Mark’s gospel is the shortest of the four first-century books which share the story of Jesus of Nazareth, and the most vividly told. Mark shows the disconcerting influence of Jesus on his often bewildered disciples, and how their world was turned upside down by the revolutionary values of the kingdom of God. He writes of eager crowds and impressive miracles, of dramatic confrontation with opponents both human and demonic, building towards the final showdown in Jerusalem, where the cosmic drama of death and resurrection is played out.