Though the Messiah was long-anticipated, Jesus confounded expectations. In the Gospel of Mark, we see the contrast between Jesus’ kingly claims and his servantlike behavior. Jesus demonstrated heavenly authority over sickness, storms, and the spiritual realm, then taught that kingdom disciples must take up their cross, follow, and lose their lives. Mark identifies Jesus as the Son of God, then presents him as Isaiah’s suffering servant, and Daniel’s Son of Man. Jesus declares himself to be king and then wears a crown of thorns. This is something new, something never before seen. We are beckoned to receive this king and his kingdom. The Gospel of Mark forces us to answer: “Who do you say I am?”