?