Each of the Gospels portrays a passion narrative - a description of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. In this study, we focus on Mark's passion narrative. How does the passion of Jesus - his suffering on the cross - relate to his life and mission? Is this a story of defeat or one of redemption? Was the cross inevitable, or could Jesus' mission have led to a different outcome? What do the events of Jesus' final days mean for us as Christians today?