Conflict in Mark: Jesus, Authorities, Disciples

Applying the literary method, Kingsbury explores the plot of Mark's Gospel by focusing on the conflict Jesus has with the Jewish authorities on the one hand, and with the disciples, on the other. Thus he pulls together what on the surface appears to be disparate elements in Mark and explains who Mark's Jesus is and why he died, and what the nature of true discipleship is all about. By discussing the whole of Mark's plot, Kingsbury enables pastors and students to grasp clearly the content of Mark's gospel as story. At the same time, his work is also of rele vance for the scholarly discussion of Mark, especially on the question of the nature and purpose of Mark. In short, this is an excellent example of how to read the Gospels as stories about the meaning of the life and ministry of Jesus.