Death and Discipleship: An Analysis of the Predictions of Jesus' Death in the Gospel of Mark

The Gospel accounts are narratives communicated through an episodic structure that emphasize Jesus Christ as the central character and an intended purpose; to awaken and subsequently strengthen the faith of the reader. Specifically, the Gospel of Mark communicates the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God (1:1), and the responsibility of being a committed follower. The analysis of the central section (8:22-10:52) of Mark's story examines the discourse function of language that captures the significance for the reader. It serves to further define Jesus' role as the suffering and self-sacrificing Messiah, while also explicating Jesus' expectations to follow him.